College Application Essay Format – A Step by Step Guide

Writing a college admission essay is your chance to use your authentic voice and showcase your personality. It’s an excellent way to personalize your application beyond your academic credentials, and a well-crafted essay can positively influence admission decisions.

Want to learn how to write an essay for your college application? Here are some tips to help you get started.

Tips for Essay Writing

A typical college application essay, or personal statement, is 400-600 words. While this may seem short, writing about yourself can be challenging. It’s not something to rush or leave until the last minute. Consider it a crucial part of the application process. Follow these tips to write an impactful essay that can work in your favor.

1. Start Early. Few people write well under pressure. Aim to complete your first draft a few weeks before the deadline. Many advisers suggest starting as early as the summer before your senior year of high school. This gives you ample time to consider the prompt and craft the best personal statement possible.

   You don’t need to work on your essay every day, but give yourself time to revise and edit. You may decide to change your topic or find a better way to frame it. The sooner you start, the better.

2. Understand the Prompt and Instructions. Before you begin writing, take time to understand what the college wants. The worst thing you can do is submit a piece that doesn’t meet the basic requirements or address the essay topic. Review the prompt, note the word count, and any unique details each school requires.
3. Create a Strong Opener. Many students struggle with starting their application essays. Finding the right words to begin can be the hardest part.

   Spend extra time on your opener. The opening sentence sets the stage for the rest of your essay. The introductory paragraph should pique the reader’s interest and set your essay apart from others.

4. Stay on Topic. It’s crucial to keep to the essay topic. If you’re applying to multiple colleges, it’s easy to lose focus with so many essays to write.

   A common mistake is trying to repurpose an essay for another college’s requirements. This often results in a generic, unfocused, or confusing final piece. Always write a new essay for each application, no matter how long it takes.

5. Think About Your Response. Don’t try to guess what admissions officials want to read. Your essay will be easier to write and more engaging if you’re genuinely enthusiastic about your subject. For example, if many friends are writing about COVID-19, avoid the topic unless you have a unique, life-changing experience to share. Whatever topic you choose, avoid canned responses. Be creative.
6. Focus on You. Essay prompts usually give you plenty of freedom, but panel members expect you to focus on a subject that is personal to you. The best essays help admissions counselors learn something about the candidate that isn’t evident from the rest of the application.
7. Stay True to Your Voice. Use your usual vocabulary and avoid fancy language you wouldn’t use in real life. Imagine reading your essay aloud to a room full of people who have never met you. Maintain a confident tone and be cautious of words and phrases that undermine it.
8. Be Specific and Factual. Use real-life experiences to illustrate your points. Your essay can explain why a particular achievement meant so much to you, but resist the urge to exaggerate. Admissions counselors read thousands of essays annually and can easily spot a fake.
9. Edit and Proofread. After finishing your final draft, run it through a spell checker. Then, set it aside for a few days. You’ll be more likely to spot typos and awkward grammar upon rereading. After that, ask a teacher, parent, or college student (preferably an English or communications major) to review it. Finally, double-check your word count.

Writing college admission essays can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. A well-crafted essay could be the deciding factor in your favor. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be able to create memorable pieces for every application.

FAQ

• Should I Title My College Essay?
  • You don’t need a title. Most students don’t use them unless it adds a subtle play on words or reframes the essay. Titles are optional, so don’t feel pressured to include one.
• How Long Should My College Essay Be?
  • The typical length for a college application essay is 400-600 words. Specific application systems, like the Common Application, usually have a maximum of 650 words. Always check the word count requirements for each application.
• How Many Paragraphs Should a College Essay Be?
  • There’s no set number of paragraphs. Unlike English essays, college personal statements don’t need to follow a five-paragraph structure. The number of paragraphs can vary as long as the essay is well-organized and coherent.
• Should I Use Paragraph Breaks or Indentations?
  • Either is fine as long as you’re consistent. If you’re pasting your essay into a text box that alters your formatting, use paragraph breaks. Check the specific requirements of each application system.
• How Can I Make My Essay Stand Out?
  • Be genuine and use your authentic voice. Focus on a unique and personal topic that reveals something about you beyond your academic achievements. Start early, understand the prompt, create a strong opener, and ensure your essay is specific, factual, and well-edited.