Discover the article below for tips from Essay Embassy Admission Essay Experts on writing a successful college essay. Join our one-on-one sessions with an admissions counselor for more guidance on personal essays and the college application journey.

Q: What tip or tips would you have for writing a good college essay (personal statement, CommonApp Essay, supplemental essays, etc.)?

“Be yourself. Don’t try to be someone you think the reader wants you to be. Make sure you research the schools thoroughly and know what they offer.”

• Gerene K., Former Admission Officer

“Show your true self! Many people try too hard to impress, but the best essays reveal your genuine personality. People are drawn to those who are genuine and hardworking.”

• Grant R. of Harvard University

“Get creative! Write on trains, planes, or during walks. Ditch your phone. Let Adele’s music inspire you. Mix in some poetry with your writing.”

• Finn B., Harvard University

Before you choose a topic, think about the values and personality traits you want your essay to show. Once you’ve done that, picking a theme becomes easier. For example, consider this: What experiences can you share that highlight your leadership skills and love for music?

• Elinor M. from Brown University

“Stay true to yourself!” Admissions officers can tell when your essay lacks authenticity. Skip the boasting and avoid comparing yourself to others. Instead, focus on demonstrating who you are through engaging stories. Share your ideas with trusted individuals like friends, family, or teachers to gain valuable feedback on your interpretations of experiences and interests. Polish your essays by proofreading them multiple times, either by reading aloud or using text-to-speech software, to catch any awkwardness and eliminate grammatical or spelling mistakes.

• Lara V.R., Harvard University

Tell your own story, highlighting what makes it special. How do your experiences connect in a unique way? Focus on personal and social aspects, avoiding generic extracurriculars.

• Caroline M., Notre Dame University

I recommend students to add a story to their personal statements. Think about how an event impacted you, what lessons you gained, and how it will stick with you in the future.

• Zoe E., University of California, Berkeley.

“Be yourself!” The key is for the college to understand who you are. Instead of saying “I think” or “I feel,” show them through vivid descriptions what you want them to know about you.

• Kaitlin L., University of California, Berkeley.

“Think about how your life experiences have shaped who you are.”

• Carolyn H., Stanford University

“First, decide what’s really important to you, then go from there. It could be a skill, a topic you’re interested in, a family member, or anything else.”

• Richa G., Stanford University

“Start by writing more, then later revise and trim it down to meet the word limit.”

• Lily X. of Washington University in St. Louis

“Being real and honest can really pay off — a lot of essays are pretty boring and just follow a checklist, so make sure to add your own unique voice and personality!”

• Sami E., Yale University

“Be genuine and write from your own experiences, not what you think the Admissions Office wants to hear.”

• Lillian E., Bowdoin College

“No problem is too small to address. Even if you find a topic boring, it can be engaging if it’s important to you. Another tip is to structure your story like an hourglass: start by grabbing the reader’s attention, shift gears in the middle, and finish with a broader perspective that lets them see beyond the story you’ve just shared.”

• Alli H., Stanford University

“Talk about specific moments that really mattered to you, showing why they’re important for your message.”

• Leonor W., Georgetown University

“Your personal statement should make me feel like I know you. It’s best to highlight your unique qualities through storytelling instead of just listing what’s on your CV.”

• Allison T., Harvard University

“Pick a topic you genuinely enjoy thinking and talking about. Not just something you learned from a study guide.”

• Daphne M., University of Chicago.

“Stay truthful!

• Mariko R., Yale University.

“Reveal your main idea through actions, not just words, and let your enthusiasm sparkle!”

• Marisa P., Yale University

“Stay true to yourself, but steer clear of cliches and craft a narrative with a lesson instead of just listing achievements.”

• Arham H., University of Pennsylvania.

“Explain the significance of your experiences, what lessons you gained, and how you aim to apply them going forward.”

• Lucas W. of Harvard University

“Here’s some top advice: Keep it personal, but don’t overdo it! I often advise the students I help that my CommonApp essay sprang from a random idea while I was driving; I stopped, jotted down some phrases in my notes app, and that became the first draft of my essay!”

• Bryan A., Stanford University

“Include anecdotes. Every word should matter as you edit.

• Katie C., Brown University

“Develop a strong theme and structure because style is almost as crucial as the essay’s content.”

• Maria A.R., Harvard University

“Discuss something that’s important to you! Many people write essays they believe admissions committees want to hear, but in my view, the most compelling ones are personal and a bit different.”

• Austin B., Stanford University

“Telling a story is crucial, but being thoughtful is even more important. Show how you’ve changed and learned.”

• Bailee P. of Brown University

“1) Read your essay out loud and fix anything that sounds awkward; your essay should flow like a story. 2) With a limited number of words, each one should be meaningful. Try to cut out any unnecessary or unclear language. 3) Show, don’t just tell. Let your actions and experiences speak for themselves.”

• Henry S., Stanford University

“Sharing a deeply personal story is key. It’s not just about listing achievements.”

• Arman R., University of Pennsylvania.

“Authenticity is crucial. Your personal statement offers a rare chance (aside from interviews) to connect with Admissions Officers using your own voice and perspective. Seize this opportunity by staying true to yourself and presenting a genuine portrayal. Leave a lasting impression by ensuring your essay reflects who you truly are.”

• Kaveh B., Princeton University

“When you’re writing, don’t only talk about your successes or hobbies. Choose a topic that shows who you are and how you’ve changed over time. And don’t be afraid to be honest about your flaws—it can make your story more relatable and powerful.”

• Philip H., Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

“Keep your attention on what matters most to you. What’s the most important thing about yourself that you want schools to know?”

• Gagan V. of Duke University

“Don’t stress about crafting the ultimate essay. Let your personality shine and show your genuine passion.”

• Emma K., Cambridge University

“Think about how special your story is. Make it personal and real.”

• Rouhin G., University of California, Berkeley

“Think about how your experiences and activities helped you develop as a person, rather than just focusing on what you achieved. Reading a few (2-4) common app essays from people you know helped you figure out what you wanted to write about.”

• Ishaani K. of Brown University

“Make sure your own story or ideas stand out in your paper. Instead of being too straightforward, weave your ideas into a smaller story that speaks for itself.”

• Sumona H. of Harvard University

“Think about the hardest times you’ve experienced. What did you learn from them? How have you changed since then? Show universities that you can take lessons from tough times and use them to grow personally.”

• Ruqaiyah D., Yale University

“Pick a topic that means a lot to you personally. Choose something that you really care about and will keep you interested for a long time. Your true passion will come through in your essay.”

• Genevieve L., Harvard University

“The subject of an essay isn’t as crucial as how well you write and show your personality.”

• Tara B. of Dartmouth College