Hutchison School
Effective College Essays – Tips For Success
An effective college application essay:
 is thoughtful and honest - A strong essay demonstrates that you have intellect, depth, and self-awareness –
that you have reflected on your experiences and your future dreams/goals. It gives the reader a compelling
and vivid picture of you, showing your personality through your writing by communicating your ideas,
thoughts, and feelings.
 begins with a catchy introduction – It is important to capture the reader’s attention with a strong opening
sentence, keeping in mind that college admissions staff members will be reading a very large number of
essays, the majority of which will not stand out and therefore will not add to the strength of the overall
application. Your introduction should get right to the point and draw in the reader so he or she will look
forward to reading the rest of the essay.
 includes vivid details - The success of an essay does not depend on the topic, but on writing with a sharp
focus that allows for detail. Rather than writing about a vast topic in abstract terms, focus on one theme and
use vivid language that allows the reader to become involved in the experience and/or emotions you are
describing. Example: “I went to Latin America last summer” versus “As I stepped off the bus into the wet
heat of the small town, I thought to myself, ‘What have I done?’”
 reflects your individual voice - An essay will help your chances of admission best if it is honest and reflects
the real you, not who you think the college wants you to be. Write as you would describe an event to a
friend, rather than using big, “impressive” words that sound stilted. Ultimately, the purpose of any essay is
for the college to learn more about who you are – be yourself!
Do’s and Don’ts of Essay Writing
Do:
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Don’t:
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“Polish” your final essay through several drafts and feedback from others (but do not incorporate
someone else’s writing)
Read the essay out loud to be sure it sounds natural, flows well, and sustains attention. One trick is to
read the essay “backwards” – start with the last sentence and work your way to the first sentence to
double-check that your thoughts are connected.
Proofread for correct grammar and spelling
Follow the essay guidelines for length, spacing, etc.
If there are specific reasons you are interested in a particular school, mention this in your essay. This
demonstrates to the reader that you have done your research and have a high level of interest in the
school.
Simply repeat information contained in other parts of the application
Focus on weaknesses or complain about circumstances (although it is fine to simply explain a difficult
situation and/or show how you’ve overcome an obstacle)
Be “cute” or use gimmicks like writing your essay in the form of a poem, screenplay, etc.
Be repetitious or use clichés
Put the name of the wrong school in the essay!