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What are some tips for writing a good college essay?
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10 answers
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Dixon,
We'll, Firstly man, Doc Frick already gave you a fantastic deep dive into how to craft a standout college essay—seriously, his tips on keeping it real, engaging, and tying your story to the school are pure awesome advice. Soooo, I’d like to add a few more ideas that might help you polish your essay hopefully a bit even further.
Sometimes it all starts with freewriting. Let your thoughts flow without worrying too much about structure, then pick out the gems that really show who you are. Think of your essay like a conversation with a good friend—warm, honest, and a little quirky if that’s you. It's not just about listing achievements, but showing the turning points that made you the person you are today.
Another trick is to outline your story before you write. Sketch a rough map of where you want to go: set the scene, introduce the challenge or lesson, and wrap it up with how you've grown from the experience. That narrative arc will give your essay a clear flow and keep readers hooked.
Don't forget to show your personality. Admissions officers read hundreds of essays, so let them feel your unique voice—use vivid details, a bit of humor, or even a surprising twist. And while big words can be impressive, clarity always wins over complexity. Keep your language genuine and simple.
Lastly, revision is your best friend. Once you’ve written your draft, read it out loud to catch any awkward parts, and ask a teacher, friend, or mentor for feedback. Sometimes, stepping away for a day or two and coming back with fresh eyes can reveal just the right tweaks to make your story shine.
Remember, your essay is your chance to stand out in a sea of applications. It’s not just what happened to you, but how you tell your story that matters. Keep it honest, engaging, and totally you—and you’ve got this!
Good luck, and happy writing, You are gonna do just great man! 🤗
We'll, Firstly man, Doc Frick already gave you a fantastic deep dive into how to craft a standout college essay—seriously, his tips on keeping it real, engaging, and tying your story to the school are pure awesome advice. Soooo, I’d like to add a few more ideas that might help you polish your essay hopefully a bit even further.
Sometimes it all starts with freewriting. Let your thoughts flow without worrying too much about structure, then pick out the gems that really show who you are. Think of your essay like a conversation with a good friend—warm, honest, and a little quirky if that’s you. It's not just about listing achievements, but showing the turning points that made you the person you are today.
Another trick is to outline your story before you write. Sketch a rough map of where you want to go: set the scene, introduce the challenge or lesson, and wrap it up with how you've grown from the experience. That narrative arc will give your essay a clear flow and keep readers hooked.
Don't forget to show your personality. Admissions officers read hundreds of essays, so let them feel your unique voice—use vivid details, a bit of humor, or even a surprising twist. And while big words can be impressive, clarity always wins over complexity. Keep your language genuine and simple.
Lastly, revision is your best friend. Once you’ve written your draft, read it out loud to catch any awkward parts, and ask a teacher, friend, or mentor for feedback. Sometimes, stepping away for a day or two and coming back with fresh eyes can reveal just the right tweaks to make your story shine.
Remember, your essay is your chance to stand out in a sea of applications. It’s not just what happened to you, but how you tell your story that matters. Keep it honest, engaging, and totally you—and you’ve got this!
Good luck, and happy writing, You are gonna do just great man! 🤗
Thanks, Doc Frick! Your support always adds value. Let’s keep the momentum going and make an impact, one step at a time!
Dr H
Thank you, Dr. Ashley! Your support means the world. Let's keep inspiring each other to reach new heights!
Dr H
Thanks, Syuk Chang! Your supoort is like a turbo boost—let’s keep accelerating towards greatness!
Nanokorobi yaoki! 👀
Dr H
Updated
Doc’s Answer
You've got this Dixon,
You've spent years preparing for this moment: applying to college. While grades, test scores, and extracurriculars all play a role, there’s one piece of your application that truly gives you a chance to SHINE, your personal essay. This isn’t just another formality—it’s your opportunity to stand out in a sea of applicant's. It’s your opportunity to reveal what makes you tick, what shapes your decisions, and why you’re the perfect fit for the school of your dreams. A strong essay won’t just list your achievements; it will capture your personality, your growth, and your vision for the future.
1️⃣ DON'T PICK A TOPIC
START A CONVERSATION.
