The College Essay

Have a hook, be interesting, be authentic, use your own voice. be reflective, show growth, show impact, let the reader know who you are and what you stand for- all in 650 words or less.   

The college essay is hard to write and there is a lot riding on it. The more selective the school, the more important the essay is.  It is the one chance your student gets to talk directly to the people deciding their admissions, no wonder it is the source of so much anxiety.   

Most good college essays take weeks to craft.  Many students report changing their topic and almost all good essays go through 4-6 complete revisions.  It’s a time consuming (average 10-15) and often frustrating process.   

Here are some tips to help the process: 

Time Management 

• Start early 

• Schedule time to work on your essay and stick to it 

• Make deadlines for each step of the process 

• Give yourself time between drafts to reflect 

• Chose a trusted adult to help you- a parent often isn’t the best choice for this role 

Brainstorm 

• What are your positive attributes? 

• What do you value? 

• What are some obstacles you have faced? 

• How did you feel? 

• Why did you feel that way? 

• What did you do about it? 

• Which positive attribute and value does this illustrate? 

• What did you learn? 

• Who are the people who have influenced you? 

• What attributes do they possess? 

• What do they value? 

• Why does what they do that matters to you? 

• What have you learned from them? 

• How do you put it into action? 

• Where are the spaces you feel most comfortable and why? 

• Physical spaces 

• When you are involved in an activity  

• Other ideas 

• Do you have any collections? 

• Do you have any talents or hobbies that aren’t anywhere else on your application? 

• Is there one item that has significant meaning to you? 

• Do you have any family traditions? 

Before you start writing 

• Understand the prompt 

• Have and anchor story 

• Know the values and attributes you want to highlight 

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Each step could take multiple drafts to complete.  I encourage you to get feedback at each step.  

Step One: 

This is for content only! Don’t try to use impressive language or perfect structure. This is where you put it all down, don’t worry about word count! (average essay is about 500 words) 

Step Two: 

If a stranger read your essay, would they feel like they know you? If not, make some changes, this is your one opportunity to introduce yourself in your own words to the admissions committee. 

Step Three: 

This is where you edit for style and structure 

• Do you have a good hook? 

• Is it going to keep the reader’s interest? 

• Does it flow? 

• Is everything in the essay necessary? If not, delete it! 

• Be impeccable with your grammar 

Step Four:  

Record yourself reading your essay and listen to it! 

• Does it sound like you? 

• Is it interesting and does it flow? 

• Does it answer the prompt? 

• Does it give the reader a sense of who you are and what you value? 

Step Five: 

At some point you need to be done. If you answer yes to all the questions in Step Four, ask someone you trust to give it one last look.  Make any last edits and put it aside.  Ideally, this is complete long before the application is due, so you can revisit it with fresh eyes later and make any last minute adjustments.