6 Practical Steps You Can Take to Get Started with Your College Application Essays
Writing your college application essays can be a daunting task. For one thing, it’s probably the first time you’ve been asked to explore your personal experiences, to do some introspection and reflection, and to commit that to writing. It’s also intimidating because there’s uncertainty about what admissions officers want in the application essay. You’re accustomed to having clear rubrics by which your writing will be judged; admission essays have no rubrics. Finally, the admissions essay is perceived as a make-or-break factor in the admission decision, the most important part of the application. The high-stakes nature of the task combined with the fear of rejection adds to the pressure and sense of dread.
While it’s perfectly normal to feel some anxiety about your college application essays, they’re also a wonderful opportunity to discover and articulate what matters to you. No, really. Some of my students have told me they’ve learned more about themselves through the college writing process than they did in the previous three years of their high school career. There are indeed no rubrics: that’s why it’s important to let go of the idea of writing to what “they” are looking for. Focus instead on what you have to say because that’s what they need to hear. And while the essays are important, unlike the rest of the application, you have complete control over them. College application essays offer you an opportunity to distinguish yourself from the hordes of faceless candidates.
So, how do you get started with your college application essays? Here are 6 practical steps you can take to get started with your college application essays.
1. Write something. Write anything.
Write down anything and everything that occurs to you. Get your thoughts flowing. Don’t worry about grammar and don’t worry about making sense; just let it all out. This stream-of-consciousness writing can help you get unstuck, explore your mind, and make connections between thoughts, emotions, and ideas. It will also allow you to observe your thoughts and patterns of thinking.
There are 2 additional reasons to just start writing. First, it’ll get those writing juices flowing. It’s kind of like warming up before a run or a game. Second: it’ll help you externalize your thoughts and therefore give you something to edit later.
Need some suggestions? Write about:
- What you might want to write about
- A life lesson you’ve learned
- Something that made you feel deeply
- The best conversation you’ve had recently
As you write, do so nonjudgmentally. Embrace the flow, and go wherever your mind takes you, even if it seems fragmented.
2. Brainstorm the Prompts
Prompts can sometimes inspire you and give you a sense of direction. Take a look at the prompt(s) that you need to respond to. Do some brainstorming, maybe some reading (you can find collections of excellent common app essays here and UC PIQ examples here), and then do some more thinking. We often don’t know what we think about a topic except in the context of the thoughts of others. Write down what you think, and list the points you might want to make.
“I don’t know what I think until I write it down.”
— Joan Didion
3. Zero in on a Story
Take what you’ve written and zero in on a possible kernel of a story. You have many stories to tell, you really do. It might not be a huge life-altering event, and that’s okay. Some students think they need to write about dramatic or traumatic experiences to stand out, but that’s one of the biggest misconceptions in college admission essay writing. It’s often reflections on everyday experiences, done earnestly with relatable insights, that make for the most compelling essays.
“There is a great deal to be said about almost anything. Everything can be as interesting as every other thing.”
— John Updike
Write something that only you can write about. That’ll help your essay have a distinct voice. The problem with most essays is that they could have been written by anyone. And whatever you do, don’t ask ChatGPT or other generative AI to write your essay for you. That’s a surefire way to sound generic, banal, and plagiaristic.
4. Summarize Your Story in 1 Sentence
Imagine you’re on an elevator and only have a short ride to tell someone your story. What’s a one-sentence version of it? This elevator pitch version of your story can help focus your ideas and give you a clear direction.
Want some examples of 1 sentence stories? Glad you asked:
- “My interest in green energy helped transform our high school rooftops into a space for harvesting solar energy and reducing operational costs of the school while getting us closer to carbon neutrality.”
- “I channeled my interest in journalism and literature into publishing a newsletter to support students’ interests, explore creativity, and affirm life while bringing together like-minded peers to share their perspectives.”
- “I transformed my personal struggles into advocacy by launching a mental health awareness campaign, both on social media and within the school community.”
5. Outline Your Essay
Outlines do a lot for you. They keep your ideas organized and make sure you don’t repeat yourself. Just like a GPS guides you on a journey, an outline can guide your writing.
How do you make an outline? Start with your elevator pitch. Then think about the beginning, middle, and end of your story. Jot down the points you want to include in each part, both big ideas and details. Your outline provides a skeleton for your essay that you can flesh out.
6. Draft Without Fear
Remember, the first draft is not the final draft. It’s OK to have false starts. It’s called a “rough” draft for a reason. Just write! Let your story flow. Don’t get caught up with perfecting each sentence as you write it. That’s what editing is for. The important thing now is to get your story out; you can make it pretty later.
And that’s it. Six concrete, practical steps to jump-start your college essay writing. Happy writing!
Where to next?
Once you have a draft in hand, find people to read your essay and give you feedback. You’ll also need to learn to edit yourself. But how do you do that? Read this on the 5 hurdles to editing yourself along with practical advice on how to clear them.
Above all, the college admission essay is about you. Your experiences, values, and perspectives are all the material you can use to write your essay. One essential component of that is your origin story. Here’s some advice on how to tap into your own origin story.
References
Bauld, Harry. On Writing the College Application Essay: The Key to Acceptance at the College of Your Choice. Collins Reference, 2012.
Kristen Webb Wright, “Stream of Consciousness Writing: Ideas, Tips, and Prompts,” Day One, May 26, 2023.
