College Essay Writing 101: From Brainstorming to Final Draft – Everything You Need to Know
The college essay is not just another document in your application package.
It’s an opportunity to speak directly to the admissions officers, unfiltered by grades and test scores.
This unique channel allows you to convey who you are beyond your academic achievements and extracurricular activities.
Direct Communication with Admissions Officers
Essays offer a rare chance to highlight your personality and experiences, setting you apart from the typical metrics of GPA and standardized test scores.
This essay isn’t about recounting everything listed on your resume; rather, it’s a narrative that gives admissions officers a glimpse into your character, values, and life experiences.
Showcasing Writing Skills and Unique Voice
The college essay is your arena to showcase your writing prowess and authentic voice.
Admissions officers want to see your ability to craft a coherent, engaging, and reflective narrative.
This piece of writing is more than a technical exercise; it’s an artistic expression of your individuality.
Importance in Test-Optional Admissions
With many colleges adopting test-optional policies, the essay has taken on even greater significance.
In the absence of standardized test scores, admissions officers may place more weight on other parts of the application, such as your essay, to gauge your readiness for college-level work.
While essays alone don’t replace the importance of academic preparation, they certainly add a meaningful layer of insight for the admissions team.
Starting this journey with a focus on the essay allows students to frame the rest of their application in a cohesive and compelling manner.
Next, we move on to laying the groundwork for this essential component.
Getting Started: Timeline and Planning
Begin Writing Summer Before Senior Year
The ideal time to start writing your college essay is the summer before your senior year.
This period offers a break from the usual schoolwork and extracurriculars, allowing you to focus on crafting a high-quality essay.
Starting early not only relieves the pressure but also gives ample time for writing and revising multiple drafts.
Remember, few essays are perfect on the first try, so multiple rounds of revision will be your best friends in this journey.
Familiarize with Application Platforms
You’ll likely be using one of the major application platforms: the Common App or the Coalition Application.
Both platforms have their own sets of essay prompts and specific requirements.
- Common App: Widely accepted, the Common App allows you to submit one application to multiple schools. Its main essay should be about 650 words. Familiarizing yourself with the platform can help you understand its various sections, deadlines, and requirements.
- Coalition Application: While accepted by fewer schools, this platform also serves multiple institutions. The Coalition Application essays range from 500 to 650 words, and like the Common App, it requires you to choose from a set of essay prompts.
Being knowledgeable about these platforms will help you stay organized and avoid last-minute surprises.
Understand Word Limits and Supplemental Essay Requirements
While the Common App suggests a word limit of 650 words for the main essay, some schools have specific supplemental essays that have shorter word limits, usually around 250 words.
These essays can ask more focused questions, such as why you’re interested in a particular school or academic field.
Not understanding these additional requirements can throw off your entire application process, adding unnecessary stress.
Planning for these essays is crucial. Budget more time if you’re applying to schools that require additional writing samples.
This way, you won’t be caught off guard and can devote enough energy to each part of your application.
By planning early and understanding the platforms and requirements, you’ll set a strong foundation for the rest of your college applications.
This structured approach will enable you to navigate what can otherwise be a chaotic process, making it manageable and more focused.
This initial stage is vital as it sets the tone for the essays and applications yet to come.
Choosing Your Essay Topic
Focus on Specific Experiences, Hobbies, or Personal Quirks
Your college essay is your moment to shine, and choosing the right topic is crucial.
Focus on specific experiences, hobbies, or personal quirks that reveal your character.
Whether it’s a unique hobby or a small but meaningful moment, specific stories will make your essay stand out.
Consider the activities and interests that you genuinely enjoy.
Maybe it’s the quiet satisfaction of completing a jigsaw puzzle, the thrill of a weekend hiking trip, or even the curious passion for vintage typewriters.
Think about what these pursuits reveal about you.
What do they say about your personality, values, and goals? Reflecting on these points will help you pinpoint a topic that feels both genuine and compelling.
Avoid Complete Autobiographies – Narrow the Focus
Resist the urge to turn your essay into your entire life story.
Admissions officers are not looking for an A-to-Z biography.
They want a snapshot that offers a deep dive into who you are as a person.
Select an aspect of your life that can be thoroughly explored in the given word limit.
For instance, instead of recounting every family vacation, zoom in on that one memorable trip where you faced a personal challenge.
Highlight how you navigated that experience and its impact on your growth and outlook.
