Are We There Yet? 8 Tips for a Knockout College Essay
Finding the words to express yourself is a key step in your academic journey
As you settle in to write your college essay, remember this: This step is just part of a larger journey. What got you to this point—what makes you, you—has been shaped by a series of decisions, situations and aspirations.
As you take pen to paper, fingertips to keyboard or voice to recorder, think about what you want to say to admissions officers about your story. How will you make meaning out of your experiences? How have they shaped your past and present? How have they influenced where you are going?
A college essay is a revelation of your personality, values and unique perspective. We’ll walk you through eight tips that will help you to go from concept to completion and deliver a standout statement that’s compelling and authentically you.
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Apply Now8 Tips for How to Write a College Essay
Whether you’re just getting started or revising a rough version, these practical tips and expert advice will help you write with clarity, confidence and purpose. With the right approach, your college essay can become the most memorable part of your application.
1. Start Early
There’s no medal for how early you start the process, but waiting too long can create more stress. Expressing something deeply personal takes time. Reserve time for brainstorming, drafting, revising, seeking feedback and final revisions. The summer before senior year is a good time to start. You’ll benefit from fewer distractions and more time to map out the story you want to tell.
2. Understand the Prompt
Whether you’re answering a Common App prompt or a college-specific question, do you know what’s being asked? Sure, you are being assessed on how you follow directions, but that’s just a small piece of it. The fundamental question is: Why are you applying? To take this further: Why do you feel this is an important next step on your journey?
3. Be Authentic
Authenticity is your secret sauce in the college essay process. Make sure your essay sounds like you—from the words you use to the story you tell. You don’t need to have a dramatic life story to write a great essay; authenticity and self-reflection are far more powerful.
4. Show, Don’t Tell
Use specific anecdotes and vivid descriptions to show who you are. The fact that you “don’t quit,” is better told by the story of how the low grade you received on your first biology quiz spurred you to earn A’s by the end of the semester. Are you “determined?” You sure are! That story of how you powered past fear and self-doubt to compose a unique piece of music shows it. This is your story, and you are not boring! Bring all the details to the table.
5. Narrow the Topic
You don’t need to tell your entire life story. Zoom in on a single moment, experience or idea that reflects something important about you. A story about a trip to your family’s homeland to rediscover your roots can reveal more about your culture, values and personal growth than a vague essay about reconnecting with your past.
6. Offer Reflections
It’s not enough to simply share what happened. You also need to explain why it matters. What did you learn? What values did the experience reinforce or challenge when it came to your ideals and outlook? Admissions officers are looking for self-awareness and a sense of how you’ve grown.
7. Revise, Revise and Then Revise—Again
This is your college calling card! Do you want to hand over a roughly sketched concept or a polished and refined piece of writing that gets to the heart of who you are? There’s no harm in jotting down a draft, setting it aside for a few days and then coming back to it with fresh eyes. Read it aloud. Share it with a trusted teacher, mentor or friend who knows you well. Be open to feedback, but make sure every word in the final version has earned its place and still sounds like you. And, please, make sure there are no typos!
8. Try to Connect, Not Impress
Let the admissions counselors see the real you—your superstar qualities and dreams, along with your weaknesses and doubts. Your college experience will be about a deeper unearthing of the real and authentic you, as you set out on a path to what you most want to do. Be genuine; be you. Real and compelling stories will help you to stand out in a sea of words.
It's Time to Get Started!
Writing a college admissions essay can feel overwhelming, but with time, care and revision, you can write an essay that not only strengthens your application but helps you to focus on what matters most to you.
Talk to Sacred Heart University’s team of undergraduate admissions counselors, each of whom is knowledgeable about Sacred Heart and the general college admissions process. Have a one-on-one conversation with one of our counselors to get all your questions answered. Email visit@sacredheart.edu or call 203-371-7881.
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