how do i make a college essay stand out

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How to Write a Stand-Out College Essay

This article was written based on the information and opinions presented by Pascale Bradley in a CollegeVine livestream. You can watch the full livestream for more info.

What’s Covered:

Introduction to college admission essays, make your college admission essays stand out, choose a compelling topic.

College admission essays comprise approximately 20% to 25% of the evaluation criteria for college applications. This is especially true when applying to top-tier institutions with large pools of applicants who are equally competitive with respect to their academic performance, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement. Most schools require applicants to submit a Common Application essay and their own school-specific supplemental short responses and essays. However, they also require applicants to respond to different types and quantities of topics, and you need to confirm which essays are required for each school. 

Essays are the most significant personal component of the application process. They serve an integral role in humanizing you and helping colleges understand who you are, how you came to be, what you value, and how you respond to different challenges and situations. This information is critical because it helps admissions officers determine what you can contribute to their respective school, which is important because you need to demonstrate why a college should want you to attend and not just why you want to go to that college. 

Essays will range from 100 to 700 words in length. Short responses may range between one or two words to several sentences. You may also have the opportunity to submit a multi-page document or a portfolio of your work for a particular program or for admission in general.

When it comes to writing college admission essays, most applicants feel pressured to write about something that others will perceive as exceptionally interesting and impressive, such as a national award or a niche hobby. Applicants may feel unsure and insecure about not being talented, accomplished, or interesting enough, and the events and experiences in their daily life may feel too mundane or clichéd to write about. These pressures and insecurities stem from applicants internalizing the incessant messaging that they need to be exceptional and unique in order to distinguish themselves from other applicants and be attractive to schools. 

Most applicants have not accomplished anything of regional, national, or international significance. Even for the few who have such accomplishments, the accolades in and of themselves are not sufficient to craft a compelling essay. 

What actually makes a compelling essay is not what you choose to write about but how you write about whichever topic you choose. The essay will stand out because of your voice, your perspective, and your way of experiencing the world. You will not be penalized for what you have not experienced or achieved, as admissions officers understand that not everyone has access to the same set of opportunities and that geographic location, socioeconomic status, family connections, and many other factors constrain and determine what you are able to do in high school. 

Once you divorce yourself from the misconception that your essay needs to be about something dramatic, life-altering, or incredibly exciting, you can start to home in on the content of your life that is worth writing about. Moments from and aspects of your everyday life—a book that was particularly meaningful to you, a relationship that you cherish, a memory of time spent with loved ones, a time when you were humiliated—are the seeds of great essays because they are the vehicles by which you can reveal something significant about who you are and how you think.

Your essay can be about anything you want, so long as it is appropriate for a general audience, satisfies the prompt to which you are responding, and shows the admissions officers something important about you that they could not find anywhere else in your application. Topics and content to avoid include any statements that could be construed as racist, sexist, classist, homophobic, xenophobic, or otherwise prejudiced against any particular group of people. You should also avoid the use of unsupported facts, obscene language, illicit activities, violence, or graphic subjects. 

If you are considering writing about something that could be considered controversial, you need to recognize and prepare for the reality that your reader may completely disagree with you and may finish reading your essay doubting your character. Although there is a slight chance that you could write a really strong essay about one of these topics, you run a great risk that is unnecessary and will likely not prove worthwhile. 

For more information about how to write strong college admission essays, review our comprehensive articles on “ How to Write the Common Application Essays ” and “ 19 Stellar Common App Essay Examples ” to get inspired.

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9 tips for How to Write a College Essay That Stands Out

Are you wondering how you’ll manage to write a college essay that stands out from all the other admissions essays? How do you even start writing a standout college essay?

If you’re a high school senior staring at a list of prompts, facing the daunting task of writing an outstanding college essay, you might not know where to start.

After all, the college essay isn’t just another homework assignment. Your personal statement essay is a critical part of your college application.

Writing an impactful college essay is more than just a formality; it’s your opportunity to show colleges who you are beyond your academic achievements and test scores.

So how do you ensure that your essay captures the attention of admissions officers and leaves a lasting impression?

