How to Get Started Writing a Great College Essay
If the very idea of sitting down to start writing a college essay has you stressed, we have some bad news: application essays matter a lot. But, don’t worry, there’s also good news. Writing a great college application essay doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need to panic text everyone you know for ideas. You don’t need to take eight online courses. And you definitely don’t need to read sample college essays. You just need some guidelines on how to get going. You may even find that the essay writing experience becomes an exciting way to connect with interesting and unique parts of your life experience.
Choose a prompt and brainstorm
It sounds simple, but getting started is often the hardest part. Most questions ask you to reflect on some aspect of your experience over time, for example a challenge you’ve overcome or an interest you’ve developed. To avoid getting overwhelmed, choose one prompt at a time and start to reflect on your experience.
What about your life or about an experience you’ve had is unique or unusual? This could be something good, bad, or neutral. How have you grown or changed over time? The goal at this stage is not to tell a coherent story, or even to latch onto a single idea. Instead, try to get words on the page so you can reflect further and see what sticks.
Say something true
When it comes to writing a successful college admissions essay, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Great college essays can be about anything at all, and everyone has a unique story they can tell. Avoid gimmicks; they don’t work. Avoid cliches, too; admissions committees have heard them all. Don't read sample common app essays, sample Harvard essays, or sample anything else: they will lead you astray.
Sometimes the very best students have the hardest time with college essays. You don’t need to showcase everything you’re good at, or make sure to cover every extra-curricular activity. Instead, it’s actually a good idea to share something about yourself that’s a little different from the rest of your application. Once you’ve identified a great story that feels true to you, you can hone in on the right balance of storytelling and analysis to address any prompt.
Don't be scared to try something new
Sometimes we start something, and it just isn't working. Here’s one practical tip: when you need to start over, don’t delete words you’ve worked hard to write. Instead paste them into a notes document so you can come back to them if it makes sense. In the meantime, it will feel easier to let them go and start fresh.
Know when to ask for support
When it comes to college application essay writing, it can be hard to know when to seek support or input. Asking for feedback on your work from a friend, parent, teacher, or writing coach is a great idea - but too much feedback or the wrong type of feedback at the wrong moment can make things harder. Anytime you solicit feedback, it’s also important to take stock of how it sits for you. Ultimately, your writing is yours alone.
When it comes to college essay writing, sometimes we get stuck before we start. You may need help brainstorming and finding your story. Or, you may have a great story in mind but need some support when it comes to drawing out the big ideas and avoiding cliches. Maybe you have all of that squared away, but struggle with the mechanics of writing. We want to help! Contact us anytime to work one-on-one with a college essay coach.