Admissions officers sift through thousands of college essays, so choosing a story that captures your unique perspective is crucial. Use Common App essay prompts as a starting point, but look deeper into your experiences for a narrative that truly defines you. Go beyond listing achievements; explore what drives and defines them. The most compelling stories often stem from personal challenges or experiences that ignited transformation. For example your personal essay topics could be a setback or failure that helped you understand what it truly means to succeed. If you faced a personal or academic challenge, explore how it forced you to rethink your priorities, discover new strengths, or develop resilience. These types of essays give admissions officers a deeper look into your character and perseverance.
2️⃣ WRITE SOMETHING REAL
Admissions officers are looking for students who are genuine and true to themselves. This means that your college application essay should sound like you. Write as if you’re talking to a trusted friend or mentor, and avoid trying to impress with overly complicated words or grandiose statements. Authenticity is crucial—it’s what allows your personality to shine through. To keep readers engaged, your college application essay should have a clear structure. While this may sound like basic "Writing 101," it’s easy to overlook, or fall into avoidable mistakes, when you’re deep into the writing process. A well-organized essay guides the admissions officer through your story, allowing them to fully understand your growth and your journey.
3️⃣ TIE YOUR ESSAY TO THE UNIVERSITY
A successful college application essay does more than simply recount your experiences—it shows how those experiences are connected to your values, interests, and future ambitions. Admissions officers are looking for students who will thrive at their institution and contribute meaningfully to campus life. Your essay should give them insight into how your experiences have shaped your identity and how you will bring that unique perspective to their community. This is a key opportunity to demonstrate why you’re not just a good fit for the school, but why the school is a good fit for you. Connect Your Values to the School’s Mission. To make this connection even stronger, think about how the school’s values align with your personal journey. Some colleges may prioritize fostering a supportive, tight-knit community, while others may focus on academic rigor, leadership, or social impact. Are you drawn to a school because of its commitment to sustainability, community service, or innovation? Tie your personal story to the institution’s culture—show how your experiences will help you contribute to what the school values most. By tying your experiences and values to the institution’s mission, you give admissions officers a clear picture of how you will thrive in their community and contribute meaningfully to campus life.
4️⃣ ANSWER THE PROMPT
Be sure to directly answer the essay prompt and stay on topic. Admissions officers have chosen these particular questions for a reason, so you don't want to write an essay that may be insightful, but doesn't give them the information they're looking for.
Remember, your essay is an important part of your application. Dedicate your time and energy to create a compelling piece that best represents you.
Good luck Dixon
You've spent years preparing for this moment: applying to college. While grades, test scores, and extracurriculars all play a role, there’s one piece of your application that truly gives you a chance to SHINE, your personal essay. This isn’t just another formality—it’s your opportunity to stand out in a sea of applicant's. It’s your opportunity to reveal what makes you tick, what shapes your decisions, and why you’re the perfect fit for the school of your dreams. A strong essay won’t just list your achievements; it will capture your personality, your growth, and your vision for the future.
1️⃣ DON'T PICK A TOPIC
START A CONVERSATION.
Admissions officers sift through thousands of college essays, so choosing a story that captures your unique perspective is crucial. Use Common App essay prompts as a starting point, but look deeper into your experiences for a narrative that truly defines you. Go beyond listing achievements; explore what drives and defines them. The most compelling stories often stem from personal challenges or experiences that ignited transformation. For example your personal essay topics could be a setback or failure that helped you understand what it truly means to succeed. If you faced a personal or academic challenge, explore how it forced you to rethink your priorities, discover new strengths, or develop resilience. These types of essays give admissions officers a deeper look into your character and perseverance.
2️⃣ WRITE SOMETHING REAL
Admissions officers are looking for students who are genuine and true to themselves. This means that your college application essay should sound like you. Write as if you’re talking to a trusted friend or mentor, and avoid trying to impress with overly complicated words or grandiose statements. Authenticity is crucial—it’s what allows your personality to shine through. To keep readers engaged, your college application essay should have a clear structure. While this may sound like basic "Writing 101," it’s easy to overlook, or fall into avoidable mistakes, when you’re deep into the writing process. A well-organized essay guides the admissions officer through your story, allowing them to fully understand your growth and your journey.
