These are some of the questions that I’ve received over the years related to writing your college or university application essay.
It can be a bit of a daunting process and confusing since different schools have different requirements.
I hope this answers all your questions too!
Read here about how to write a college/university application essay that stands out.
Dave
FAQ on Writing a College Application Essay: Your Ultimate Guide
Writing a college or university application essay can be a tough part of the application process.
It’s your opportunity to showcase who you are beyond grades and test scores.
To help clear up any confusion, I’m answering the most common questions students have asked me over the years about writing their college and university application essays.
1. What is the purpose of a college application essay?
The college application essay is your chance to tell admissions committees more about you. It allows you to go beyond your grades, extracurricular activities, and test scores. Through the essay, you can highlight your personality, values, and experiences in a way that shows why you’re a good fit for the college or university. It’s your opportunity to make your application stand out.
2. How do I choose a topic for my essay?
Choosing a topic can feel overwhelming, but remember, the best topics are often those that are personal and meaningful to you. Think about moments that have shaped you, challenges you’ve overcome, or experiences that demonstrate your values or aspirations. Try to avoid overly common topics like “winning an award” or “the time I helped someone,” unless you can provide a fresh perspective.
Some useful brainstorming strategies include:
- Reflecting on key moments in your life (e.g., a pivotal trip, a relationship with a mentor, an academic project).
- Asking yourself: What has made me who I am today?
3. Should I write about a personal struggle or failure?
Yes, writing about a personal struggle or failure can be effective, but only if you focus on how you learned and grew from the experience. Colleges want to see how you handle challenges, not just that you’ve had them. Make sure to emphasize what you learned, how it shaped your character, and how it prepared you for future success.
Be honest, but avoid making the essay too negative or focused on the problem. Shift the focus to how you overcame the struggle and what you gained from it.
4. How long should my college application essay be?
Most college essays typically range from 250 to 650 words, depending on the specific prompt or school. Make sure to carefully read the instructions, as some schools may have specific word count limits.
If you’re unsure, aim for around 500 words—this is usually the sweet spot where you have enough space to tell a compelling story without overwhelming the reader.
5. Should I focus on academics, or is it okay to write about other aspects of my life?
While your grades and academic achievements are important, your essay doesn’t have to focus on them. Admissions committees are looking for well-rounded individuals. It’s okay to write about your personal interests, hobbies, or extracurricular activities, as long as you tie them back to your growth, character, or future ambitions.
For example, if you’re passionate about a hobby like photography or volunteering, you can write about how those activities have shaped your view of the world or developed your leadership skills.
6. Can I use humor in my essay?
Humor can be a great way to stand out if done right. A touch of humor can make your essay feel more authentic and help admissions officers connect with you on a personal level. However, be cautious not to overdo it or make the essay sound forced. Keep the humor light, respectful, and aligned with the overall tone of the essay.
Make sure your humor doesn’t distract from the main message or come across as inappropriate. It should always enhance, not detract, from your story.
7. How do I avoid sounding clichéd or too generic?
Admissions officers read hundreds, if not thousands, of essays. To avoid sounding clichéd, try to focus on your unique experiences and how they’ve shaped you. Instead of focusing on generic topics like “I want to change the world” or “I learned so much from my volunteer work,” focus on specific anecdotes that illustrate your personal growth.
Also, avoid overused phrases like “I overcame adversity” or “It was a life-changing moment” unless you can provide a concrete example that explains why it was significant to you.
8. Should I write my essay in the first or third person?
You should definitely write your college essay in the first person. This allows you to connect with the reader and showcase your personal thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Writing in the first person also helps make your voice come through more naturally, which is exactly what admissions officers are looking for.
9. How much time should I spend on writing my college application essay?
It’s crucial to give yourself plenty of time to write, revise, and perfect your essay. Ideally, you should start the process at least 6–8 weeks before your application deadline. This gives you time to brainstorm, write several drafts, seek feedback, and revise the essay until it’s the best version of yourself.
Avoid rushing through the process at the last minute. Quality essays take time to develop, so be patient and give yourself time for reflection and revision.
10. Should I get someone to review my essay?
Yes, it’s always helpful to get feedback from others. Ask teachers, family members, or trusted friends to read your essay and provide constructive criticism. They can help point out areas for improvement, offer suggestions, and catch any errors you may have missed.
However, make sure the feedback you receive doesn’t change your voice or the essence of your story. You want the essay to reflect who you are, not who someone else thinks you should be.
11. What are some common mistakes to avoid?
Here are a few mistakes to avoid when writing your college application essay:
- Being too generic or vague: Admissions officers want to hear your story, not a general story anyone could tell.
- Ignoring the prompt: Make sure to answer the question asked. Sometimes students write essays that don’t address the prompt fully, which can hurt their application.
- Overloading your essay with achievements: The essay is not the place to list accomplishments. Use the space to showcase your personality and reflect on meaningful experiences.
- Using inappropriate language or tone: Be mindful of your tone. Avoid slang or anything too casual, but also don’t make it overly formal. Find a balance that reflects who you are.
- Submitting without proofreading: Always review your essay multiple times. Typos and grammatical mistakes can detract from your message and hurt your chances.
12. What if I’m not a strong writer?
If you don’t consider yourself a strong writer, don’t worry. The college application essay is about telling your story, not about showcasing perfect writing skills. Focus on expressing your thoughts clearly and authentically. The most important thing is to be yourself.
If you’re unsure about your writing, seek help from a teacher or counselor, or consider working with a professional editor to help you polish the final draft. But always ensure the final product is true to your voice.
13. What should I do if I’m not sure I have a “great” story to tell?
Every student has a unique story to tell. Don’t feel pressured to write about something extraordinary. What matters most is how you frame your experiences and what you learned from them. Sometimes the most powerful essays come from simple moments that had a significant impact on your life.
Focus on what you learned and how your experiences have shaped who you are. Your story doesn’t need to be flashy—it just needs to be genuine.
Conclusion
Writing your college application essay can seem like a big task, but it’s really just an opportunity for you to share your personal journey and reflect on your growth. Keep the process simple by being honest, thoughtful, and true to yourself. Use the FAQ above as a guide to help you stay on track, and remember—your unique perspective is exactly what will make your essay stand out.
Good luck, and happy writing!
Dave
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