Beyond the Grades: Writing a College Essay That Tells Your Story–And Gets You Accepted

The college essay has long been an important component of the college application. In recent years, with many schools opting for voluntary SAT or ACT reporting, it has become even more integral to painting an applicant’s full picture.

So, how does one write an essay that will not only hook a college admissions officer but prove to them you will be an asset to their institution? Check out these 4 key tips.

Don’t Worry About Trite Topics

In recent weeks, we have read many articles about topics to avoid when writing the college admissions essay. While it is definitely true you want your essay to stand out, YOU are the key to your essay. While a topic may seem generic, once you put a unique personal spin on it, it is elevated to new heights. For example, one “cliche” topic is an academic achievement. If you write about how you studied hard and got what you wanted, then you are not telling the reader anything new. However, what if the outcome is unexpected? What if you studied hard but really xyz is what made the difference? Or, what if you did not study but learned something even greater by NOT achieving that big thing? Now, you’ve got something! The first step is to make a list of ideas. You have a better chance of stumbling on “the one” if you let yourself write them ALL down–”trite” or not.

Reel Them In And Don’t Let Go–With Imagery

Now that you have a topic you love, start with a compelling hook. Our favorite way to start is by painting a picture. Put the reader in your shoes. Are you writing about a trip? Start at an important moment and use your senses to create an image that stays with the reader. To take it one step further, keep the imagery strong throughout the essay. Placing the reader in an evocative situation, guarantees they will connect with you, your story, and your voice.

Create A Full Circle Ending

Compelling topic? Check. Stellar hook? Check. A piece that appeals to the reader’s senses? Done! Now, it’s time to make sure you end strong. This is where the full circle ending comes in. Movies excel at this. They put an image or clue at the start and then return to it at the end bringing the whole plot FULL CIRCLE. This is the goal of your essay. Let’s go back to the academic achievement idea. Perhaps, your essay began with you at a desk, listening to your teacher while paper airplanes flew around you. Your essay would conclude in a similar fashion. You would be back at the desk or standing outside the classroom, reflecting on what happened, with a few key details changed. If you were zoned out before, now you are tuned in. If you learned that sometimes having fun is okay, you would now be making a paper airplane. The last thing you want to do is write a great essay and lose steam at the end. You want to leave the reader with that AHA moment. A full circle ending is the perfect way to get them there.

Do Not Be Afraid To Revise

When students think of revisions, they usually envision a few sentences and grammatical changes. However, a thorough revision focuses on big ideas, voice, and cohesion. The best way to ensure your essay is the best it can be, is to step away from it for AT LEAST 48 hours after completion. Your brain needs a break and the ability to view the essay with a fresh headspace. When you reread it after this pause, you will be in a better position to see if it all still makes sense. Do the sentences flow? Is it saying what you want it to? If you have a gut feeling it’s not working, do not be afraid to tackle your paragraphs again. No one wants to deconstruct a piece they spent hours working on, but your goal is to give that admissions officer the best paper version of yourself. Ask a friend, teacher, or parent/guardian to read it as well. Often, things may appear clear to an author but not the reader.

Are you inspired yet? Grab your notebook or laptop and start jotting down ideas. Soon, you’ll have the ingredients for that winning college essay.