Personal Essay Tips

The personal essay required by most colleges and universities represents an invaluable opportunity for students to persuade colleges that they’re a great fit for them. Since most schools became test optional during Covid, the essay has played an increasingly important role in helping admission officers determine whom to admit.

Many students find it daunting to choose a suitable essay topic and express their ideas effectively. However, conducting an honest self-assessment can make the process easier. This reflection helps guide the writing process, keeping them focused on topics that align with their goals and what they hope to gain from their college experience.

To create a strong essay, students benefit from using what they’ve gleaned about their wants and needs via the self-assessment process to effectively paint a picture of the specific qualities they possess, and which colleges will find appealing. Whether applying to highly competitive or more accessible colleges, the essay helps a student come alive, giving them the chance to be recognized as more than just a GPA or standardized test score. Indeed, a well-conceived and presented essay may very well tip the admission scales in an applicant’s favor, while a mediocre one (especially combined with a so-so record) may doom their chances.

 Many students mistakenly believe that a winning essay must describe exotic experiences. Some incorrectly use the essay to list accomplishments noted elsewhere in their applications. Still others submit sloppy, rushed work just so they can be “done.” _In truth, the “best” essays are not simply well written, they’re authentically compelling because they talk about common, everyday experiences in memorable ways which, in turn, provide insight into a student’s thinking, values, leadership potential and more. In short, the essay helps admission officers recognize and appreciate that special something that will make the applicant an asset to the college. The challenge, then, is to compose a piece that will make the reader take notice and, when finished, say, “What an interesting/kind/funny/smart kid! We want them here!”

 Remember that personal essays work best when they’re written creatively, like a story (e.g., they can use dialogue, boast colorful language, capture sights, sounds and smells, etc.), while supplementary materials (often required by Common Application schools in addition to the personal essay) can be more straight-forward and informational (“I want to go to College X because…”). All of an applicant’s written work is an essential part of the application and should be put together carefully and thoughtfully.

Professional, expert Independent Educational Consultants (IECs), like me, are ready and able to assist your student with creating a personal essay that can help them stand out from other similarly qualified applicants and, accordingly, take their best shot at being admitted to first-choice schools.

© 2025 Sandra M. Moore/Next Step CC, LLC – For more information, contact Sandra Moore at 845.242.8336, or email her from this website.