No Essay? No Problem. How to Handle the College Essay.

One of the central parts of the college application process is the application essays. While grades and test scores give some hint at a student’s capabilities, the essay provides an opportunity for a student to present themselves on their terms. It can be used to show not only who they are but how they think and process information. It can let students convey what they are passionate about.

In this blog, we provide a brief overview of the different essays that students may need to write during the college application process. We explain what these essays are, what needs to be included in these essays, and conclude with some tips on how to write one. 

With this review, we hope to help students submit the best possible applications for the upcoming application season.

The Main Essay

For most students, particularly those submitting their applications through the Common App, there are two main kinds of college essays: the main application essay and possible college-specific supplemental essays. 

The main essay is the one most students think about when they think about a college application essay. It is a chance to explain their identity, values, and experiences to an admissions board in no more than 650 words. Students can achieve this by responding to one of seven provided prompts where they can discuss prior accomplishments, challenges, or ideas they’ve encountered. 

However, these prompts should be a springboard, a way to get started. Many students use the college essay to describe their personal growth, a meaningful experience, or passion. In the words of the College Board, the essay is used to “show that they’ve thought carefully about why they’re a good match for the college they’re applying to. They can show their commitment to learning and their eagerness to contribute to the college community.”

In other words, the main essay should show a student’s unique perspective and demonstrate their ability to think critically and engage in self-reflection.

The Supplemental Essays

In addition to this main essay, some students may be asked to submit a supplemental essay. The reason for this supplemental essay can vary, though they are usually more focused on subject matter. Some may be required by the particular school or department a student is applying to. Other institutions may use it to seek more information on a student and how they understand the university’s mission.

In 2024–2025, for example, New York University required all students to explain how their personal experiences or challenges shaped them as a “bridge builder”, reflecting their focus on recruiting students who could “connect people, groups, and ideas to span divides, foster understanding and foster understanding”.

Generally, however, the function of the supplemental essay is to provide insight into why a student is a good fit for a college or university. Length will vary depending on institution but is usually between 200 and 400 words.

Prompts too will likely vary but, given the focus, often center around a few central questions. Why is the student applying to this school? What skills can they contribute to the campus community? How does this program fit the student’s goals? How does the student embody the university’s mission?

Students with the best supplemental essays are often those who are the most specific, those who can tailor their experiences to the college they are applying to. Students should try to show genuine interest and commitment to the place they are applying.

Other Essays?

Other universities, particularly elite colleges with highly competitive programs, may require more than two essays. Those who rely on platforms other than the Common App may have their own unique prompts and requirements.

Georgetown University, for example, required four essays for the 2024–2025 application season, with the first prompt asking students to explain their special skills, the second prompt asking them to explain a summer activity, and the third to articulate how they would contribute to Georgetown’s diverse community. A fourth, school-specific essay tested students on their knowledge and dedication toward the particular school they wanted to apply to. (The School of Foreign Service essay, for example, asked students to describe their motivations for studying international affairs and their desired future in global service.)

Students seeking to apply to highly selective schools should read the requirements and prompts for these essays carefully. Often, this information can be found on the school website or in the application platform.

Tips for Writing

Regardless of what you are writing, there are a few proven ways to stand out from the crowd. First, truism though it may be, it’s important to be authentic. College admissions boards want to get to know the student for who they are, not a false version of them. Students should be themselves and be comfortable with the lives they’ve lived instead of trying to exaggerate or invent experiences where there are none.

Additionally, students should exercise care in their writing. They should be vivid, descriptive. They should show and not tell wherever possible. This means trying to capture ideas in a scene (“The grueling summer months forced me to be responsible for my co-workers, to keep track of their progress and jump in when they were falling behind”) instead of relaying important information from a distance (“My summer job taught me how to be responsible”). 

They might also try to avoid cliches and steer away from overused topics. While overcoming an injury as a student athlete might have been an important experience, many applicants will be writing about the same thing. Students should ask themselves whether they can contribute anything new with their particular essay.

Lastly, students should try to tailor their essay as much as possible. For supplemental essays, this can be as simple as researching the college to ensure that the essay reflects the school’s values, programs, and unique history. However, specificity can also be critical for students trying to convey their own goals. They should be clear about how the college they are applying to can help them achieve their academic and career aspirations.

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This blog provided a few basic tips on the college essay, not just what colleges are looking for from each but also some tips on how to write them. To achieve the best possible essays, students should closely review this piece and, more importantly, give themselves time to write their pieces in a thoughtful, careful manner. Care and preparation, as with all things, is key.

If you are in need of additional support, we encourage you to connect with one of our Class 101 college advisors. Many of our locations have essay workshops over the summer where they teach writing skills. You can find more information at your closest location!