The Essay
A college admissions essay—also known as a personal statement—serves two purposes. First, the essay lets you demonstrate your writing and critical thinking skills. More importantly, though, the essay gives colleges a better picture of who you are. The essay goes beyond your "resume," highlighting your personality, experiences, values, and perspective.
How to Write the Essay
First, pick your topic. This will frequently be specified on the application, but if it's not, you could use the sample essay topics below for inspiration.
Next, decide how to lay out your essay. Some essay topics will call for a formal, logical structure, such as, "What do you intend to major in, and why?" Meanwhile, other essay topics will be best suited for a narrative structure, such as "Tell about an experience that shaped who you are today." Remember: you aren't writing a traditional five-paragraph essay.
Start by writing an outline or draft—maybe even several. At this stage, don't worry about perfection; just worry about getting your ideas on paper.
If you feel stuck, talk with a family member, a friend, or even yourself! Chatting about your topic can help you figure out what picture you want to paint for the reader.
Throughout the process, seek feedback. Others can see the strengths and weaknesses of your writing with fresh eyes.
Sample Essays & Essay Topics
You may find it helpful to check out these sample essays.
Also, here are some general essay prompts that you are likely to encounter or that you can use if you are allowed to select your own topic.
- Describe which of your extracurricular and personal activities or work experience has had the most meaning for you, and why.
- Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.
- Discuss some issue of personal, local, national, or international concern and its importance to you.
- Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence.
- Describe a character (in fiction, history, etc.) that has influenced you.
- How did you hear about our university? Why do you want to go here?
- What is your intended major? Why?
- How would you bring diversity to our college community?
- Describe your background and how it has shaped you.
- How would your friends describe you?
- Describe a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution or experience that makes you stand out.
- Discuss a favorite book and why it is meaningful to you.
- Topic of your choice.
Do's and Don'ts
There no formula for the perfect essay, but usually outstanding essays are...
- Sincere: truthful, personal, in your own voice
- Easy to read: organized, to-the-point, and natural-sounding
- Interesting: original, detailed, and vividly written
- Edited: grammatically correct and free from typos
- Controversial ("My quest to legalize marijuana")
- General or boring ("Sports have taught me about teamwork")
- Cliché ("How I grew from volunteering")
- Stuck up ("How I plan to reform the education system")
Essay Editing Help
Don't submit your essay without getting feedback first! The essay may be the only chance you have to show the admissions officers who you are as a person, so make sure it reflects you in a positive, accurate light.
Have several people you trust look over your essay—teachers, relatives, or friends—and address the following:
- Does the college admissions essay address the prompt?
- Does the essay sound like you?
- Does the essay exhibit the do's and avoid the don'ts?
Still want more help? We offer essay help—from brainstorming to editing—as part of our college advising services.