How to Write a College Essay that Engages Your Reader

College admissions officers often read thousands of essays each admissions cycle. For that reason, it’s important to make sure that your essays stand out from the rest!

We have a foolproof, 3-step guide to crafting captivating essays that leave a lasting impression, keeping your readers engaged from the opening sentence to the very last word.

1. Begin with a Magnet: Captivating First Sentence(s)

Your first sentence (or first few sentences) is what draws readers into your world. Consider these two examples:

• "Sometimes, it’s the lives of others that bring out the best in you."

• "I sat down at the base of the tree, whistling her favorite tune and listening to the birds echoing me."

The first sentence is somewhat vague, boring and a bit clichéd. The second sentence, by contrast, is filled with descriptive details and puts the reader in the action right from the start.

• You want to craft an engaging opening that compels your reader to delve further into your unique story.

Consider the two sentences above. Which sentence makes you want to continue on to find out what happens next?

2. Have a Distinct Pivot: Turning Point(s) with Impact

• A pivot is your essay's turning point, revealing risk, learning, growth, change, or action. Consider these two examples:

• "It was then I realized that even the simplest of actions could change the world, even if it’s just the world of one person."

• "I looked back at the girl. She was walking away with her head bowed. I looked ahead at the woods in front of me, and took a deep breath. 'Hey!' I called back to her, and held out my hand, 'Quick, come with me!'"

The first sentence is a bit clunky, vague and clichéd. It also relies heavily on someone’s own perception of the event, instead of the giving the reader an opportunity to make their own judgement. (Think show, don’t tell.) The second sentence, by contrast, is much more descriptive and grounded in action and gives the reader a chance to infer what’s happening and why (i.e. why would she be “walking away with her head bowed”?).

• Your pivot showcases a clear before-and-after scenario, emphasizing the transformative moment in your narrative.

Consider the two sentences above. Which sentence demonstrates a unique, distinct change in the person telling the story?

3. End with a Glow: Last Impression

• The glow is your essay's last sentence(s), a powerful conclusion that stays with your reader and makes them want to know more about you. Consider these two examples:

• "I couldn't agree more with Hubert H. Humphrey, who wrote, 'The greatest gift of life is friendship, and I have received it.'" (Boring and general)

• "I threw my hand up in the air, holding up three fingers in remembrance of my fallen friend, and found within me a new resolution to make it through." (Much stronger)

The first sentence is general, boring and clichéd. It is a popular quote and won’t help the writer distinguish themselves from the thousands of essays an admissions officer will read. The second sentence, by contrast, is more descriptive and memorable: the reader can visualize the author’s three fingers in the air and the distinct change that’s occurred within them.

• Your glow should keep the reader immersed in your story, leaving them eager to know more about you

Consider the two sentences above. Which one leaves a stronger, more lasting impact and makes you want to get to know the author further?

By following this simple structure, you will be able to write essays that seamlessly captivate admissions officers from start to finish. Craft your narrative with precision and let your story shine brightly!

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