Tips for writing an effective college essay.
Writing the college admissions essay is challenging for everyone! Use the resources on this page to help you get started, compose, and revise your essay before you submit it.
If different topics compel you and are compatible with the prompt, it can be hard to figure out which one might be better to write about. Itâs important to remember that your essay displays you as a person. You should give preference for whichever essay topic you believe best displays your qualifications for the college/program.Â
Give yourself credit for what you've done well, but don't hesitate to change things that aren't working. It can be tempting to hang on to what you've already written—you took the time and thought to craft it in the first place, so it can be hard to let it go. Taking this approach is doing yourself a disservice, however. No matter how much work you put into a paragraph or much you like a phrase, if they aren't adding to your essay, they need to be cut or altered.
This is a college essay that worked for .
If another college has offered you a prompt to write about and you feel that you can write a better essay with this prompt, donât be afraid to start from scratch!
In of your college essay starters, the committee will expect you to clearly explain why you’re writing this essay and what you want them to take away from it.
Your personal statement is arguably the most important part of your college application. Follow these guidelines for an exceptional admissions essay.
Reviewing examples of amazing essays is an excellent way to spark your creative thinking. By seeing how others have crafted their essays, you can gain inspiration and insights into effective storytelling, helping you generate your own unique and compelling ideas.Â
This is a college essay that worked for (UPenn).
Authentic college application narratives start with genuine essay topics. Your topic should reflect your experiences and values, showcasing your authenticity and making your essay compelling to admissions officers.
This is a college essay that worked for .
As you are writing your college essay, remember to count your words, but also make sure that every word counts. Choose meaningful, interesting stories to tell, and avoid repetition and fluff. With hard work (and a lot of revision), you will have your pick of universities to choose from!
This section contains five examples of good college essays.
Remember, there's no magic formula for an inspiring essay. A strong topic reveals your journey, how it transformed you, the problem you're addressing, and why it drives you. It might take time, as your passion is still evolving. What matters is not just the topic but where you stand on your journey. Itâs also key to learn .Â
For analysis of what makes this essay , go here.
No one writes a perfect first draft. No matter how much you might want to be done after writing a first draft—you must take the time to edit. Thinking critically about your essay and rewriting as needed is a vital part of writing a great college essay.
This is a college essay that worked for (WashU).
Additionally, it offers some examples of successful introductions and do’s and don’ts that will help ensure your intro “wows” the admissions officers and sets the stage for the rest of the essay.
Below are some examples of good college essay topics:
Unique college essay topics can be difficult to come by. It's essential to pinpoint the key influences that led you to this point to write a stand-out college essay.Â