The Winning College Essay: 5 Strategies + Action Steps

Welcome to the latest edition of "Unlock Your Authentic Self" - your go-to source for strategies that help you and your student leverage true self-discovery for academic and personal success. If we're meeting for the first time, hello! Discover more about my journey and mission here.

The college application season is here, and high school students are facing one of the most challenging tasks: writing the college essay. As someone who's helped countless students through this process, I've discovered that the key to standing out is showcasing your intellectual vitality—your passion for learning and curiosity.

To help you craft an essay that stands out, here are five strategies with specific action steps you can take.

1. Find Your Authentic Voice

Admissions officers read thousands of essays, so what makes one stand out? An authentic voice. Instead of trying to guess what they want to hear, focus on being true to yourself. Share your unique perspective, passions, and values. Authenticity resonates deeply and makes your essay memorable. You don't need a dramatic story to be compelling; just write about what excites you and reflects who you are. When you write with genuine enthusiasm, your intellectual vitality shines through.

Action Steps:

• Reflect: Spend time thinking about your core values, passions, and unique experiences. Jot down moments that have shaped who you are.
• Free Write: Set a timer for 15 minutes and write about a topic that excites you without worrying about structure or grammar. Let your authentic voice flow.
• Voice Memo: Record yourself talking about your interests or a significant experience. Play it back and note the phrases and sentiments that stand out as genuinely you.

2. Tell a Captivating Story

Everyone loves a good story, and your essay is the perfect place to tell yours. The Common Application personal statement offers several prompts to help structure your narrative. Sometimes, the most compelling stories come from small, everyday moments—like a memorable shopping trip or a quirky personal habit. Think of your essay as a window into your soul, not just a list of achievements. Use vivid anecdotes to bring your experiences to life, showing your growth and character. Your curiosity and proactive approach to learning will naturally emerge in these stories.

Action Steps:

• Choose a Prompt: Select a Common App prompt that resonates with you.
• Outline Your Story: Create a simple outline with a beginning, middle, and end. Identify the key moment or turning point in your story.
• Write in Scenes: Describe specific moments with vivid details. Instead of saying "I felt nervous," show it through actions and dialogue, like "My hands trembled as I reached for the microphone."

3. Reflect and Reveal Insights

It's not just about what you've done—it's about what you've learned. When writing about an event, use the STAR framework (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Focus on the “Result” to dive deeply into your experiences and reflect on how they've shaped your aspirations and identity.

Action Steps:

• Use STAR Framework: For each key experience, outline the Situation, Task, Action, and Result.
• Deep Dive: Spend extra time expanding on the Result. How did this experience change you? What did you learn?
• Connect the Dots: Relate your insights to your future goals and aspirations. Show how past experiences have prepared you for college.

4. Highlight Your Contributions—But Don’t Brag

Showcase what you can bring to the college environment, whether it's a special talent, an unusual hobby, or a unique perspective. Remember, colleges are interested in the hard work behind your accomplishments, not just the accomplishments themselves. Walk us through your journey to success; don’t just tell us about the peak.

Action Steps:

• Identify Contributions: List your talents, hobbies, and unique perspectives that you can bring to the college community.
• Narrate Your Journey: Describe the effort and dedication behind your achievements. Focus on the process, challenges, and growth.
• Showcase Passion Projects: Highlight any projects or initiatives you've started that reflect your intellectual vitality and passion for learning.

5. Perfect Your Prose

Good writing is essential. While AI and thesauruses can help, they can't replicate your unique voice. Admissions officers appreciate clear, coherent, and error-free essays. After drafting, take the time to revise and polish your writing. Seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or trusted friends, but make sure the final piece is unmistakably yours. A well-crafted essay reflects your diligence, attention to detail, and enthusiasm for presenting your best self.

Action Steps:

• First Draft: Write a full draft without worrying too much about perfection. Focus on getting your ideas down.
• Revise: Set your draft aside for a day or two, then come back with fresh eyes to revise for clarity and coherence.
• Proofread: Check for grammar and spelling errors. Read your essay aloud to catch awkward phrasing.
• Seek Feedback: Share your essay with a trusted teacher, mentor, or friend for constructive feedback. Make revisions based on their suggestions while keeping your voice intact.

Crafting a standout college essay is about presenting your true self in an engaging, reflective, and polished manner while showcasing your intellectual vitality. Happy writing!

As always, our goal is to empower your family to make informed decisions that best serve your student's future. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies by hitting the “Subscribe” button. For personalized guidance, explore Ivy Insight for tailored support on your college admissions journey and Cognitive Command for Executive Function and Social Skills support. And for more tips on embracing your authentic self, check out my book, "Get Real and Get In" at St. Martin's Press.

This newsletter is based on content originally published in Forbes by Dr. Aviva Legatt.