5 Expert Tips to Make Your College Essay Stand Out
Inspired by Khan Academy and Big Future
If you're a rising senior staring down the blank page of your personal statement, you're not alone. Writing a college essay can feel intimidating—how do you summarize who you are and what matters to you in just 650 words? In this article, we have outlined five essential tips to help you write an essay that captures attention and leaves a lasting impression. Here's a breakdown:
Tip #1: Create Curiosity from the Start
Great essays hook the reader with a sense of intrigue. This doesn’t mean starting with a question—but you should make the reader ask one. For example, a line like, “I sat down in the back of the crowded auditorium without a clue that I’d soon be standing center stage,” makes us want to keep reading. What happened in that auditorium? Why was it unexpected? The key is to build momentum early, encouraging your reader to stick with you through the twists and turns of your story.
Tip #2: Don’t Dwell in the Past
Admissions officers aren’t looking for a highlight reel. They’re looking for insight into your growth and self-awareness. If you write about a past experience—whether it’s a science fair disaster or a summer job at a grocery store—make sure to connect it to the person you are today. Even better, hint at how it has shaped your future. Colleges love students who reflect and look forward.
Tip #3: Be Honest and Vulnerable
You don’t need to prove you’re perfect. In fact, the most memorable essays are those that show real emotion, personal change, and even struggle. Open up about how an experience challenged you or changed your thinking. Readers will connect more with your sincerity than your résumé. Vulnerability builds authenticity, and authenticity builds trust.
Tip #4: Surprise Your Reader
One of the best ways to stand out is by defying expectations. Maybe the varsity athlete is obsessed with jazz piano, or the chess club president finds peace fixing motorcycles. Share something that reveals a lesser-known side of you, or give your story a surprising twist. The unexpected is what keeps an admissions officer reading—even after 50 essays in a row.
Tip #5: Let the Story Speak for Itself
This might be the most counterintuitive advice of all: don’t spell out the moral of your story. Avoid phrases like “That’s when I realized…” or “The lesson I learned was…” Instead, show your growth through your actions, thoughts, or choices. Let your reader draw the conclusion. If done well, your final image or line can say more than any summary ever could.
Final Thoughts
The college essay isn’t about impressing someone with your achievements. It’s about giving them a glimpse of who you are—your voice, your values, your evolution. Use these tips to craft a story that’s honest, reflective, and unmistakably you.