After all, admissions officers read so many college essays that they start to run together pretty quickly.

This guide provides straightforward advice on crafting an essay that stands out from the crowd and makes a strong impression.

These essential tips will ensure your essay highlights your unique character and perspectives.

With these pointers, you can tell your story in a way that resonates with admissions committees and helps them see you an an invaluable addition to their campus.

Whether you’re just getting started or fine-tuning your final draft, this post will help you craft a college admissions essay that stands out from the rest.

How to Write a College Essay that Stands Out

Here are nine clever college essay tips that will make your personal statement pop!

1. Start with a catchy opening

First, from the list of college essay prompts, choose a topic that has a personal meaning for you. An experience, a hobby, or a favorite thing could each be an excellent college admission essay topic.

The best way to grab the readers’ attention right from the start is by opening with an engaging hook. There’s no need to restate the prompt—just jump right into your story. 

Start with a bold statement:

• A strong first sentence will pique the reader’s interest immediately. This will set the tone for your essay.
• Use an anecdote :
• A brief (relevant) story from your life can be a powerful way to draw readers in.

Pose a thought-provoking question:

• Choose a question that reflects the central theme or dilemma of your essay to get the reader thinking.

Introduce a paradox:

• Present the reader with a contradiction to set the stage for your personal experiences.

Jump into the action :

• Starting your story in the middle of a pivotal moment can be a dynamic way to begin your essay.

The opening of your essay is your first opportunity to make an impression on the college admissions officers . The opening sentence should not only hook the reader but also introduce the main theme of your essay in a compelling way.

Whichever approach you choose, ensure the beginning sentence of your personal essay aligns with your essay’s overall tone and message, and most importantly, that it feels authentic to you.

If you’re having trouble crafting a strong hook, that’s okay. Write a draft of your essay and come back to revise the hook. A great introduction and first paragraph will grab the reader’s attention and help your college essay stand out from all the others!

2. Appeal to all five senses

Make your college essay stand out by using vivid descriptions and specific details about smells, sounds, textures, and tastes in your essay.

Appealing to the senses in writing is a powerful technique to create vivid and immersive experiences for the reader.

This approach, known as sensory detail or imagery, involves using descriptive language to evoke the five senses – sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch.

Here’s how you can effectively incorporate each of these senses into your writing:

• Use descriptive language to paint a picture in the reader’s mind.
• Describe colors, shapes, sizes, and contrasts.
• Include details about lighting, movements, or visual patterns.
• Include sounds to add dimension to the setting or action.
• Describe the volume, pitch, and tone of sounds.
• Use onomatopoeia (words that imitate sounds) for effect.
• Describe scents and aromas to evoke memories or emotions.
• Be specific about the source and quality of the smell.
• Describe flavors and the experience of tasting.
• Use adjectives to convey the quality of the taste (e.g., sweet, bitter, savory).
• Describe the texture and physical sensations.
• Include temperature, shape, and the sensation of touch.

Internal Sensations :

• Sometimes, writers also describe internal sensations like hunger, pain, or fatigue to evoke a physical response.

If you can make the reader feel, smell, or imagine what you’re writing about, you’ll have successfully written a compelling essay.

How to Choose a Unique College Essay Topic

3. Pace yourself

Pacing is a crucial element in storytelling, as it controls the rhythm and flow of the narrative, keeping readers engaged and eager to see what happens next.

Help the reader feel like they are in your story, waiting to find out what happens next. 

To write a college essay that stands out, make the reader feel invested in your story, so they are really curious about what will happen and they are rooting for you.

Here are some strategies to effectively pace your story:

Vary Sentence Structure and Paragraph Length :

• Use a mix of short, punchy sentences and longer, more descriptive ones.
• Short sentences can increase tension and pace, while longer ones can provide necessary details and background.

Control Information Release :

• Don’t reveal everything at once. Dole out information gradually to keep readers curious.

Balance Action with Reflection :

• While action scenes can quicken the pace and add excitement, moments of introspection are essential part of the best college essays.

Create Tension :

• Conflict is the driving force of a good story.
• Introduce one or more different types of conflicts (internal, external, interpersonal) to tell your story.

