10 College Essay Writing Tips for High School Seniors
As you begin your senior year of high school, you’re probably starting to narrow down the list of colleges you’d like to apply to. A lot of the college admissions process is time consuming, but straightforward––send in your transcripts and test scores, fill out your information, and acquire recommendation letters. However, when it comes to college essay writing, many high school seniors feel overwhelmed and unsure where to start.
College admissions committees read thousands of essays every year, so writing an essay that makes a good impression is crucial to help you stand out. You’ve never applied to a college before, so it’s understandable that it may feel like a daunting task! To help you put your best foot forward, we’ve compiled our top tips for developing a memorable and impactful college essay.
Here are ten college essay writing tips for high school seniors:
- Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute!
A compelling, acceptance-earning college essay takes time to develop, so it’s not something you should throw together at the last minute. College admissions officers can easily spot essays that have been hastily written and may even overlook the rest of an application if they suspect that it was rushed.
Furthermore, different colleges will often provide different prompts, meaning you may need to brainstorm and write multiple essays. Start early, and give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm, draft, and revise. This way, you can ensure that each essay you submit gets careful thought and attention and represents your best work.
- Before Writing, Engage in Self-Reflection
Before you even begin writing your essay, take some time to reflect on your personal experiences, values, and goals. Now is the time to figure out what matters most to you. Consider your beliefs, passions, strengths, weaknesses, accomplishments, and dreams.
By taking time to engage in self-reflection, you will be able to identify topics that are both meaningful and authentic to you. For applications that provide multiple essay prompts to choose from, this process will also enable you to decide which prompt to answer. Knowing who you are and where you stand will provide a solid foundation for your essay, allowing you to write with clarity and sincerity.
- Stay True to Yourself
Every college essay you write should be centered around you in a way that is authentic and honest. Admissions officers want to hear your unique voice and understand what makes you YOU. Lean into what you are passionate about and write about topics that are genuinely important to you. By doing so, your personality will shine through, and your essay is more likely to stand out.
Don’t try to write what you think the admissions officers will find impressive or use a tone or vocabulary that isn’t natural. Most importantly, don’t use essay writing programs or generative AI to try and sculpt a ‘perfect’ essay. Instead, be honest and true to your personal style––your authenticity will speak for itself.
- Begin with a Captivating Hook
Begin your essay with a captivating hook that will capture the admissions officer’s interest. A strong opening sets the tone for the rest of your essay and makes the admissions officer want to keep reading.
Think about what makes you unique or what has shaped you into the person you are today. Whether it’s a surprising fact, a thought-provoking question, or a description of vivid imagery, your hook should make the reader eager to learn more about you and your story.
- Remember Your Purpose
The main purpose of a college essay is to showcase your strengths, experiences, and accomplishments in a way that engages the admissions officer and displays your personality. Think about what you want the admissions committee to know about you by the end of your essay. Keeping this goal in mind will help you stay on topic and communicate effectively.
- Answer the Prompt
College essay prompts are designed to inspire essays that provide insight into your character, personality, and potential fit at the college. It’s important to answer the essay prompt directly, addressing all parts of the prompt. Following instructions and demonstrating your ability to critically examine writing prompts is a central part of the essay writing process.
Approaching the prompt from a unique perspective is okay, but you shouldn’t stray too far off topic. College admissions officers may skip right over essays that fail to effectively answer the essay prompt.
- Tell a Story
Your academic transcript, test scores, and resume give the admissions officer an impression of your success in school, but your college essay is your opportunity to tell your story and paint a picture of who you are. Grammar and clarity are important, but you don’t have to be an outstanding writer to create a compelling narrative.
Use storytelling techniques to form a connection with the reader, focusing on the experiences that have shaped you and how they relate to your goals. A well-written story will leave a lasting impression and help the admissions committee imagine how you might fit into their college community.
- Emphasize Your Passions
Writing about something you are passionate about conveys what is important to you and can make your essay stand out. If your passions have influenced your choice of major, college, or career, be sure to share that in your essay. Illustrating how your interests align with your academic and professional goals helps demonstrate your sense of direction and commitment.
- End with an Impactful Statement
Finish your essay with an impactful statement that leaves a lasting impression. Think about the key message or takeaway you want the admissions officer to remember. Share this message by concluding with a thought-provoking statement, a reflection on your story, or a powerful summary of why you’re a strong candidate. With a memorable ending, your essay will linger in the reader’s mind after they’ve finished reading, helping you stand out and leave an impression.
- Proofread, Then Proofread Again!
It’s essential to edit and proofread your essay before submitting your college application. Write multiple drafts, ensuring your essay stays within the recommended length specified on the application. Check your grammar, spelling, and punctuation each time you proofread, and make sure you’re using the correct versions of words.
Try reading your essay out loud to catch any awkward phrasing or grammatical errors. It can also be beneficial to have multiple people–– such as a teacher, peer, or family member––review your essay to get feedback from different perspectives. Proofreading is the key to creating an essay that is polished and professional.
Writing a strong college essay takes time, dedication, and attention to detail. By thoughtfully crafting your college essays, you can show college admissions committees what you have to offer and why they should consider you for enrollment at their school.
We’re wishing you the best of luck as you begin applying to colleges this year!
