12 answers
Joshua
Student
Missouri City, Texas
1
Question
Asked
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How to write a good college essay.?
How would you guys go about making a good essay for college? I believe when writing an essay you give your best effort but also make sense to it and very appealing for admission officers to accept you into their campus.
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12 answers
Jennifer Pasztor
Claims Manager
5
Answers
Lake Mary, Florida
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Make your essay personal and heartfelt. Talk about the challenges you have overcome, what you learned from them, and your motivation to succeed. These are topics that will engage the reader. You can also link this theme to your future goals and career dreams.
Godfred Arhinful
Software Engineering
21
Answers
Grambling, Louisiana
Updated
Godfred’s Answer
Hi Joshua, the worst college essays try too hard. They're about winning the championship, volunteering in another country, or overcoming some massive obstacle. Those can work, but only if they're genuinely your story. Most of the time, they just sound like everyone else's essay.
The best essays I've seen were about weird, specific things. Someone wrote about burning toast every morning for a month and what it taught them about patience. Another person wrote about organizing their grandmother's medication and realizing they loved systems and problem-solving. These essays worked because they were real and no one else could have written them.
Here's my advice. Think about a moment where you actually changed your mind about something or saw the world differently, even just a little bit. Maybe you hated running until one day you didn't. Maybe you thought you were bad at art until you tried a different style. Maybe a conversation with a stranger stuck with you for weeks. Write about that. Show the before and after of how you think now.
Colleges aren't looking for perfect people. They're looking for people who notice things, learn from stuff, and can explain why it matters. Skip the inspirational tone. Just tell the truth about something that actually happened and why it meant something to you. That's it. If your essay could be written by someone else, start over.
The best essays I've seen were about weird, specific things. Someone wrote about burning toast every morning for a month and what it taught them about patience. Another person wrote about organizing their grandmother's medication and realizing they loved systems and problem-solving. These essays worked because they were real and no one else could have written them.
Here's my advice. Think about a moment where you actually changed your mind about something or saw the world differently, even just a little bit. Maybe you hated running until one day you didn't. Maybe you thought you were bad at art until you tried a different style. Maybe a conversation with a stranger stuck with you for weeks. Write about that. Show the before and after of how you think now.
Colleges aren't looking for perfect people. They're looking for people who notice things, learn from stuff, and can explain why it matters. Skip the inspirational tone. Just tell the truth about something that actually happened and why it meant something to you. That's it. If your essay could be written by someone else, start over.
George Zou, M.S.
Academic Advisor
38
Answers
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Updated
George’s Answer
Hi Joshua,
It's so great to hear your question. Let me give my 2 cents on this topic. Writing a good college essay is very important because it helps the admissions officers get to know you as a person. They already see your grades and test scores, but your essay shows who you are beyond the numbers. To write a strong essay, you need to focus on topics that are personal and meaningful to you. This could be a challenge you overcame, a lesson you learned, a passion you have, or even a funny or unusual experience that shaped you. The main idea is to show something about yourself that your grades and achievements cannot show. The beginning of your essay should grab attention. Think of it like the start of a story that makes the reader want to keep reading. Instead of starting with a general statement like “I love volunteering,” you could begin with a short story or moment that shows your experience, like, “I never thought cleaning chicken coops in the summer could teach me patience, but it really did.” Starting with a story makes your essay more engaging and memorable. A key part of writing a good essay is to show, not just tell. Don’t just say, “I’m hardworking” or “I’m kind.” Instead, give examples from your life. You can write about times you stayed up late to finish a project, helped a friend or family member, or learned something important from a mistake. Real stories help the reader see who you are in action, and they make your essay much stronger than just using descriptive words.
Reflection is another important part of a strong essay. Admissions officers like to see that you think about your experiences and what you learned from them. Ask yourself questions like, “What did this experience teach me?” or “How did it change who I am?” This shows that you are thoughtful and can grow from your experiences, which is a quality colleges really value. It’s also important to write in your natural voice. Don’t use fancy words just to sound smart. Simple and honest writing is better because it feels real and personal. Imagine you are talking to someone instead of writing a textbook. That kind of natural voice makes your essay easier to read and more enjoyable.
The ending of your essay is very important too. Don’t just stop your story. Explain why it matters and connect it to your future. You can write about what you hope to study, your goals, or how you want to contribute to the campus community. A strong ending ties your story together and shows why the experience or lesson is meaningful. Finally, remember to revise your essay. Your first draft is just the beginning. Read it out loud to hear how it sounds, ask someone you trust to read it, and make improvements. Fix grammar, make sentences clear, and remove anything that does not add value. Every sentence should show something important about you. Think of your essay as a friendly conversation with the admissions officer. If they finish reading and say, “I want to meet this person,” then your essay has done its job.