A well-paced college essay includes fluctuations in intensity and tempo, that align with the story of your personal growth.

4. Reference, but don’t restate

Remember, your admissions officer already knows about your high school grades, clubs, volunteer activities, sports, and musical talents.

So if you mention any extracurricular activities or your GPA in your college essay, be sure it’s particularly relevant to the story you’re telling.  

For example, it’s fine to note that the story you’re telling happened when you were volunteering at the animal shelter. It’s not okay to tell the reader (again) that you have volunteered there six hours a week for the past three years. 

You want to provide a glimpse into your achievements and experiences without merely repeating what’s already listed in your resume or letters of recommendation.

The best essays highlight unique qualities, deeper themes, and personal insight that aren’t mentioned in another part of your application.

Focus on Experiences, Not Titles :

• Rather than listing accomplishments or positions, delve into specific experiences and what they taught you.
• Describe a particular event, project, or challenge and reflect on its impact on your personal growth.

Use Stories to Illustrate Your Point :

• Narrate a story that highlights an achievement or skill.
• Stories are more engaging and memorable than mere lists of accomplishments.

Reflect on Your Achievements :

• Instead of just stating what you’ve done, discuss what you’ve learned from these experiences and how they’ve shaped your perspective, values, or goals.

Highlight Skills and Qualities :

• Use examples from your resume to demonstrate key qualities like leadership, teamwork, resilience, intellectual curiosity, or creativity.
• Show how these experiences have helped you develop these qualities.

Be Selective :

• Choose one or two significant achievements or experiences from your resume to discuss in your essay. Good college essays are concise and impactful.

Connect to Your Future Goals :

• Explain how your past experiences have prepared you for your future ambitions.
• Talking about your goals for later success can help admissions officers see the continuity and progression in your academic and career trajectory.

A great college essay provides insight into who you are and what matters to you. It shouldn’t be just another list of your accomplishments already covered in other areas of the admissions process.

5. Details for the win

Little details about you—your life, your feelings, your surroundings, your experiences—are what will make your college essay memorable. 

Specific details transform your essay from a generic narrative into a vivid, personal story that truly engages the admissions committee.

It’s a good idea to use details in your college application essays because they:

Create a Vivid Picture :

• Specific details help paint a clear and vivid picture in the reader’s mind. Instead of saying “I like science,” you could say, “I spent countless nights under the stars with my telescope, marveling at the mysteries of the Orion Nebula.”
• This level of detail helps the reader visualize and understand your experiences more deeply.

Demonstrate Authenticity :

• Details provide authenticity to your story.
• When you share specific moments, feelings, or thoughts, your essay becomes more believable and genuine.
• This helps build trust with your reader and makes your narrative more compelling.

Engage the Reader’s Emotions :

• A well-chosen detail can evoke emotions, making your essay more engaging and memorable.
• By describing how you felt during a significant moment or what exactly motivated you, you allow the reader to connect emotionally with your story.

Facilitate Personal Reflection :

• By reflecting on the details of your experiences, you can better articulate your learning and growth.
• This introspection can reveal deeper insights about your character and aspirations to the admissions committee.

In conclusion, the inclusion of specific, relevant details is a critical element in crafting a compelling and effective college essay.

These details bring your story to life, making it not just a narrative about events, but a reflection of your identity, journey, and potential.

6. Show, don’t tell

Colleges want to know that you have amazing personal traits that will make you a valuable, involved, engaged member of the campus community.

Your essay should demonstrate that you have the character traits the college is looking for.

Demonstrating these traits is not just about listing your qualities, but about showing them through your experiences, reflections, and the way you tell your story.

Fill your essays with details and examples that show the admissions counselor you are resourceful, resilient, positive, optimistic, curious, engaged, and empathetic, rather than outright claiming to be those things. 

Here are strategies for effectively demonstrating your character traits in your college essay:

Use Specific Anecdotes :

• Choose anecdotes from your life that clearly illustrate the character traits you want to highlight.
• For instance, if you want to show your leadership skills, describe a specific situation where you took charge, organized a team, or overcame a challenge.

