Published:

March 29, 2025

Estimated reading time:

6 minutes

The college essay is arguably both the most challenging and important aspect of the college admissions process. But why? Well, there are many reasons a student should prioritize crafting a strong personal essay. However, one reason that is especially important considering the current state of the college admissions climate: the personal essay shows authenticity.

This essay is the best way for college admissions staff to get to know you; it is the most unique aspect of each student’s application. Think of what you write as an exclusive, inside scoop on you–your life stories, dreams, quirks, and anything else you want readers to know, all of which are best revealed in your personal essay. Remember that admissions officers see an influx of essays every day, and you want them to remember your name!

Additionally, consider that most college applications require similar application criteria. One of the most important components is your personal essay, in addition to a grade transcript, resume, a few supplemental essays, letters of recommendation and sometimes test scores. Among these requirements, the personal essay is where your personality can shine through–a story and words are more descriptive than numbers or grades. Due to its length, the personal essay carries significant weight in your application, particularly as more schools adopt test-optional policies.

Okay, now that you understand the importance of a compelling personal essay, you’re ready to begin writing. Don’t make the mistake that many students do by hitting the ground running, only to get overwhelmed somewhere during the writing process. First, simply consider the different essay styles available to you:

1. Narrative

   This style tells a personal story in chronological order. Remember, your story doesn’t always need to recount a tragedy or vulnerable experience. Also, be mindful of the tense you use when writing in this style.

2. Show Off/Skills

   This style is for the applicant with a deep knowledge and passion about a specific field or the applicant with strong skills in a specific field or activity (e.g., sports). Keep in mind that many people are good students, or good at a sport; you only want to choose this style if you are uniquely qualified in a niche area.

3. Career

   This style encapsulates your professional goals and how they relate to your chosen route of study. Consider this style if you have a clear and specific career path planned out.

4. Identity

   This style focuses on your role in your respective communities and environment. Identity ranges from a wide array of topics such as race, gender, culture, nationality, or even a role on a team or within an organization. Applicants who believe aspects of their identity are what set them or their life-experiences most apart from others are strong candidates for this style.

With these styles in mind, you're ready to move forward with writing your essay. Here are a few simple steps and tips to follow for a productive essay writing experience.

Steps:

1. Be natural

   First, you must choose an essay topic. To do this, brainstorm ideas that naturally inspire you. Don’t force a storyline or passion for something that you think admissions offices want to hear. Focus on something you could talk about for hours; something important to you or impactful to your life, values, interests, and aspirations. Save the briefer anecdotes, lists of accolades and achievements, or logistical work and study experiences for shorter supplemental essay questions.

2. Hook the reader

   Prioritize an introductory sentence that entices the reader to finish your story. Just because this is an essay for an application, doesn’t mean it has to be boring.

   Pro tip: try writing out a rough draft of your entire essay first. Then, read through and pick out sentences or words that encapsulate the “climax” of your essay. Use this as a launching point for writing an effective hook.

3. Be specific

   Assume the reader doesn’t know anything about your essay topic. Be sure to explain concepts, relevant actions and processes, technical terms, proper names and acronyms (e.g., National Honor Society [NHS] is a student organization based on community service), along with any other information you can deem as clearly not common knowledge. Remember, any excessive detail can be cut-down in the editing process.

4. Show, don't tell

   Examples, examples, examples! When writing your essay, avoid vague or basic statements like “I am a good student” or “I want to make an impact on my community” or “That made me happy.” Instead, SHOW the reader what makes you a good student (grades, awards, etc.); how you want to impact the community (volunteering, advocacy, etc.); or why an experience made you happy. Examples are the essence of your essay. Everyone has similar general goals–to be a good student, help others, and be successful–but different reasons for pursuing them. Describe your examples to showcase this uniqueness.

5. Give a lesson learned/impact statement

   Towards the end of your essay, tie together the piece with an overall statement about how the topic you wrote about changed you for the better. This can range from an important life lesson to how you learned more about yourself to how an experience helped you discover newfound interest in a certain subject and/or career field. This is how you definitively give significance to the story your essay tells.

6. Offer a glimpse into the future

   This is what you can call your “this is why” statement in the conclusion of your essay. Tell the reader how your essay topic is relevant to your future plans as a college student and your prospective career field.

   Note: don’t confuse this step with step 5. Step 6 is the last section of your essay and brings the reader into the present to show that you are someone who is currently considering their future as a college student.

You are now equipped with all the tools and information you need to succeed in writing the personal college essay! The main challenge is remaining committed throughout the process. Remember to start writing your essay early to give yourself plenty of time for brainstorming, writing, and editing, which will help limit stress. Reference these few simple steps while writing to remind yourself how to confidently tackle this essay.