College Essays: Tips to Make Your Application Stand Out


 

When it comes to college admissions, your college essay is your voice — your chance to show the admissions team who you are beyond grades and scores. While every student has a story, how you tell it makes all the difference. Here are some key tips and focus areas to help you write a compelling essay that stands out.

1. Start Early

Don’t wait until the last minute. Great essays require brainstorming, drafting, and revising. Give yourself time to reflect, write, and rewrite.

2. Choose the Right Prompt — or Create One

If you're applying to UC schools, you'll respond to four Personal Insight Questions. Other colleges may let you choose from multiple prompts. Pick one that sparks something meaningful — a story you genuinely want to share.

3. Be Authentic, Not Impressive

Admissions officers read thousands of essays. The best ones aren’t always about winning championships or launching startups — they’re honest, personal, and reflective. Focus on your voice, not your resume.

4. Show Growth

Colleges want to see how you think, how you handle challenges, and how you’ve grown. Highlight lessons learned, changes in perspective, or ways you’ve matured through experiences.

5. Focus on One Clear Theme

Avoid cramming your entire life story into 650 words. Pick one strong moment, idea, or value and go deep. Anchor your story around a central message.

6. Make it Specific

Use vivid details. Don’t just say you’re passionate about science — describe the time you stayed up all night designing a lab experiment or the thrill of coding your first app.

7. Get Feedback (But Don’t Let Others Rewrite It)

Ask teachers, mentors, or MyCollegely Pathfinder Coaches to review your draft. Feedback is gold, but make sure the final voice is still yours.

Need help getting started or reviewing your draft?

Take the MyCollegely Pulse to assess your readiness and connect with a Pathfinder Mentor for personalized essay support!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How to Get Great Recommendation Letters for College — Without the Awkwardness

  Asking someone to write a letter about how awesome you are can feel… awkward. But recommendation letters are a big deal in college admissions. They give colleges a glimpse of who you are beyond grades and test scores. Here’s how to make the process smoother, more effective, and a lot less stressful: 1. Pick People Who Really Know You This isn’t a popularity contest. Choose a teacher, counselor, or mentor who knows your journey — someone who’s seen how hard you’ve worked, how you show up for others, or how you’ve grown over time. They’ll be able to write more honestly and powerfully than someone who barely knows your name. Think: “Who could tell a story about me, not just list my achievements?” 2. Ask Early (Really Early) Teachers receive many requests, especially during application season. Give them plenty of time (a month is ideal), and don’t drop a rushed email. If possible, ask in person or send a thoughtful message that shows appreciation. A simple “Would you f...
Read more

FAFSA & SAI: What Every U.S. College Applicant Should Know

For students who are seeking admission to colleges and universities in the United States, knowing the cost of their education is a significant part of the application process. At MyCollegely, we know that this can be a daunting task; nonetheless, it does not need to be. We will simplify two terms that are frequently used:  FAFSA and SAI . FAFSA , which stands for " Free Application for Federal Student Aid" , is a form you fill out every year to request federal and institutional financial aid. It may come in the form of grants (free money), scholarships, work-study jobs, and low-interest student loans. FAFSA is your doorway to the majority of U.S. financial aid, and schools utilize it to decide what kind of aid they can offer you. One important thing you receive from your FAFSA is your SAI , or " Student Aid Index" . This number replaces what was formerly called the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The formula for calculating your SAI is derived from the fin...
Read more

Been There, Done That: The Power of Peer Mentorship in College Admissions

College admissions today aren’t what they were five or ten years ago. With changing rules, test-optional policies, shifting essay prompts, and fierce competition, it’s easy to feel lost in a maze of applications, deadlines, and decisions. While experienced counselors offer wisdom and strategy, sometimes the advice that hits home the most comes from someone who’s just been there — a student who recently crossed the same finish line you’re aiming for. At MyCollegely , we believe that there's great value in not just connecting students with seasoned counselors, but with college mentors who've recently gone through the admissions process themselves. Picture having insider advice from a big sister or brother who remembers every step, every version of an essay, and every nail-biting wait for news. Why Recent Experience Matters A recent college admit to the school of their dreams knows: 1.        What application trends last today 2.    ...
Read more