How To Write Great College Essays: Advice From HECA Members
For many students, writing their college essay is one of the most challenging parts of
applying to college. Here are some tips from members of the Higher Education
Consultants Association to help you get started with your college essays.
Think of your essay as your chance to have a personal conversation with the admissions
committee. Use it to convey information that does not appear elsewhere in your
application and remember that the primary purpose of your essay is to give them a reason
to take you. - Doretta Katzter Goldberg, College Directions, Great Neck, New York
Your essay should reflect who you are: your personality, your goals, your passion for
learning, and your level of maturity. Focus your essay on a specific event which has had a
major impact on your life, rather than trying to provide a broad rehash of all of your
accomplishments. Admissions officers want your essay to “resonate,” so that who you are
comes across consistently in the various parts of your application. They want your essay
to be thoughtful, persuasive, and tie into your academic and extracurricular passions. –
Michael Goran, IvySelect College Consulting, Tarzana, California
Writing your college essays will probably be unlike anything else you’ve written! Nearly
everything assigned in your English classes is geared to keeping the author out of the
writing, while the focus on your college essays is totally YOU, putting across some of
your core values, personality traits, important experiences, etc. It’s a sea change, but
when you “get it,” you’ll be able to take off and write those essays! – Judith P.
Mackenzie, Mackenzie College Consulting, Seattle, Washington
When writing a college essay, it’s the execution, not the topic, that matters. There are
some topics best avoided: death of a pet or the tour of Mongolia are two, but keep the
following in mind: Write about what interests you; forget about what might or might not
interest the reader. Trust that your enthusiasm will be reflected on the page. Engage and
entertain your audience – make him or her want more. Know your topic thoroughly. If it
has to do with cars, for instance, know the difference between the transmission,
alternator, and manifold. Keep it loose and relaxed, and always entertaining. – Ralph
Becker, Ivy College Prep, Irvine, California
If you can say something that will make the reader say, “Me too!” as he finishes reading
your essay, you have succeeded. Don’t fear your audience. The reader of your essays is
probably not some crusty old gatekeeper looking for a reason to deny your application,
but a fairly recent college graduate who is looking for a lively, interesting essay written
by a person they would like to invite to attend their college. Be your lively, interesting
self! – Jon Tarrant, Jon W. Tarrant Associates, Carlise, Pennsylvania
One method to find essay inspiration is to create a list of little known facts, facts only
you would know. Brainstorm a list of your favorites; your likes and dislikes; unusual
events you have experienced; issues, images, or stories that affect your mood; etc.
Review your list and see if you can weave your insider information into a portrait of who
you are. Or find one fact/event you can build on to reveal a new aspect of yourself.
Remember to keep the essay positive and do not repeat information given in your
application. - Linda Ohlsson, Quail, Fosdick, Harris, Boise, Idaho
For the next few weeks, get a small notebook you can easily carry around. Every day, act
as a reporter and make free form notes on what you see, smell, feel and think about.
Chances are, you’ll find at least one good essay idea in your notes! – Ellen Fisher,
College4u, San Mateo, California
When brainstorming topics for personal statements, look for the unexpected, something
that someone who knows you would be surprised to learn about you. Use the first
paragraph to describe a moment, creating through words a visual that draws the reader in.
The following paragraphs can roll back in time and explain that image, the photographic
moment. Try to write an essay that is multidimensional in what it reveals about you.
When all of the above can be woven together, it’s usually a home run for the student –
something they are proud of, a story that’s a blueprint for who they are now and how they
will live their life.
- Sharon Lack, Sharon Lack Associates, Redwood City, California
You may have your essay completely figured out in your head—or an idea or even (gulp)
nothing at all. But you just can’t get started. That’s because the part of your brain that’s
saying, “I hate essays! I need a perfect first line! My idea is stupid!” is working overtime.
Try this trick: If you usually write on screen, switch to pen and paper. If you use a
notebook, switch to your computer. Write your name or “no clue what to write” or
whatever comes to mind, over and over. Before you know it, you’ll be writing that essay!
- Lisa Mathews, New England College Consultants, Bedford, New Hampshire
Still haven’t hit your theme? Here’s the question I ask my stumped students: If I took
everything away from you, everything - stuff, family, personality traits, your dog – what
ONE thing would you never allow me to rip from your life? Why? Happy writing! –
Marilynn Aiches, Berkeley, California
Nothing screams, “I wrote my essay the night before!” to an admissions committee more
than glaring typos and grammar mistakes. But if you’ve rewritten and read through your
essay a zillion times on screen, your eyes may trick you. For better focus, try this tip from
professional editors: Print out your essay and read it backward, placing the eraser tip of a
pencil under each word. Then read through your work from the beginning for sense and
style. Finally, ask someone you trust—a parent, teacher, counselor, or friend-- to proof
your essay, too. Now you’re ready to hit “Send”! - Ellen Fisher, College4u, San Mateo,
California
About the Higher Education Consultant Association (HECA): HECA is a member-run
professional organization for independent college admissions consultants. HECA
members are familiar with a wide range of colleges and are experts at helping students
with their college searches. To find a HECA member in your local area, check the HECA
Member Directory.