If you’re applying to college (and we suspect you are if you’re reading this), chances are you’ll need to write at least one personal essay. We’re taking the time to write this blog to tell you that this essay might be one of the most important things you submit.

At Class 101 Bloomington, we help our students craft authentic, compelling essays that reflect who they are and what matters most to them. A great college essay can make the difference between being accepted or passed over, especially when test scores and GPAs are similar. An awesome college essay can be the difference maker in being selected for a scholarship, or not. Admissions officers read hundreds, if not thousands, of applications each year, so it’s important to stand out and tell your story. 

We think essays are a big deal, so let’s talk about how to approach your college essay with confidence. 

Step 1: Understand the Prompt

Before writing anything, make sure you fully understand what the essay prompt is asking. Common Application prompts often ask about:

• -A meaningful experience or challenge
  
• -A moment of personal growth
  
• -Something you’re passionate about
  
• -An obstacle you’ve overcome

The best prompt is the one that allows you to tell an interesting story about yourself, providing insight into who you are and the characteristics or skills you’ll bring to that college campus. 

Step 2: Brainstorm the Right Story

A strong college essay starts with reflection. Looking at the prompt or prompt options, start making a list of stories you could share about yourself that answer the prompt. Which story allows the reader to get to know you? 

You don’t need a dramatic story. Essays about small, meaningful moments can be incredibly powerful when written with honesty and heart. Most importantly, be sure your story is genuine.

Step 3: Create a Simple Outline

Just like any essay you write for school, it’s best to keep it focused and start with an outline. Here’s a common structure for personal essays:

1. Hook – A strong opening that grabs attention
   
2. Background – The context for your story
   
3. Turning Point – What happened and how you responded
   
4. Reflection – What you learned or how you’ve grown
   
5. Connection – How this relates to your future goals and college plans
   

Step 4: Write in Your Voice

Admissions officers want to hear your voice, not a perfect version of what you think they want to hear. Certainly not the voice of AI or an adult with a heavy edit to your essay. 

Don’t be afraid to be authentic and use conversational language, not big words you might find on the SAT but wouldn’t normally use. 

Finally, don’t just say what happened, explain why it mattered. Don’t assume that the admissions officer knows how you felt or why this story is important – be descriptive. 

Step 5: Edit, Edit, Edit

Great writing is rewriting. After your first draft, read your essay out loud to catch errors or awkward phrasing. Remove any sentences that don’t serve your main point or add value (longer doesn’t mean better – remember those other thousand essays the admissions officer is reading?). 

After your edits, ask someone else to read your essay and share their feedback. We recommend working with a Class 101 college advisor, but you can also ask your guidance counselor, college counselor, or a teacher for feedback.

Start Writing This Summer With Class 101 

The best time to start your essay is the summer before senior year. That gives you plenty of time to write without the stress of deadlines and schoolwork piling up. At Class 101 Bloomington, we guide students through every step of the essay-writing process, working with students to have polished, final versions of essays before the Common Application opens on August 1st. 

If you’re a student or parent searching for college essay help, college planning services, or college application support in Bloomington, Indiana, Class 101 is here to help. 

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation!

Alyssa Stegemoller

Class 101 Owner + College Advisor