9 tips to make your college
admissions essay stand out
Posted on July 30, 2015 by Jessica Velasco
College admissions essays can play a big part in the college admissions process, especially
if students are applying to selective colleges. When numerous competitive students apply
and only a small amount of spots are available, the essay could be the thing that helps the
student stand out. The essay could also encourage an admissions committee to take a
chance on a student they may not otherwise admit. Whatever institution it is, the essay
could play a major role in the decision process and students should take their time crafting a
great essay to submit with the rest of their college application.
Here are nine tips that can help your college admissions essay stand out from the crowd.
1. Grab the reader’s attention early. Admissions readers will read hundreds or thousands of
college admissions essays every year. Essays that start off slow may lose the reader’s
attention very quick. Instead, students should consider doing something very early in the
essay that will grab the reader’s attention and will make them want to continue reading. This
can be done by making a bold statement or speaking directly to the reader.
2. Don’t tell the same story others will tell. When reading many college admissions essays,
the stories will start to blend together for the readers, especially if the stories are similar.
When brainstorming topics for college admissions essays, students should ask themselves
if someone else could send in the same type of story. If numerous students could tell the
story, the student might want to consider something more unique. Make an impression on
the reader! Some of the best college admissions essays are the ones that stay with the
admissions reader long after the admissions decision has gone out.
3. Be yourself. Don’t try to be the person you think the admissions committee wants to admit.
These types of essays are usually easy to recognize and do not come off as authentic.
Instead, write the essay in your voice and show your personality. The college admissions
essay may be the only personal introduction the admissions committee will have to get to
know you as an applicant.
4. Show, don’t tell. It is easy to tell a reader something about yourself. However, it is
important to show the reader. For example, if you want the admissions committee to know
that making a difference in your community is important, don’t just say it. Give an example
of what you have been doing to make a difference. Anyone can say something about
himself or herself, but it can mean so much more by showing it to the reader.
5. Don’t make it an academic paper. There is no need to use big words and show off all of
the vocabulary words you know from your SAT prep. Instead, the college admissions essay
should use the words you might use on a regular basis. Replacing “common” words with
words found in the thesaurus does not always make a person sound smart. Instead, adding
big words when they do not come from you naturally can feel forced and make the whole
essay not flow well. It is okay to write the college admissions essay using the words and
tones you use on an everyday basis.
6. Answer the questions. Sometimes people get so caught up in sharing a story and they
forget about answering all of the questions. Many college admissions essay prompts are
layered and have multiple questions. Don’t just answer the first part of the prompt.
Complete your thoughts and answer everything the prompt asks.
7. Proofread. Before sending anything, proofread your essay to make sure it does not have
any errors and flows naturally. In addition, go through the list above and ask yourself the
questions about your essay. For example, did you grab the reader’s attention early? Could
someone else send in the same essay? Is it unique?
8. Have someone else review your essay. Sometimes we are too close to our work. When
you are too close to your work, it is possible to miss something that others might not.
Therefore, it is important to have someone proofread your essay and get their thoughts.
While proofreaders might catch something you missed or give you an idea you think will
help your essay, don’t let them rewrite your essay. The essay should remain ‘your’ essay
and in your voice.
9. Start early. Don’t wait until the last minute to start writing your essay. Take your time. Give
yourself enough time to brainstorm ideas, write, edit, and get feedback from others. Waiting
until the due date can push you to rush the essay and miss something that could make a
difference in the admissions decision. Plus, waiting until the last minute can put a lot of
stress on you, and being that it is senior year, you will already have enough stress.