How To Make A College Admission Essay Stand Out

The college application process is a nerve wracking and entirely essential part of life. Prospective colleges often pose application essay topics by asking students to evaluate a significant experience or achievement that has special meaning to you, indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you and describe that influence. A student’s responsibility is to utilize the application essay question to reveal the answer to the question “who am I?,” beyond academic and extracurricular activities listed in your application.

In terms of the college application essay, choose a topic that is simple yet interesting and informative about the type of person you are or a personality trait that you are or that you possess. Use the application essay as an opportunity to describe the qualities and accomplishments you would bring to a potential college or university. Base your answer upon legitimate life experiences, (from the mundane to the extraordinary), an important event (like a trip abroad), or a teacher, coach, relative, friend, or even person in history. Specifically indicate how that person or event changed your perspective, enhanced your life, altered your viewpoint, or allowed you to learn something about yourself. Avoid topics like “what my room says about me” as it’s been done too many times and focus upon captivating the reader with essentially what makes you you.

Prospective colleges want to know the type of person they will or will not be admitting into their programs. Don’t be afraid to get personal, share your opinions, and be genuine. Your application will reveal all of their scholarly and extracurricular activities so utilize the essay to expand upon an event or particular aspect of your “self” that makes you different from others. Steer clear of controversial topics as “hot” issues (abortion, gay marriage, politics, teen pregnancy, etc…) as they often meet opposition and can be off-putting to those who don’t necessarily agree.

In writing your application essay, formulate and follow a well organized thesis. Determine one characteristic of yourself or a significant moment in your life that illustrates precisely what quality makes you a good candidate for a prospective college and get straight to the point. Be certain to follow the directions of the application essay question as well as offer details and examples which support your original thesis. Also answer only the application question and stay focused while adhering to word and space limitations as indicated. Be concise and carefully review your essay, focusing beyond spell check to ensure grammatical correctness. After you have completed your first draft, perhaps run it by a friend, teacher, or advisor for additional input. You might even consider using a paid service that specializes in editing college admission essays. Be open to criticism, as it is often constructive and an integral aspect of perfecting your work. Be certain to refine your essay until it is a complete representation of what you are, what you have learned, or what you hope to become.

Prospective colleges are seeking creative, sincere, and intellectual students who will contribute positively to their campuses and student population. Use your application essay to exemplify precisely what your values, principles, personality, and character would enhance student life on campus.