It's so great to hear your question. Let me give my 2 cents on this topic. Writing a good college essay is very important because it helps the admissions officers get to know you as a person. They already see your grades and test scores, but your essay shows who you are beyond the numbers. To write a strong essay, you need to focus on topics that are personal and meaningful to you. This could be a challenge you overcame, a lesson you learned, a passion you have, or even a funny or unusual experience that shaped you. The main idea is to show something about yourself that your grades and achievements cannot show. The beginning of your essay should grab attention. Think of it like the start of a story that makes the reader want to keep reading. Instead of starting with a general statement like “I love volunteering,” you could begin with a short story or moment that shows your experience, like, “I never thought cleaning chicken coops in the summer could teach me patience, but it really did.” Starting with a story makes your essay more engaging and memorable. A key part of writing a good essay is to show, not just tell. Don’t just say, “I’m hardworking” or “I’m kind.” Instead, give examples from your life. You can write about times you stayed up late to finish a project, helped a friend or family member, or learned something important from a mistake. Real stories help the reader see who you are in action, and they make your essay much stronger than just using descriptive words.
Reflection is another important part of a strong essay. Admissions officers like to see that you think about your experiences and what you learned from them. Ask yourself questions like, “What did this experience teach me?” or “How did it change who I am?” This shows that you are thoughtful and can grow from your experiences, which is a quality colleges really value. It’s also important to write in your natural voice. Don’t use fancy words just to sound smart. Simple and honest writing is better because it feels real and personal. Imagine you are talking to someone instead of writing a textbook. That kind of natural voice makes your essay easier to read and more enjoyable.
The ending of your essay is very important too. Don’t just stop your story. Explain why it matters and connect it to your future. You can write about what you hope to study, your goals, or how you want to contribute to the campus community. A strong ending ties your story together and shows why the experience or lesson is meaningful. Finally, remember to revise your essay. Your first draft is just the beginning. Read it out loud to hear how it sounds, ask someone you trust to read it, and make improvements. Fix grammar, make sentences clear, and remove anything that does not add value. Every sentence should show something important about you. Think of your essay as a friendly conversation with the admissions officer. If they finish reading and say, “I want to meet this person,” then your essay has done its job.
Ahtesham Ghaffar
13
Answers
Sialkot, Punjab, Pakistan
Updated
Ahtesham’s Answer
To write a strong college essay, start by reflecting on your life. Think about important experiences that have helped shape who you are, like times of growth or challenges. Admissions officers read many essays, so yours should stand out with honesty and depth.
Begin your essay with something that grabs attention, like a vivid image or a memorable moment. Then, link your story to traits you want to highlight, such as resilience or leadership. Instead of listing achievements, focus on one story that shows your character.
Make sure your writing is clear and flows well. Use natural sentences and connect your ideas smoothly. When revising, read your essay out loud to find any awkward parts and ensure it sounds like you. The best essays are thoughtful and genuine, leaving the reader with a strong sense of who you are.
Begin your essay with something that grabs attention, like a vivid image or a memorable moment. Then, link your story to traits you want to highlight, such as resilience or leadership. Instead of listing achievements, focus on one story that shows your character.
Make sure your writing is clear and flows well. Use natural sentences and connect your ideas smoothly. When revising, read your essay out loud to find any awkward parts and ensure it sounds like you. The best essays are thoughtful and genuine, leaving the reader with a strong sense of who you are.
Jay Thompson, MPH
Consultant
3
Answers
Marietta, Georgia
Updated
Jay’s Answer
When I write an essay for college, I try to pick a story or topic that really shows who I am—not just my achievements, but what I care about and what makes me unique. I always plan out what I want to say first, then make sure my writing is clear and honest. I also ask for feedback from teachers or friends to help my essay make sense and stand out. I think the most important part is to be yourself, so the admissions officers get to know the real you!
Margarita Mendy
orthoptist
26
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Margarita’s Answer
To add to all other answers...
Pick a couple of you best qualities, skills or interests that relate or can be used in your future professional field.
Write how or why you chose your major and how your qualities mentioned are useful for your future profession or career.
Write in the way that would make you stand out and create an interest to learn more about you.
