As high school juniors and seniors begin navigating the college application process, one of the most significant tasks they’ll face is writing the college admission essay. This essay is more than just a writing sample—it’s a unique opportunity for students to showcase their personality, experiences, and aspirations beyond test scores and transcripts. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what makes a college essay successful, focusing on key elements that can help your application stand out, along with some valuable resources for additional guidance.

1. Adhering to Word Limits: Maximizing Your Opportunity

One of the first rules of writing a successful college admission essay is adhering to the word limit. Most colleges and platforms like the Common Application set specific word limits, usually around 650 words. It’s crucial to use this space wisely. Think of the word limit as a valuable opportunity to fully express your thoughts and showcase your individuality.

Why is this important? Writing an essay that doesn’t use all the words allowed can signal to admissions officers that you may not have fully developed your ideas or taken full advantage of the opportunity to express yourself. On the other hand, exceeding the word limit can indicate a lack of focus or discipline. Stick to the limit to ensure your essay is concise, clear, and impactful.

2. Crafting a Clear Introduction: Setting the Stage

Your essay’s introduction is your first chance to engage your reader, so it’s essential to make it count. A successful introduction should clearly state the main message or purpose of your essay. Think of it as your roadmap—by the end of the first paragraph, your reader should know where your essay is heading.

Starting with a strong hook—a compelling anecdote, a thought-provoking question, or a striking statement—can draw readers in. However, the key is to ensure that whatever opening you choose directly relates to the main theme of your essay, providing a smooth transition into your central narrative or argument.

3. Logical Organization and Flow: Building a Cohesive Story

An effective college essay is organized in a logical manner that allows it to flow smoothly from one point to the next. This doesn’t just mean having an introduction, body, and conclusion—each paragraph should be a cohesive “chunk” that builds upon the last, creating a narrative that is easy to follow and understand.

To achieve this, start by outlining your essay before you begin writing. Determine the main points you want to cover and the order in which you will discuss them. Each paragraph should transition naturally into the next, helping to guide your reader through your story or argument without confusion or distraction.

4. Using the Preview Option: Perfecting Presentation

Before submitting your essay through platforms like the Common App, take advantage of the ‘preview’ option. This feature allows you to see how your essay will appear once submitted, including formatting such as paragraph breaks and spacing. This step is crucial because what looks perfect in a word processor might not look the same when pasted into an online form.

Review your essay in the preview mode to ensure there are no formatting errors or awkward breaks that could distract from the content. A clean, professional presentation helps convey that you are a meticulous and thoughtful applicant.

5. Active Voice Usage: Engaging and Direct Writing

When writing your essay, using an active voice rather than a passive voice can make your writing more engaging and direct. Active voice helps to create stronger, more vivid images in the reader’s mind by clearly showing who is performing the action.

For example, instead of writing, “The book was read by me,” say, “I read the book.” This simple shift makes your sentences clearer and more dynamic, which can help keep your reader’s attention and make your writing more memorable.

6. Conciseness and Clarity: Getting to the Point

Admissions officers have many essays to read, so it’s important to make yours as easy to digest as possible. Avoid metaphors, clichés, and overly complex language. Instead, focus on being concise and direct. Make sure every sentence serves a purpose and contributes to your overall narrative or argument.

Clarity is key—your reader should not have to work to understand what you’re trying to say. Be straightforward and transparent, ensuring your personality and voice come through in a clear and accessible manner.

7. Editing and Feedback: Refining Your Essay

No first draft is perfect. Once you’ve written your essay, set it aside for a day or two and then return to it with fresh eyes. Look for areas where you can tighten your language, clarify your points, or improve the overall flow.

After you’ve done your own revisions, seek feedback from a trusted adult—this could be a guardian, teacher, or college counselor. They can provide valuable insights into how your essay reads to an outside perspective and catch any grammatical or spelling errors you might have missed. Remember, the goal is to have a polished, well-crafted essay that reflects your best self.

8. Choosing the Right Topic: What Should You Write About?

One of the most common questions students have is, “What should I write about?” The best essays often come from choosing topics that are meaningful and authentic to you. Rather than trying to impress with grand achievements or dramatic stories, focus on experiences or ideas that genuinely resonate with you.

Consider the following prompts for brainstorming:

• A unique challenge you faced: How did you overcome it, and what did you learn?
• An extracurricular activity or hobby: What does it reveal about your values or passions?
• A personal growth moment: What event or realization helped shape who you are today?

The key is to choose a topic that allows you to be honest and introspective, showing admissions officers who you are beyond your grades and test scores.

Additional Tips for a Compelling Essay

Based on insights from Ethan Sawyer’s “College Essay Essentials” and Kelly Mae Ross’s article “How to Write a College Essay”:

• Show, Don’t Tell: Use vivid details and anecdotes to illustrate your points rather than simply stating them.
• Stay Authentic: Let your unique voice and personality shine through. Avoid using overly formal language or trying to sound like someone you’re not.
• Connect Past, Present, and Future: When appropriate, link your past experiences to your current activities and future goals to create a cohesive narrative.

Helpful Resources for Writing a College Admission Essay

To further assist in crafting your college essay, consider these valuable resources:

Books:

1. “College Essay Essentials: A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Successful College Admissions Essay” by Ethan Sawyer – This book provides a comprehensive guide to writing college essays, including brainstorming exercises, structural templates, and revision strategies. Sawyer’s approachable style and practical advice make it a favorite among students and counselors alike.
2. “On Writing the College Application Essay: The Key to Acceptance at the College of Your Choice” by Harry Bauld – A classic in the field, this book offers insights from a former Ivy League admissions officer on what makes a college essay stand out. It includes tips on choosing the right topic and avoiding common pitfalls.
3. “The College Application Essay, 6th Ed.” by Sarah Myers McGinty – A step-by-step guide that helps students write essays that make an impact. McGinty provides real-life examples and practical advice on how to approach the essay-writing process.

Podcasts:

1. “The College Essay Guy Podcast” – Hosted by Ethan Sawyer, this podcast offers a series of episodes dedicated to various aspects of the college essay, including topic selection, writing, and editing.
2. “Getting In: A College Coach Conversation” – While this podcast covers a range of college admissions topics, it includes valuable episodes on writing the college essay, featuring advice from admissions experts and college counselors.

Other Sources:

• Khan Academy’s “College Admissions” Section: Offers free resources on writing personal statements and essays, including videos, articles, and interactive exercises.
• Your High School’s College Counseling Office: Many schools offer workshops or one-on-one counseling sessions to help students with their essays. Make sure to take advantage of these resources.

By focusing on these elements and utilizing the recommended resources, students can craft a college admission essay that is not only compelling but also an accurate reflection of who they are as individuals. With careful planning, thoughtful reflection, and thorough editing, your essay can be a powerful component of your college application.

A Challenge That Can Be Overcome

Writing a college admission essay can be a daunting task, but by focusing on these key features and leveraging the available resources, students can create essays that truly stand out. Remember, this is your chance to showcase your unique voice and experiences, so make the most of it. Good luck!