Show Growth and Self-Reflection :

• Colleges look for students who are self-aware and capable of growth.
• Discuss a challenge you faced or a mistake you made, and then reflect on what you learned from that experience and how it shaped your character.

Discuss Your Passions and Interests :

• Often, your hobbies, interests, and passions can reflect your character traits.
• For instance, dedication to a sport or art can demonstrate discipline, while volunteer work can showcase empathy and community spirit.

Highlight Resilience and Adaptability :

• Share experiences that show how you’ve adapted to changes or bounced back from failures.
• Resilience is a highly valued trait, as it demonstrates your ability to handle challenges.

End with Reflection :

• Conclude your essay by reflecting on how your experiences and traits have prepared you for college and your future goals.
• This not only reinforces the traits you’ve discussed but also shows your forward-thinking mindset.

Providing concrete examples and personal stories that bring your character traits to life will make your essay both authentic and compelling.

7. Be yourself

The most memorable essays are those that are authentic and honest.

Admission officers are skilled at detecting insincerity. Share your true thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

Here are some tips on how to infuse your entire essay with authenticity and personal flair:

Reflect on Your Unique Experiences :

• Think about the experiences that have shaped you.
• What moments in your life have been pivotal?
• What is your unique take on the world?
• How do you see things differently?
• Reflecting on these will help you find a story that is uniquely yours.

Write in Your Voice :

• Your essay should sound like you.
• Avoid overly formal language if that’s not how you naturally write or speak.
• Don’t try to use fancy vocabulary words or stiff academic transitions. 
• Use a tone and vocabulary that are comfortable and natural for you.

Be Honest :

• Don’t exaggerate or lie about experiences to make your essay more impressive. Admissions officers value sincerity.
• Write about your real experiences and genuine interests.

Share Your Passions and Interests :

• What excites you?
• What do you spend your free time doing?
• Sharing these aspects of your life can help admissions officers get a better sense of who you are.

Discuss Your Learning and Growth :

• Talk about how you’ve grown from your experiences.
• Colleges aren’t just looking for accomplished students; they’re looking for individuals who are self-aware and capable of learning and evolving.

Seek Feedback, but Stay True to Your Story :

• While it’s beneficial to get feedback from teachers, counselors, or peers, ensure the final essay stays true to your authentic voice.
• Don’t let others’ suggestions overshadow your personal expression.

Avoid Trying to Impress at All Costs :

• Don’t focus solely on what you think the admissions committee wants to hear.
• Your authenticity is more appealing than a manufactured attempt to impress.

Remember, the goal of the college essay is to give admissions officers a glimpse of who you are beyond your grades and test scores. Your unique perspective, voice, and experiences are what will make your essay stand out.

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

8. Avoid clichés

Is it cliché to even say that?

Avoiding clichés in a college essay is important to ensure your essay is fresh, original, and genuinely reflective of who you are. However, using clichés is a common mistake.

Here are some strategies to help you steer clear of clichés and write an impactful essay:

Identify Common Clichés :

• Familiarize yourself with frequently used clichés in college essays.
• These often include overused themes like “the big game,” “community service trip to a foreign country,” or “overcoming a sports injury.”

Choose Unique Experiences :

• Focus on experiences that are unique to you.
• Even if the overall theme (like community service) might be common, your personal take or a specific aspect of it can be unique.

Reflect Deeply :

• Go beyond surface-level observations.
• Deep reflection on your experiences can unearth original insights or perspectives that steer clear of clichés.

Use Specific, Personal Details :

• Generic descriptions lead to clichés.
• Instead, use details that are unique to your specific experience. This makes your essay more authentic and engaging.

Avoid Overused Quotes and Phrases :

• Starting your essay with a quote from Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., or similar figures is a common trope.
• Express the idea in your own words instead.

Seek Constructive Feedback :

• Have your English teacher or someone else read your essay to point out any clichés you might have missed.
• Sometimes it takes a fresh set of eyes to catch overused expressions or ideas.

Embrace Vulnerability :

• Writing about your uncertainties, fears, and questions can often be more powerful than presenting only your achievements or a lesson learned.