For example, one of the applicants I was looking to interview wrote about her own small business she started at 13 years old. She was going into business major. Clearly, she acquired an experience (even though her business was eventually closed) and understanding of needing more education and knowledge to succeed. Her essay reflected her maturity, discipline, learning from mistakes and perseverance. This is exactly the person colleges are looking for. Someone who is worth teaching and who would not waste everyone's time.
Good luck!
Pick a couple of you best qualities, skills or interests that relate or can be used in your future professional field.
Write how or why you chose your major and how your qualities mentioned are useful for your future profession or career.
Write in the way that would make you stand out and create an interest to learn more about you.
For example, one of the applicants I was looking to interview wrote about her own small business she started at 13 years old. She was going into business major. Clearly, she acquired an experience (even though her business was eventually closed) and understanding of needing more education and knowledge to succeed. Her essay reflected her maturity, discipline, learning from mistakes and perseverance. This is exactly the person colleges are looking for. Someone who is worth teaching and who would not waste everyone's time.
Good luck!
Magan Pinzon
Nursing
25
Answers
Locust, North Carolina
Updated
Magan’s Answer
Writing a great college essay is all about telling your story in a way that feels authentic, compelling, and clear. Here’s how I’d go about it:
1. Start with a strong theme
Think about a moment, challenge, or passion that shaped who you are. Your essay should revolve around a central idea that shows your growth, values, or aspirations.
2. Be personal and specific
Admission officers read thousands of essays. What makes yours stand out is your voice and your details. Instead of saying “I love chemistry,” describe the moment you realized it—maybe during a lab experiment gone wrong or a science fair project that sparked curiosity.
3. Show, don’t just tell
Use vivid examples and storytelling. Instead of saying “I’m hardworking,” show it through an experience—like staying up late to finish a robotics project or balancing school with a part-time job.
4. Make it meaningful
Reflect on why the experience matters. What did you learn? How did it change you? How does it connect to your future goals?
5. Keep it clear and well-structured
Use a simple structure: intro, body, and conclusion. Make sure each paragraph flows logically and supports your main idea.
6. Revise and get feedback
Your first draft won’t be perfect. Revise it multiple times, and ask teachers, mentors, or friends to read it. They can help you spot unclear parts or grammar issues.
If you’re applying for something like chemical engineering or chemistry (like I am!), try to tie your essay to your interest in problem-solving, curiosity, or how you want to make a difference through science.
1. Start with a strong theme
Think about a moment, challenge, or passion that shaped who you are. Your essay should revolve around a central idea that shows your growth, values, or aspirations.
2. Be personal and specific
Admission officers read thousands of essays. What makes yours stand out is your voice and your details. Instead of saying “I love chemistry,” describe the moment you realized it—maybe during a lab experiment gone wrong or a science fair project that sparked curiosity.
3. Show, don’t just tell
Use vivid examples and storytelling. Instead of saying “I’m hardworking,” show it through an experience—like staying up late to finish a robotics project or balancing school with a part-time job.
4. Make it meaningful
Reflect on why the experience matters. What did you learn? How did it change you? How does it connect to your future goals?
5. Keep it clear and well-structured
Use a simple structure: intro, body, and conclusion. Make sure each paragraph flows logically and supports your main idea.
6. Revise and get feedback
Your first draft won’t be perfect. Revise it multiple times, and ask teachers, mentors, or friends to read it. They can help you spot unclear parts or grammar issues.
If you’re applying for something like chemical engineering or chemistry (like I am!), try to tie your essay to your interest in problem-solving, curiosity, or how you want to make a difference through science.
Prema Sequeira
Engineering Manager
28
Answers
Allentown, Pennsylvania
Updated
Prema’s Answer
Hi Joshua! All good advice up there. I'll just add that you start early. Pick 2 or 3 authentic themes that you want to say about yourself. If you are not sure, maybe ask a parent, counselor, friend for stories that bring out the true you. It can be about anything; my daughter wrote about whipping cream and got into some of the best colleges. Don't just think accomplishments, because think about it, there are a lot of college students like you (and you are listing your accomplishments elsewhere in your application). What you want to focus on are the stories that talk about you in a personal way so someone reading it can connect with you but also bring out what's unique about you. I would recommend just write out your stream of consciousness. There will be time to fine tune it after. Once you are done, ask someone or you yourself decide which essay is closest to who you are. Then focus on making it better. Once you feel confident, have it critiqued by 2-3 people. Preferably someone who has experience if you know them, a college professor etc. Good Luck!