This narrower focus allows you to delve deeply into your story, providing richer insights into your character.
Even Ordinary Topics Can Be Compelling if Well-Written
Don’t assume you need an extraordinary story to impress admissions officers.
Even seemingly ordinary topics can captivate if executed well.
The key lies in the details and the way you convey your thoughts.
Consider how a popular topic like a part-time job could be presented.
Instead of simply stating you worked at a coffee shop, illustrate a moment that stands out.
Describe interactions with customers, the skills you learned, or a particular incident that taught you an invaluable lesson about responsibility or empathy.
Details breathe life into your narrative, making it both relatable and memorable.
Evoke Curiosity and Authenticity
Your essay should evoke curiosity and make the reader eager to learn more about you.
Authenticity is paramount. Write in a way that feels natural to you. Avoid contrived stories or adopting a voice that isn’t yours.
Remember, admissions officers read hundreds of essays, and your genuine voice is what will set you apart.
When brainstorming, it can be helpful to ask friends or family members about your strengths and quirks.
They might offer perspectives you hadn’t considered.
Questions like “What are the things you think I do well?” or “What are my quirks?” can unearth potential essay topics that showcase your uniqueness.
Show, Don’t Tell
Once you have your topic, focus on showing rather than telling.
Use vivid anecdotes and concrete details to illustrate your points. Instead of saying you are determined, describe a scenario that demonstrates your determination.
This technique makes your writing more engaging and impactful, bringing your experiences to life for the reader.
Conclusion
Selecting the right topic for your college essay is a crucial step towards creating a compelling and authentic piece.
Focus on specific experiences, hobbies, or personal quirks that reveal your character, avoid turning your essay into a complete autobiography, and remember that even ordinary topics can be made engaging through thoughtful writing.
Your unique voice and genuine stories will captivate admissions officers and offer them a meaningful glimpse into who you are beyond your other application materials.
Writing the First Draft
Start with a Strong Hook
Grabbing the reader’s attention from the get-go is crucial. Admissions officers read countless essays, so a compelling opening can make all the difference.
Consider starting with a vivid scene, an intriguing question, or a surprising statement.
For example, instead of merely stating, “I became interested in politics,” you might write, “I first got into politics the day the cafeteria outlawed creamed corn.”
This kind of opening not only piques interest but sets up a story that invites further reading.
Focus on Showing Rather Than Telling
One of the golden rules of writing is “show, don’t tell.”
Instead of saying, “I am passionate about environmental conservation,” describe an instance where you took action, such as organizing a local beach cleanup.
Showing allows you to paint a more compelling and vivid picture of who you are.
It helps the reader understand your actions, thoughts, and feelings, making your essay more engaging and memorable.
Maintain Balance Between Creativity and Simplicity
While creativity can make your essay stand out, it’s essential to strike a balance.
Remember, the objective isn’t to write the next Great American Novel. Admissions officers are looking for genuine stories that reflect your personality and experiences.
Use your natural voice and avoid embellishments or complicated language that might cloud your message.
Think of your essay as a conversation with a trusted friend: clear, sincere, and heartfelt.
Now that you’ve started crafting your narrative, the next step would be to refine and polish your draft.
Addressing Race and Identity Post-Supreme Court Ruling
Understanding the New Guidelines
The Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action has created a new landscape for discussing race in college essays.
It’s crucial to understand that while race can still be discussed, it must be directly tied to your personal experiences and qualities.
Chief Justice John Roberts emphasized that students can share how their race influenced their life, whether through discrimination, inspiration, or other experiences.
However, colleges can consider race only when it’s integrally linked to demonstrating individual traits like resilience or courage.
Focusing on Personal Experiences
Authenticity is key when navigating these sensitive topics.
If your racial or cultural background significantly shapes your identity, it might be a compelling subject for your essay.
For instance, a student from an immigrant family could share how their heritage has influenced their values and perspective.
On the contrary, if you haven’t considered the impact of race on your life meaningfully, forcing a narrative might come across as inauthentic and could dilute your essay’s impact.
Maintaining Authenticity
Essays that resonate most with admissions officers are those that are genuine and sincere.
Pressure to discuss race due to its perceived importance should not lead you to fabricate or overly dramatize experiences.
Focus on real events that authentically depict your journey and challenges.
This honest approach helps in building a narrative that’s not only engaging but also truthful.
During this phase of reflection, think about moments where your racial or cultural identity played a pivotal role.
