Successful Admission Essays: 3 Things Colleges Look For

In the evolving landscape of college admissions—from the more-recent Supreme Court decision about race-based affirmative action to the somewhat-recent adoption of test optional policies—the personal statement and supplemental essays have taken center stage.

In a survey of 48 admissions officers from selective colleges, three key elements stand out when evaluating a student’s essay: a unique perspective, powerful writing and an authentic voice.

Let’s look at each aspect more closely:

• Unique Perspective: Seeing the World Through Your Lens

  Your unique perspective is the lens through which you’ve experienced the world. You can show that by:

  • Showcasing moments of key learning, personal growth or meaningful contributions to others. What did that look like from your point of view?

  • Reflecting on everyday experiences like family meals or late-night conversations. What are those like for you?

  • Focusing on actions taken, emphasizing what you did rather than on abstract concepts or beliefs.

• Powerful Writing: Weaving Action into Your Narrative

  Colleges prefer essays based in action rather than ideas. Consider what your English teachers are always saying: show, don’t tell! You can do this by:

  • Ensuring that your essay follows a strong narrative arc.

  • Reflecting on instances where you took initiative or embarked on new experiences, emphasizing the actions you took.

  • Illustrating a moment where your actions made a tangible difference in the lives of others.

• Authentic Voice: Connecting Through Storytelling

  Each year, college admissions officers look at thousands of essays. An authentic voice is paramount, and will help you to stand out from the crowd. You can do this by:

• Telling your stories out loud to create a powerful, emotional connection between you and your audience.

• Utilizing our self-paced college essay courses, which provide a step-by-step approach to help you discover and express your authentic voice. You can create an account for free here.

Bonus Tip:

• Avoid rehashing achievements found in your transcript or lists of awards. Essays offer a unique opportunity to add depth and dimension, revealing the qualities that define you as a future classmate, roommate or campus leader.

Your college journey will be unique, and your essays should reflect the distinct qualities that make you an invaluable addition to your chosen institution.

Have a draft already? Check out our coaching packages and find the personalized support you need to take your college essay to the next level.