Phill Pezo
Industrial Design
103
Answers
Nutley, New Jersey
Updated
Phill’s Answer
Hey Joshua,
It is great to hear that you are trying to write a good college application essay to be presented as appealing. When writing a college essay, it is best to write and genuinely as possible. The colleges are trying to see what kind of a person you are. Be sure to fully read the prompt and write about each part is asks for. If there is no prompt, it is good to share a challenging time of your life that you had to manage and over come. Try your best for it to be unique. Be descriptive and how it added to you as a person and a student. Share how you can add to their student population and community. It can also be good to talk about any goals that you have for your future. If you are not exactly sure what your goals might be, it can be good to write about that and as well as your eagerness to find out and work to learn what your passion is. Most importantly, share that you want to learn and why the university would be best for your studies.
Best of luck on your journey!
It is great to hear that you are trying to write a good college application essay to be presented as appealing. When writing a college essay, it is best to write and genuinely as possible. The colleges are trying to see what kind of a person you are. Be sure to fully read the prompt and write about each part is asks for. If there is no prompt, it is good to share a challenging time of your life that you had to manage and over come. Try your best for it to be unique. Be descriptive and how it added to you as a person and a student. Share how you can add to their student population and community. It can also be good to talk about any goals that you have for your future. If you are not exactly sure what your goals might be, it can be good to write about that and as well as your eagerness to find out and work to learn what your passion is. Most importantly, share that you want to learn and why the university would be best for your studies.
Best of luck on your journey!
Don Holland
Member Service Representative/Food Runner
244
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Don’s Answer
Hello Joshua,
There are many different things that you can do to write a good college essay. It is important to make sure you are being authentic with your writing, focus on creating a narrative, create a strong hook, write a lot of words/multiple drafts, make sure you create enough time to focus on your work and get feedback from teacher or tutors. There are many more things that you can do but these are the most important points in creating a good college essay. Hope this helps!
There are many different things that you can do to write a good college essay. It is important to make sure you are being authentic with your writing, focus on creating a narrative, create a strong hook, write a lot of words/multiple drafts, make sure you create enough time to focus on your work and get feedback from teacher or tutors. There are many more things that you can do but these are the most important points in creating a good college essay. Hope this helps!
Pam Major
Product Management
3
Answers
Wakefield, Massachusetts
Updated
Pam’s Answer
In writing a college admissions essay, keep in mind that the admissions staff reviewing your essay really wants to get a sense of who you are. During my children's college application process, one member of admissions said that they were reviewing essays and came across a very well-written essay about an applicant's uncle, and while the essay was compelling, it told them very little about the applicant. Therefore, it wasn't considered a successful essay. The admissions staff reads an overwhelming number of essays during each admissions cycle, and they have to make difficult admissions choices. It is hard to get to know someone just through application questions and statistics, so use the opportunity to show your authentic self in the essay. Making yourself relatable and being true to who your are will shine through and help your overall application. Good luck!
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
A good college essay shows who you are, what you care about, and why you would be a great fit for the school. The first step is to read the essay prompt carefully. Make sure you understand what the college is asking. Then, take some time to think about your personal experiences, goals, and values. Choose a topic that is meaningful to you and lets your personality shine through.
When writing, be honest and true to yourself. Admission officers want to hear your voice. Try to tell a story that shows something important about you. For example, write about a challenge you faced, a lesson you learned, or a moment that changed how you see the world. These kinds of stories are interesting and help the reader connect with you.
Keep your writing simple and clear. Don't try to sound too professional or use big words just to impress. Focus on making your message easy to understand and powerful. Make sure your essay has a clear beginning, middle, and end. Start with an introduction that grabs attention, then give details in the body, and end with a strong conclusion that ties everything together.
After writing your essay, take time to revise. Check your grammar, spelling, and sentence structure. Ask a teacher, parent, or friend to read it and give feedback. A second opinion can help you see mistakes or parts that are confusing.
Hope this helps.
When writing, be honest and true to yourself. Admission officers want to hear your voice. Try to tell a story that shows something important about you. For example, write about a challenge you faced, a lesson you learned, or a moment that changed how you see the world. These kinds of stories are interesting and help the reader connect with you.
Keep your writing simple and clear. Don't try to sound too professional or use big words just to impress. Focus on making your message easy to understand and powerful. Make sure your essay has a clear beginning, middle, and end. Start with an introduction that grabs attention, then give details in the body, and end with a strong conclusion that ties everything together.
After writing your essay, take time to revise. Check your grammar, spelling, and sentence structure. Ask a teacher, parent, or friend to read it and give feedback. A second opinion can help you see mistakes or parts that are confusing.
Hope this helps.