3 Ways to Win at Writing College Application Essays

One of the most tedious jobs in the world must be reading all of the college entrance essays to determine who’s “in” and who’s “out” for the incoming class.

The words, “Boring” and “Tedious” come to mind.  I imagine the committee (hopefully there’s more than one person who has to read these things) sits around drinking wine and eating snacks, occasionally sharing tidbits of each essay to lighten the mood.

“This candidate says, “I want to attend to carry on my family’s legacy of attending State U’”. 

Oh please, give us a REAL reason; something we haven’t heard.

“How about this for an opener: ‘I’m going to tell you a little about myself.’”

Really? That’s the best he could do?

More wine, please.

I’ll admit that writing essays for college entrance remains a bit foreign to me, since all I had to do when applying was complete a short application form and send it in along with my SAT/ACT scores and high school transcript.  Sure, I included extra-curricular activities and every honor I could think of, but that was it.

Now applying – and gaining acceptance – to college is a competition that not only includes stellar grades and proof that you were involved outside of the classroom, but also answering at least one of the Common Core essay questions. Not to mention other essays required of some universities.

These entrance essays stump so many.  First, students have trouble deciding on a topic. Panic sets in, with deadlines approaching and parents hounding. In many cases, the first drafts turn into mini-boring-biographies without much inspiration.  Or worse, laundry lists of credentials that appear to have been written hastily while parents stood guard, holding their car keys hostage until all the essays were complete.

Teenagers nervously trying to figure out how to write an essay that may propel them into the college of their choice.  Busy parents who may or may not have time and/or writing skills to help.

These essays, while at first glance seem scary, can be completed successfully.

Here are three ways to win at writing a college entrance essay:

1. Answer the Question. Make sure you answer the question. Sounds simple, yet it is the easiest mistake to make and the number one issue I find with clients’ essays.  What is the “real” question being asked? Be sure the story you have crafted provides a clear answer to the question.  Don’t tell them what you want to say; provide the information they want to hear.
2. Provide New Information.  Your essay should do more than simply recap information that can be found on your college application. The essay is an opportunity to showcase why you would be a great addition to the university.  The question is simply opening the dialogue for you to show the reader the “real” you; something deeper about yourself that cannot be understood from the college application. Think of it as sharing something meaningful about yourself with a friend.  Find something new to share about yourself in your essay – as it relates to the question, of course. 
3. Engage the Reader. Imagine reading thousands of essays, most of which start out with a boring opening line, “I’m going to tell you about myself”.  Yawn.   Grabbing the readers’ attention and keeping them engaged is a good way to make sure your essay is remembered.  Like any good book, engage your reader with details that help immerse the person in the story, as if they were right there with you.

Three things: Answer the question. Provide new information. Engage the reader. 

Now you’re on your way to writing a solid college application essay.