The College Essay

“Your college essay is the only part of your application where you speak directly, in your voice. It’s your chance to step off the page and be more than grades, scores, or activities. This isn’t about having the most impressive story—it’s about telling your story well. Your goal is simple but powerful: help the reader discover something meaningful about you that they can’t find anywhere else in your application.”

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5 Keys to a Strong Personal Statement

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1. Clear Focus

Don’t try to tell your whole life story in 650 words. Instead:

● Pick one main idea and stick to it.

● Every paragraph should support that idea.

● If someone reads it, could they summarize it in one sentence?

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2. Your Voice

This essay should sound like you—not a chat gpt or your English teacher.

● Be authentic, thoughtful, and confident.

● Let your personality, values, and sense of humor come through.

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3. Make It Relatable

Help the reader feel like they know you:

● Reflect on your life—where you’ve been, who you are, where you’re going.● Share a story only you can tell.

● Be specific, honest, and emotionally open.

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4. Hook Them Early

Your first paragraph must grab attention:

● Start with a moment, memory, or surprising detail.

● Avoid clichés (“Ever since I was a child…”) and dictionary definitions.

● Make them want to keep reading.

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5. End with Vision

Don’t just describe the past—point to the future:

● How have your experiences shaped who you’re becoming?

● What impact do you hope to make?

● How does this college fit into that vision?

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Too Many Topics

Stick to one strong story. You don’t need to say everything—just something meaningful.

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The Wrong Tone

Too formal? You sound robotic. Too casual? You lose credibility.

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Aim for authentic, professional, and conversational.

Bragging Instead of Reflecting

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Admissions officers aren’t impressed by what you did. They care about why it mattered and how

it changed you.

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Forgetting the Reader is HumanSomeone is reading 150+ essays this week. Be real. Be memorable. Be you.

Leaving Out Humor & Heart

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Your essay should have a pulse. A touch of humor, self‑awareness, or vulnerability makes it

human—and unforgettable.

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Final Writing Tips

● Write a messy first draft. Don’t try to be perfect—just be honest.

● Read it out loud. If it sounds like you, you’re on the right track.

● Ask a trusted adult to read it. But make sure it still sounds like you after edits.

● Check the word count. Most personal statements have a 650-word max.

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Reflection Questions to Get Started

● What moment in my life changed the way I see myself or the world?

● What’s something people misunderstand about me—and why?

● When did I face failure or discomfort, and how did I grow from it?

● What’s a simple story from my life that reveals something deep about me?

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Bonus Reminder

Your story is unique because it’s yours.

The most powerful essays come from students who are brave enough to be real.

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