The college essay is your student’s opportunity to use their voice to speak directly to the admissions department at the colleges they want to attend. This fact is as intimidating as it is empowering, and students often feel that they have to showcase their skills, experience, passion, and curiosity while simultaneously coming across as humble, thoughtful, and resilient – all in less than 650 words!

But the college essay process does not have to be daunting or painful. Rather, it can be an opportunity for students to explore and share a part of their identity that is both authentic and compelling. In this blog, we’ll cover five key tips to help students write an honest, authentic college essay that they are proud to send to school.

Tips for a Successful College Admissions Essay

1. Write the right essay for YOU

If the topic of an essay feels forced or inauthentic, it doesn’t matter how well the essay is written. It won’t be a pleasure to write, and it won’t be a joy to read. I encourage students to approach the process of deciding what to write about by first asking themself one important question:

What do colleges need to understand about you that they will not learn from the rest of your application?

Many of the most thoughtful, well-written, and successful college essays are about topics that simply wouldn’t show up on a student’s resume, transcript, or list of extracurriculars. Sure, a student can write a terrific essay about being captain of the lacrosse team or their experience volunteering with a soup kitchen, but in many cases, these essays simply reinforce what a college already knows about a student.

The essays that truly stand out are those that help the admissions department to see a student in a new light. There are a few that stick with me – the star hockey player who wrote about learning to cook from his grandmother; the captain of the robotics team who wrote about how the opening riff in Led Zepplin’s Black Dog taught him to use silence in his music. Each of these essays told a story about what was most important to each of these students, and they spoke to both their breadth and depth. Exceptional essays stand out because the authors are being true to themselves, and there’s no way to fake that.

If your student is stuck and can’t decide what topic to write about, I recommend trying to write the first paragraph of 5 different essays. This process helps students “try on” different topics without committing to them and often makes it clear which essay will be most compelling.

2. Start Strong

The first sentence of any essay is the first (and sometimes only) chance to truly grab the reader’s attention. Admissions officers read hundreds (if not thousands) of essays, so it’s crucial to use the first sentence to capture their interest. Here are some ideas to get started:

• Jump into the action: When we only have 650 words, there’s no time for a meandering introduction. Starting an essay in the middle of a scene or anecdote grabs the reader’s attention while also creating a sense of suspense or uncertainty that makes them want to keep reading.
• Ask a Thought-Provoking Question: Start with a question that might surprise the reader while also introducing the topic in an unconventional and even humorous manner (but remember, humor in the college essay can be risky!).
• Provide a Vivid Description: Set the scene by providing a vivid description of a place, a time, or an object. This can be used as an effective device that allows us to slowly zoom out and understand its relevance to the essay as a whole, which provides a fulfilling reading experience in which the story slowly comes into focus.
• Avoid Overused Phrases and Clichés: Phrases like “Since I was a child…” or “I’ve always wanted to…” are common and can make the essay blend in with many others. Aim for originality in the opening. Also, avoid the convention of starting with a definition or trying to shock the reader by saying something controversial in the first sentence.
• Be Concise: Remember, you only have 650 words! The introduction is just that – an introduction. Get to the point efficiently to maintain the reader’s interest.

3. Craft a Compelling Narrative

Storytelling is a powerful tool that can transform a college essay from a simple summary of events into a captivating narrative that reveals something meaningful about the author. Remember: a captivating narrative isn’t reserved for heavy and somber topics. Any authentic story can be compelling with the right tools and approach.

First, a compelling narrative needs a clear structure to guide the reader smoothly through the story. Here are some tips on structuring an essay:

• Beginning: Start with a strong introduction that sets the stage for the story. This is where the writer captures the reader’s interest and provides a glimpse of what’s to come.
• Middle: Develop the core of your narrative here. Use vivid language and specific evidence that makes the essay feel personal and authentic. Keep an eye out for transitions – the paragraphs should logically connect.
• End: Conclude your essay with a clear ending that reinforces the underlying message about what the reader must understand about who you are and who you hope to become.

Remember the old agade: show, don’t tell. Use descriptive language and specific examples to tell a vivid story. This approach helps the reader visualize and feel what you experienced, making the essay more engaging and relatable.

4. Showcase Your Unique Voice

Firstly, don’t use ChatGPT to write your essay. Please. There are terrific ways that AI can help students to improve their college essays and other aspects of their application, but your college essay must be personal, and to be personal, it must be in your voice.

After many years of writing academic essays that are intentionally impersonal, some students are uncomfortable writing in first person. One trick for finding your authentic voice is to read your essay outload. Does it feel natural? Is this how you would tell this story to a friend? Part of the essay process involves thinking not only about what to say but also how to say it.

Remember: it’s okay to be enthusiastic and passionate and quirky and real. If you are excited about your topic, let it show!

5. Edit, Revise, Share, Repeat

Writing the first draft is a big accomplishment, and it’s also just the first step. While it’s important to reread your essay and make sure you’re happy with the overall message and structure, it’s essential to seek feedback.

English teachers and guidance counselors can be a helpful resource for college essay help, and many students (but certainly not all) will share their essays with their parents or guardians. Families may also enlist the help of a professional college advisor, or their may be a friend or relative who would have a helpful perspective. Receiving feedback from a diverse audience is smart, but remember: you don’t have to accept every suggestion.

Here are a few key types of feedback to ask for when you share your essay with someone:

• Clarity and Coherence: Does it make sense? Are the topic, message, and events of the passage clear and easy to follow? Is there terminology that needs to be explained?
• Natural Flow: Does each paragraph transition smoothly to the next? What is the emotional arc of the essay?
• Impact: What does this essay help you know, understand, or believe about its author? Does this essay make you root for its protagonist?

Writing a college admissions essay can feel like climbing a mountain, but, as with mountain climbing, you don’t have to go it alone: their are skilled guides who know the path and can help students successfully reach their summit. At Open Door Education, Bee and Ayres are skillful guides who use their expertise and experience to help students craft authentic essays that make a meaningful difference in the college admissions process. Click here to learn more about how Open Door can help your student write an impactful college essay.

Key Takeaways

1. Choose a topic that reflects your authentic self: The essay should reveal something meaningful that isn’t found elsewhere in your application. It should feel genuine, not forced.
2. Start with a strong opening: The first sentence should grab the reader’s attention immediately. Avoid clichés and overused phrases, and aim for originality and vivid descriptions to engage the reader.
3. Tell a compelling story: Structure your essay with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Use descriptive language and specific examples to “show” rather than “tell” your story, making it personal and relatable.
4. Showcase your unique voice: Write in your authentic voice, and don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Read your essay aloud to ensure it sounds natural and true to you.
5. Edit, revise, and seek feedback: After writing the first draft, revise it and seek input from others. Focus on clarity, coherence, flow, and emotional impact, but remember that not all feedback needs to be implemented.