Writing a college essay can feel like an overwhelming task. But we’re here to tell you – you’ve got this! We guide hundreds of students in writing college and scholarship essays each year and know that with some careful planning and thoughtful writing, you can craft a great essay that showcases your unique qualities and sets you apart from other applicants. 

Here are some of our tips to help you write a great college essay:

1. Start early. Give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm ideas, write, and revise your essay. Procrastination can lead to rushed writing and a subpar essay. Avoid stress and start writing well in advance. 
2. Choose a compelling topic. Your essay should give admissions officers a sense of who you are and what matters to you. Choose a topic that showcases your personality, values, and interests. 
3. Make an outline. Creating an outline can help you organize your thoughts and ideas for supporting details in your essay. Outlines are great for brainstorming and make the process feel less daunting before you begin writing. 
4. Use specific details. Instead of making general statements, use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points. This will make your essay more engaging and memorable. 
5. Show, don’t tell. Rather than simply telling admissions officers that you’re a hard worker or good leader, demonstrate these qualities through your experiences and actions. 
6. Be honest and authentic. Don’t try to write what you think admissions officers want to hear. Instead, be true to yourself and write from the heart. 
7. Structure and grammar matter. Your essay should be well-organized and free of errors. Proofread your essay multiple times and ask a friend or parents to help with proofreading. 
8. Get feedback. Ask trusted friends, family members, guidance counselors, or teachers to read your essay and provide feedback. This can help you catch any errors or areas where your essay could be improved.

Remember, your college essay is your chance to showcase your personality, interests, and values. Reading your essay helps the admission committee understand how you might fit into their campus community and rounds out your application in addition to your test scores, high school grades, and extracurricular activities. By following these tips, you can write an essay that sets you apart and helps you stand out in the admissions process. 

We’re rooting for you! 

Need help writing your college essay? 

Class 101 facilitates Essay Writing Workshops throughout the year to guide students through the college essay writing process. During these workshops designed for Juniors, students learn how to write a 650-word essay that can be used for the Common Application and other college applications. 

Our next virtual Essay Writing Workshop is 1.5 hours and includes a follow-up 1:1 session with an experienced college advisor. Join us on April 26th during one of our two sessions from 3:30 – 5:00 pm or 6:00 – 7:30 pm. Signup by emailing Randy at [email protected].

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