3️⃣ TIE YOUR ESSAY TO THE UNIVERSITY
A successful college application essay does more than simply recount your experiences—it shows how those experiences are connected to your values, interests, and future ambitions. Admissions officers are looking for students who will thrive at their institution and contribute meaningfully to campus life. Your essay should give them insight into how your experiences have shaped your identity and how you will bring that unique perspective to their community. This is a key opportunity to demonstrate why you’re not just a good fit for the school, but why the school is a good fit for you. Connect Your Values to the School’s Mission. To make this connection even stronger, think about how the school’s values align with your personal journey. Some colleges may prioritize fostering a supportive, tight-knit community, while others may focus on academic rigor, leadership, or social impact. Are you drawn to a school because of its commitment to sustainability, community service, or innovation? Tie your personal story to the institution’s culture—show how your experiences will help you contribute to what the school values most. By tying your experiences and values to the institution’s mission, you give admissions officers a clear picture of how you will thrive in their community and contribute meaningfully to campus life.
4️⃣ ANSWER THE PROMPT
Be sure to directly answer the essay prompt and stay on topic. Admissions officers have chosen these particular questions for a reason, so you don't want to write an essay that may be insightful, but doesn't give them the information they're looking for.
Remember, your essay is an important part of your application. Dedicate your time and energy to create a compelling piece that best represents you.
Good luck Dixon
Thank You Dr. H. We can never do a kindness too soon because we never know how soon it will be too late.
Doc Frick
Thank You Doctor Ashley. How wonderful that no one need wait a single moment to improve the world.
Doc Frick
Your words of wisdom is greater than any kindness to us Doc Frick.
Dr H
Thank You Michelle. No act of kindness, no matter how small, are ever wasted.
Doc Frick
Updated
Joanne’s Answer
Essays should be composed in five sections or paragraphs. The first should say your main premise and suggest three things that you are going to outline. Each of the three things should be further explained in the middle three paragraphs. The last paragraph should draw everything to a conclusion. Each paragraph should have five good sentences detailing more information about the given topic. Think of it like a sandwich. The first and last paragraphs are the bread and the middle three, the ingredients of the sandwich. If you build it correctly, it will be the greatest sandwich you have ever enjoyed. Now, as to the topic, perhaps think of an inspiring happening in your life. Maybe you enjoy sports, so think about how to use that topic to build a positive essay. Maybe you enjoy family time, so use that or perhaps doing charity work could form a good essay. You should think about what is important to you and build the sandwich explaining why. Good luck.
Updated
yixuan’s Answer
College essays usually have three main parts: the introduction at the start, the main body in the middle, and the conclusion at the end. Starting can be tough, but you can make it easier by drafting first. Write down all your thoughts about the topic, like a brainstorm. Then, choose the best sentences or paragraphs to build your essay.
Updated
Madeleine’s Answer
When writing your college essay, if you already know your major, like science, try to shape your essay around that field. If you're interested in studying microbiology, focus on areas like DNA or genetics. Share with the university why genetics matters to you—maybe there's a family history of illnesses like breast cancer. Whatever your reason, make your essay connect with the department you're interested in.
If you're not sure about your major yet, let the university know you plan to explore different subjects in your first two years. This can be a smart approach, as many students start college without a clear focus. And that's perfectly fine! Your essay can highlight your high school achievements, like playing in the band, participating in sports, or being part of the National Honor Society or debate team. While these activities are impressive, being well-rounded is key. Enjoy the writing process, and remember, it's okay if you don't get into your first-choice school. Just getting into college is a big achievement. Good luck!
If you're not sure about your major yet, let the university know you plan to explore different subjects in your first two years. This can be a smart approach, as many students start college without a clear focus. And that's perfectly fine! Your essay can highlight your high school achievements, like playing in the band, participating in sports, or being part of the National Honor Society or debate team. While these activities are impressive, being well-rounded is key. Enjoy the writing process, and remember, it's okay if you don't get into your first-choice school. Just getting into college is a big achievement. Good luck!
Updated
Bright’s Answer
A successful college essay involves crafting a compelling, authentic story that makes you stand out. Key tips include starting with a strong hook, focusing on a personal story, using vivid details and storytelling, reflecting on your growth, staying true to your voice, connecting to your future goals, keeping it concise and well-organized, and editing multiple times to refine your message.
Start with an engaging hook, using an anecdote, thought-provoking question, or unique statement. Focus on a specific experience that reflects your values, personality, or growth. Show, don't just tell, using vivid details and storytelling instead of just stating facts. Reflect on your growth by asking yourself how this experience shaped you and what you learned.