Was there a time when your background led to significant personal growth or a deeper understanding of others? These are the stories that reveal your true self and help admissions officers see beyond grades and test scores.
Navigating Sensitive Topics
Tackling sensitive topics like race requires a nuanced approach. Reflect on how specific incidents influenced your worldview or actions.
Avoid making general statements about race and instead focus on personalized anecdotes that highlight your experiences.
Consider how these stories can demonstrate your resilience, compassion, or other positive qualities that colleges seek in prospective students.
Final Thoughts
Adapting to new guidelines around discussing race in college essays post-Supreme Court ruling allows for deeper, more personal storytelling.
It’s about authentically sharing your journey and the unique perspectives you’ve gained along the way.
Next, we’ll dive into the editing and revision process, ensuring that your essay not only meets technical requirements but also retains its authentic voice.
Editing and Revision Process
Multiple Drafts Are Essential
When it comes to your college essay, the first draft is never the final draft. Instead, think of it as a rough sketch.
It’s essential to revisit your essay multiple times to refine your narrative.
This iterative process enables you to dig deeper, enhance coherence, and polish your writing style.
Remember, even professional writers don’t get it perfect on their first try.
As Adam Sapp from Claremont McKenna College said, “The best writing is rewriting”.
Seeking Feedback from Appropriate Sources
After completing a couple of drafts, it’s time to seek feedback. However, be selective about whom you consult.
Ideal sources include teachers, counselors, and family members who are familiar with the college essay requirements.
They bring different perspectives and can offer constructive criticism.
Some free resources available include essay workshops at local high schools or public libraries, as well as online platforms like Khan Academy.
Additionally, peers can provide insight, although it’s often better to prioritize the input of those experienced in the application process.
Balancing Personal Voice and External Feedback
While feedback is invaluable, maintaining your personal voice is crucial.
Pierre Huguet of H&C Education emphasizes the importance of ensuring your essay reflects who you are.
Your story, your experiences, and your personality should shine through your essay.
Thus, any feedback should be used to fine-tune rather than transform your narrative.
“Don’t let anyone edit out your voice,” cautions Mimi Doe of Top Tier Admissions.
Proofreading and Final Edits
Proofreading is your last line of defense against grammatical errors and awkward phrasing.
A polished essay should be free of typos and syntactical mistakes.
It’s also a good practice to check technical requirements such as word limits and formatting guidelines on the application platforms like the Common App or the Coalition Application.
Once your essay meets these criteria, it’s ready for submission.
Your essay, now honed through multiple rounds of feedback and revisions, is more than a document; it’s a personal reflection.
With these last touches complete, you are one step closer to submitting an optimal college application, showcasing the best version of yourself to admissions officers.
Final Steps and Submission
Ensuring Your Essay Meets Technical Requirements
Before hitting the “submit” button, ensure your essay complies with all technical requirements specified by the application platform and individual colleges.
Both the Common App and Coalition Application set word limits—650 words for the Common App and 500-650 for the Coalition Application.
Confirm your essay fits within these guidelines to avoid disqualification.
Proofreading Carefully
Once your essay adheres to all technical specifications, it’s crucial to proofread meticulously.
Spelling, grammar, and punctuation must be flawless.
While proofreading, keep your authentic voice intact.
This isn’t just about technical precision but preserving the essay’s emotional and personal resonance.
Avoid allowing proofreaders to alter the tone of your story, instead focusing on their input to refine imperfections without compromising your unique voice.
Seeking Feedback
Gathering feedback from trusted sources like teachers, counselors, and family members can provide valuable perspectives.
However, avoid overwhelming yourself with too many suggestions.
Aim for quality over quantity, prioritizing input that helps enhance your argument’s coherence and structure without drowning out your voice.
Final Submission Checklist
At this point, your essay should be polished and ready for submission.
Double-check these final aspects:
- Is the essay within the prescribed word limit?
- Have all grammatical and punctuation errors been corrected?
- Does it maintain your authentic tone and voice?
- Is the essay correctly formatted according to the application platform’s guidelines?
Submission
With everything checked off, proceed to submit your essay along with your complete application package.
On platforms like the Common App, you’ll typically paste your essay into a designated text box.
Trust the preparation and polish you’ve put into this part of your application.
As you move forward with your application, you’ll find that a well-crafted essay can be a profound expression of who you are beyond numbers and grades.
