We know what it’s like to be staring at a blank page, unsure what you should write for your university application essay.
What sorts of things should you talk about? And how do you make your experience sound impressive?
We’ve got good news for you. The secret to writing a standout essay is not what you may think. It’s not about perfect grammar or using impressive words. It’s about winning over the committee with your story. And you don’t need to attempt that feat alone.
Let’s explore how you can craft a winning university application essay (and where you can turn for help when you get stuck).
The Power of Your Story
It’s certainly true that your grades make a difference when applying to colleges. They’re the easiest way to quickly measure your academic acumen. But without a stellar personal essay, all you are to the admissions committee is a set of numbers on a page.
Showcasing your dreams, passions, and perspectives through your supplemental essay is what transforms you from a statistic to a shortlisted candidate.
When the admissions committee can get a full view of you as a person, they can root for you to succeed – and that’s the first step toward enthusiastic acceptance.
But not just any story will do. The university wants to see that your story aligns with their mission.
Do they hold sustainable initiatives in high regard? Then talk about the recycling project you led at school.
Weaving the school’s values into your personal narrative is the key to demonstrating how you’re the perfect fit.
The Components of a Winning College Application Essay
Before you dive into the essay-writing process, be sure you’re starting on the right foot.
Here are the basic building blocks that make up any good college admissions essay:
1. The Hook
Goal: Make a good first impression
People remember first impressions, and your first sentence is your handshake. If you steal the committee’s attention right from the start, they’re more likely to notice you and dive deeper. Startle them with a surprising fact, a compelling question, or an interesting piece of imagery.
2. Conflict and Resolution
Goal: Demonstrate your grit
Like every good story, your essay should have a conflict with a triumphant resolution in order to be memorable. Keep the committee’s attention with personal struggles, interpersonal conflicts, or other anecdotes that are unique to you. Touch on the hardship, but ensure your focus is on the payoff. Share how you conquered the problem with resilience, resourcefulness, or courage.
3. Character Development
Goal: Showcase your personality
Your grades are just one of the many factors that make up your application. Admissions committees want to see who you are to understand whether you’ll fit into their program. What are your passions, quirks, and aspirations? Humanize yourself.
4. Value Sharing
Goal: Connect your story with the college’s values
Committees are looking for students who belong – and to show that you do, you’ll need to demonstrate that your values align with the university’s.
At schools with a heavy focus on community engagement, you’d do well to highlight your own community experiences. Do your research so you know exactly what’s important to your committee and how you can demonstrate those values through your own experience.
There’s an art to this process, and we can help.
We’ll work with you to identify your top choice school’s values, brainstorm unique angles, and craft a narrative that leaves the admissions committee without a single doubt about whether you belong in their program.
Want a step-by-step plan to get into your top five universities worry-free? Take our Program Assessment Quiz to see if you qualify.
The Editing Process
You might be dreading it, but editing your essay is just as important as getting the writing down on the page. The editing process helps you take your initial ideas and refine them.
It might take multiple iterations over the course of weeks until your essay is perfect.
How to Refine Your Essay
Writing is a process, not a one-and-done deal. Your first draft is just that – a draft. It shouldn’t be your final submission.
Read your essay out loud to see if it flows and makes sense logically. If you find sections that seem to wander or jump from ideas too quickly, add or subtract elements as necessary. If something’s just not working, don’t be afraid to scrap it.
You should also be looking at big-picture ideas, like whether your ideas lead into each other. Do topics flow naturally, or does it feel like you’re trying to jam unrelated ideas into the same paragraph?
Send your essay to friends or family members and ask for their honest impressions.
The key is to continue refining your essay until you're confident it covers all the components of a winning application.
A Window into Your Life
Your supplemental essay is a window into your life experiences, and you get to control what the admissions committee sees. Don’t skimp on this part of the admissions process, or your application will likely end up in the generic pile.
Writing a compelling essay isn’t something you can sit down and complete in half an hour. In fact, most students agonize over this part of the process for days or even weeks.
But don’t worry, you don’t have to manage this process alone. AdmissionPrep.com’s mentors guide you step-by-step, helping you identify the ideal programs for you and providing comprehensive support with your application and scholarship search.
We also offer personalized feedback and thorough proofreading for your essays so you can put your best foot forward. This covers everything from grammar and spelling changes to structural suggestions and improvements.
Want guaranteed admission into one of your top five schools? See if your profile qualifies by completing our Program Assessment Quiz today.