Stay true to your voice by writing as you would naturally speak but polished, avoid overly formal or complicated language, and read your essay aloud to ensure it sounds like you. Connect your story to your aspirations, such as sparked your passion for economics and data science, leading you to pursue a career in financial analytics.
Keep your essay concise and well-organized by sticking to the word limit and avoiding unnecessary details. Use a common structure of a hook, story, reflection, and conclusion. Edit and get feedback from a teacher, mentor, or friend for clarity and impact, as well as checking for grammar, clarity, and flow.
Start with an engaging hook, using an anecdote, thought-provoking question, or unique statement. Focus on a specific experience that reflects your values, personality, or growth. Show, don't just tell, using vivid details and storytelling instead of just stating facts. Reflect on your growth by asking yourself how this experience shaped you and what you learned.
Stay true to your voice by writing as you would naturally speak but polished, avoid overly formal or complicated language, and read your essay aloud to ensure it sounds like you. Connect your story to your aspirations, such as sparked your passion for economics and data science, leading you to pursue a career in financial analytics.
Keep your essay concise and well-organized by sticking to the word limit and avoiding unnecessary details. Use a common structure of a hook, story, reflection, and conclusion. Edit and get feedback from a teacher, mentor, or friend for clarity and impact, as well as checking for grammar, clarity, and flow.
Updated
jose’s Answer
Write a fast draft explaining why you think it's important to go to college. Think of it as a throw-up draft. Just get your thoughts out on the page. Once you finish that, read it and see if it makes sense to you. Read it out loud. Fix what you think could be better written. Get rid of what you think is unnecessary. Read it again. Show it to someone you trust. Ask them if it's clear. Ask what they got out of it. Ask what could improve. Fix that and write it again. By this point, you'll probably be tired and want it out of your way. That's understandable. Put it away. Come back a day or two later. Read it again. Fix what you think could be improved. Once you get it to a point you're confident with it, put it away. Come back later. Read it out loud and if you think it's ready, it probably is. Show it to someone else. All this takes time and requires time management. But by the time you're finished, you'll have something you're eager to present.
Another tip can be ask other people if you can read their college essays and see what you like from theirs. Learn from them and apply it to your own.
Ask yourself: what's the central idea of your essay and keep that as your focus.
If you have adults in your life you trust, ask them to read your essay and ask them how could you improve it.
With writing, it's all about the rewriting.
Another tip can be ask other people if you can read their college essays and see what you like from theirs. Learn from them and apply it to your own.
Ask yourself: what's the central idea of your essay and keep that as your focus.
If you have adults in your life you trust, ask them to read your essay and ask them how could you improve it.
With writing, it's all about the rewriting.
Updated
Emmanuel’s Answer
Here's a summary:
1. *Start early*: Give yourself time to think and write.
2. *Be yourself*: Write honestly and sincerely.
3. *Tell a story*: Share personal experiences that show who you are.
4. *Keep it simple*: Use clear language and avoid big words.
5. *Get feedback*: Ask teachers or mentors for help.
6. *Check for mistakes*: Make sure your essay is error-free.
Remember, your college essay is a chance to show who you are and what makes you special. Be authentic.
1. *Start early*: Give yourself time to think and write.
2. *Be yourself*: Write honestly and sincerely.
3. *Tell a story*: Share personal experiences that show who you are.
4. *Keep it simple*: Use clear language and avoid big words.
5. *Get feedback*: Ask teachers or mentors for help.
6. *Check for mistakes*: Make sure your essay is error-free.
Remember, your college essay is a chance to show who you are and what makes you special. Be authentic.
Updated
Kristina’s Answer
A strong college essay is all about telling your unique story in a way that feels personal and genuine. Start with a hook—something that grabs attention, like a short anecdote or a thought-provoking statement. Focus on a specific experience or challenge that shaped you, rather than trying to list all your achievements. The key is to show, not just tell—use vivid details to make your story come alive. Most importantly, reflect on what you learned and how it changed you. Keep it clear, concise, and make sure to revise it a few times. Your goal is to help the reader see who you are beyond grades and test scores!
Updated
Nia’s Answer
Looking up scholarly articles that covers that topic and having a great hook to pull the reader in and a strong thesis to make the paper have a point.