Embracing College Essays as Opportunities
Applying to universities in the US often involves writing multiple essays, including the well-known 650-word Personal Essay from the Common Application, used by over 900 institutions. This essay asks, “What do you want the readers of your application to know about you beyond courses, grades, and test scores?” With various prompts encouraging self-reflection, applicants have the opportunity to reveal their values and personal stories through creative nonfiction.
In addition to the Personal Essay, many universities require supplemental essays that range from asking why you want to study a particular major to more creative prompts like Stanford’s 50-word challenge on “What is the most significant challenge that society faces today?” or a 250-word note to your future roommate. While the idea of writing even one self-reflective essay can feel overwhelming, these tasks are not just academic burdens—they are valuable opportunities to showcase who you are beyond your transcripts and test scores.
The Role of Essays in Holistic Admissions
Essays are an important part of holistic admissions—a process in which universities evaluate applicants based on multiple factors, including grades, test scores, extracurricular activities, and recommendations. But as application deadlines approach, many of these elements are already set in stone. Your high school courses, grades, and activities are all in the past. You can't retake a 10th-grade math class or change your 11th-grade history grade.
However, one part of your application remains fully in your control: your essays. This is where you can shape how the admissions committee sees you. Essays are your voice, your opportunity to speak directly to the readers, and to present your story as you want it to be told.
Yes, Essays Matter
According to the National Association of College Admissions Counselors (NACAC), essays rank as the fifth most important factor in admissions decisions, just behind academic strength and ahead of test scores. Essays give admissions officers insight into your personality, values, and how you might contribute to the university community. Beyond your grades and scores, your essays reveal your character, interests, and how you think—factors that matter greatly in holistic admissions.
What Should Your Essay Communicate?
When deciding what to write about, consider what the rest of your application already communicates. For example, if your transcript shows a steady improvement in math, use the essay to explain what inspired your passion for the subject or how you overcame challenges. Avoid simply repeating information that is already apparent.
Let’s look at a few examples:
Example 1: You write, "At first, I was only okay at math, but I worked hard to improve my grades." While this shows resilience, your transcript already communicates this story. The admissions reader can see your math grades improved over time.
Example 2: You write about winning three math olympiad medals. While impressive, this information is already covered in your activities section or awards list. Instead, dive into the process: Did you paint your nails a certain color for luck at competitions? Was there a memorable moment during your preparation?
Avoid Repetition—Reveal What’s Behind the Numbers
Your essay should provide new insights into your personality and thinking. Use this space to reflect on experiences that shaped you in ways not obvious from your grades or extracurriculars. For example, perhaps you solved a complex math problem by changing your perspective, a skill you now apply in other areas of your life. Essays are a place to explore these deeper connections.
Positive Character Attributes and University Fit
Universities don’t just want strong students; they want engaged members of their communities. NACAC lists “positive character attributes” as a key factor in admissions decisions, and your essay is a perfect place to highlight these. Think about the personal qualities you want to convey: Are you empathetic? Curious? Resilient? Show these traits through your stories.
For example, if you identify as a natural leader, tell a story where you took initiative in a meaningful way. If curiosity drives you, describe a moment when you couldn’t stop researching a particular topic, even outside the classroom. It’s not about telling the reader you have these qualities—it’s about showing them through specific experiences.
For another brainstorming exercise to help you identify positive character attributes, try the College Essay Guy's Values Exercise.
Digging Deeper Through Writing
The essay-writing process takes time and effort. I encourage students to trust the writing process and dig deep into their ideas. Your first draft might feel generic, but as you revise, you’ll uncover unique insights and personal details that make your essay stand out.
Think of writing like an archeological dig. The more drafts you go through, the closer you get to the “gold”—those personal stories and reflections that reveal who you are. By the eighth draft, students often find themselves more confident, having honed their ideas into something truly special.
The Essay Is Your Voice—Don’t Give That Away
Your essay is your voice. Don’t hand that opportunity to someone else, whether it’s a well-meaning parent, a professional, or even an AI tool. Instead, seek feedback from people who know you well. Ask them if your ideas are clear, if your essay flows logically, and whether your personal values shine through.
Tools like AI can provide helpful feedback on structure and grammar, and reflect back what your writing is communicating. But the heart of your essay must come from you. An AI can't write anything personal about you. The more you revise, the more personal and compelling your final essay will be.
Embrace the Opportunity
Ultimately, essays are opportunities to reveal who you are, both to yourself and to the universities to which you’re applying. Embrace the process, reflect on what makes you unique, and take pride in telling your story.
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