Having worked with hundreds of seniors over the past 10 years, I’ve found that the personal essay remains one of the most misunderstood—yet most powerful—parts of the college application. For many students, it’s the first time they’ve been asked to reflect deeply on who they are, what they care about, and how they’ve grown. For parents, it can be tempting to jump in and “help” steer the narrative, but a successful personal essay is one that reflects the student’s authentic voice, not the parent’s résumé.
So, what makes a great college essay, and what pitfalls should you avoid?
Here are our TOP 5 TIPS:
A Clear, Authentic Voice
The best essays sound like a real teenager telling a story only they could tell. Don’t try to impress with grandiose vocabulary or forced metaphors. Be real. Be specific. Be you.
Example: My world exists at the crossroads of three places that don’t really seem to go together— Iran, China, America—yet I am proud that both Persian carpets and Chinese tapestries decorate my house. I love that my family has dim sum on American holidays and that my refrigerator is full of pomegranate concentrate and saffron jams made by my grandmother in Iran. My multiculturalism is a part of me that I celebrate, an instrumental part of who I am.
A Story, Not a List
Avoid writing a résumé disguised as an essay. Instead, zoom in on a moment: a swim meet gone wrong, a tough conversation with a teacher, a quiet realization during a summer job. Use that moment as a window into your character, values, and growth.
Example: What coaxes me out every time, however, is the afternoon card game: a strange Iranian family tradition that I associate with comfort and belonging. We spread a big felt blanket over the table and everyone takes a seat, the score-book in my grandmother’s hands. A poker face is universal, as is a coy smile or frustrated “umph.” At that table, body language matters more than the words that are spoken, and the challenges in communication that I’ve seen since childhood fade away.
Growth and Insight
Colleges want to see how you think and how you’ve evolved. Whether the essay is about failure, joy, confusion, or curiosity, the best ones show some form of reflection or self-awareness. Ask yourself: What did I learn, and why does it matter?
Example: More than anything, my childhood feelings of not-fitting-in were the result of my own perception; in changing my attitude, I’ve been able to knock down the barriers that I had created for myself. Now, rather than see language in an adversarial way, I use it as a tool to articulate my thoughts.
Focus and Structure
A great essay doesn’t try to say everything. It says one meaningful thing, really well. Keep it focused. Start with a hook, build with vivid details, and end with a takeaway that leaves a lasting impression.
Example: It’s not a coincidence that the moments in which I feel the closest to my cultures are at tables filled by friends and family. Maybe my role within all of my communities is to be the person that’s a little bit different—a reminder of the diversity of the world—and a contributor of nuanced experiences to big roundtable discussions.
Uniqueness and Personality
If you covered up your name, could your essay belong to anyone else? If the answer is yes, go back and personalize it. The most compelling essays could only be written by that student.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cliché Topics Done Poorly
Topics like sports injuries, mission trips, or “moving to a new school” can still work, but only if they’re told with depth and original insight. If the essay reads like a template, it won’t stand out.
Example: “Tearing my ACL taught me to never give up” — without specific reflection or unique personal growth, this could come from thousands of students.
Writing for the Wrong Audience
This isn’t an English paper or a speech to your class. Don’t write to impress your teacher or your parents. Write to connect with an admissions officer who’s reading hundreds of essays a week and wants to know who you are.
Example: “As Aristotle once said…” — name-dropping philosophers doesn’t make your writing sound deeper, just less like you.
Overediting by Adults
Parents, this one’s for you. It’s okay to review and offer light feedback, but avoid rewriting your child’s essay. Admissions officers can spot an over-polished, adult-sounding essay a mile away (and it often backfires!).
Example: A 17-year-old likely wouldn’t write, “This endeavor expanded my worldview and recalibrated my moral compass.”
Being Too General
Saying you’re “a hard worker” or “a good leader” isn’t convincing unless you show it through specific experiences. Details are everything. Show, don’t tell.
Example: “I always try my best” doesn’t carry weight without a story that proves it.
Ignoring the Word Count
Most essays have a 650-word limit for a reason. Don’t go over. Admissions readers are busy, and sticking to the limit shows respect for their time and your ability to write with discipline.
Final Thoughts for Rising Seniors and Parents
The personal essay is your chance to bring life to the application. It’s the story behind the grades and scores, the “why” behind what you’ve done. So here’s my advice:
- Start early. Draft messy. Revise bravely. And above all, be honest about who you are and what matters to you.
- Let the process be meaningful, not stressful. The best essays don’t just help you get into college—they help you understand yourself.
- For parents: trust your child. Offer encouragement, not control. Your role is to support, not script.
Need guidance? That’s where I come in. I help students find their voice, clarify their message, and craft essays that resonate without losing their authenticity. Contact me for a free consultation! Or check out our upcoming College Essay focused events.
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