Tips for writing an effective college essay.
Tips include how to choose what to write, what to consider during the phases of the college essay writing process, and why it’s key to review additional advice.
Tips include how to choose what to write, what to consider during the phases of the college essay writing process, and why it’s key to review additional advice. Now you have October to complete your secondary essays. November is usually when early action/early decision deadlines hit. So by the end of October, you will have completed your application for anywhere you’re applying early; now you can use the last few weeks of November to complete any remaining secondary essays for schools with December or January due dates (most regular decision deadlines). In an ideal world, you can start writing and planning for your college essays the summer before your senior year. But many students have prior commitments that make following a six-month (June–December) timeline difficult. So here are a few adjusted timelines that can allow you to take advantage of the brainstorming and freewriting process even if you don’t have the full six-month window. You want your college essay to be perfect, so take your time and be patient in order to ensure you’re making the possible on this important component of the college application. The college essay, also known as the personal statement, is one of the few chances you have in the to express yourself. It serves as a key component of your application, and it’s required by most colleges and universities in the country. A well-written and reflective essay introduces admissions committees to the side of you not shown by grades and standardized test scores. It’s a great chance to reveal more about your values and goals, personal history, interests, creativity, challenges you’ve overcome, and passions. Make the most of this opportunity and leave a lasting impression by following our tips. Your college application essay is an important part of your admission. The point of your essay is to persuade the committee to choose you. To achieve this goal, you can use any of these three options in your college application essays:
Use the narrative outline essay template to get started.
It was during this period that I began to appreciate the strength and tenacity that my father had instilled in me. He was a man who had risen from humble beginnings, working tirelessly to provide for our family. Even in the face of his illness, he remained unwavering in his determination to conquer it. I knew that the best way to honor him was to channel his strength into my own life, to turn adversity into an opportunity for growth.
Download a College Essay Outline in PDF Today.
As I reflect on this journey, I am inspired by the idea of turning adversity into an opportunity to make a difference. I am now applying to your college not as a victim of circumstances but as a resilient individual who believes in the power of education to transform lives. I wish to join your academic community to explore my passion for biology, which was kindled by my father's battle with illness. I hope to contribute to cancer research and support initiatives while studying the subject that has become my life's purpose.
This section contains five examples of good college essays.
Your college essay should stand out to ensure that admissions officers remember you, even after reading through thousands of applications. Show the colleges who you really are — your personality, motivation, and why you’re the perfect fit. 🌟
Here is an example of an actual college essay prompt from Yale:
A strong college essay captivates the reader with an interesting premise and offers insight into what makes you a unique applicant. Strong college essays reveal candidates’ aspirations and challenges.
What are colleges looking for in the “Why Us” essay?
Yes—in contrast to expository or argumentative essays you may have written in high school, it’s totally appropriate to write a college application essay from a first-person point of view. In fact, one of the most important functions of a college essay is to give admissions officers an idea of who you are as a person, so don’t hesitate to write from your own point of view.