Remember, clichés often stem from trying to say what you think others want to hear or relying on overused ideas.

By focusing on your genuine thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and presenting them in a fresh way, you can effectively avoid clichés in your college essay.

9. Keep a list of Potential Supplemental Essay topics

Many selective colleges require supplemental essays often ask specific questions that require thoughtful responses.

Coming up with ideas for supplemental essays in college applications can sometimes be more challenging than writing the main essay.

However, ideas that didn’t quite make the cut for your main college essay might turn out to be just right for a supplementary essay. 

Here are some ways to write outstanding supplemental essays:

Brainstorm Around the Prompt :

• For each supplemental essay prompt, spend some time brainstorming.
• Write down any and all ideas that come to mind, no matter how trivial they might seem initially.
• This process can help you uncover unique angles to approach the prompt.

Use Different Aspects of Your Identity :

• Consider aspects of your identity like your background, interests, hobbies, and aspirations that aren’t covered by your personal statement or Common App essay.

Reflect on Your Life Experiences :

• Think about moments in your life that have shaped who you are.
• These could be major life events, small but significant moments, or unique family, cultural, or community experiences.

Connect Your Interests to the College :

• Many supplements ask why you are interested in a particular college or program.
• Research the school thoroughly and think about how its specific resources, programs, clubs, or academic philosophy align with your interests and goals.
• Avoid generic responses.

Revisit Past Essays and Projects :

• Sometimes, your previous work can inspire new ideas. Look through old essays, projects, or journal entries for themes or stories you might expand on.

Talk to Family and Friends :

• Sometimes those close to us can offer insights into what makes us unique.
• Friends and family members might recall stories or characteristics that you haven’t considered.

Explore Your Future Goals :

• Think about what you want to achieve in the future – both at college and beyond.
• How do your aspirations tie into the prompt?

Consider Your Challenges and How You’ve Overcome Them :

• Reflect on obstacles you’ve faced and what you’ve learned from them.

Look for Patterns in Your Activities and Interests :

• Examine your extracurricular activities, hobbies, and volunteer experiences. Is there a common thread that ties them together?

High school seniors can feel completely overwhelmed the first time they realize how many types of essays they have to write as part of the college application process. So keeping a running list of potential main ideas for essays can really help.

Remember, the key to a successful supplemental essay is to provide new insights about yourself, not just restate what’s already in your application.

Each essay should add another dimension to your overall profile, helping admissions officers see the full picture of who you are and what you could offer as a college student at their campus.

Final thoughts on writing a college essay that stands out

In summary, writing a standout college essay boils down to being clear, authentic, and thoughtful as college applicants tell their own story.

While senior year can be extremely busy, and the writing process can be tedious, once you start writing the first draft of your Common Application Essay, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a memorable college essay!

In exploring various college essay topics, remember that a well-written essay can be approached in different ways. This is your unique opportunity to distill the essence of your high school years into a narrative that resonates with the college community.

Your essay should reflect your individuality and give insight into your character, beyond what grades, test scores, and the rest of your application can convey.

Focus on telling your story in a genuine way, using your own voice.

Catching and holding the reader’s attention are key to writing a college essay that stands out. Use detailed descriptions to tell a story that will engage the reader.

Remember to let your personality shine through while carefully avoiding any cliches.

Be sure to organize your thoughts coherently, and don’t shy away from showcasing your personal growth or lessons learned.

Remember to proofread and revise; a well-polished essay speaks volumes about your attention to detail. Writing a college essay that stands out will require a lot of revision and reflection, so allow time for the editing.

Ultimately, your goal is for your personal statement essay to give the admissions committee a compelling reason to see you as a valuable addition to their student body.

Keep your college admissions essay straightforward, honest, and reflective of who you are, and you’ll be on the right path to creating a thoughtful essay that stands out from those of other applicants and resonates with college admissions committees.

And before you know it, you’ll be on your way from high school student to college student! Good luck!

Graduate of Brown University, higher ed professional, and mom of three. Sharing everything I’ve learned about college with you.

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