How to Write a Standout College Essay (With Examples)
- Danielle Mulligan
- Jul 31, 2025
- 2 min read
While many students (and parents, counselors and anyone else involved) may cringe at the thought of writing essays, they are extremely important in the admissions process because they are a window in your world. Essays give students the chance to showcase their personality, values and world views, experiences beyond grades and test scores. They allow admissions officers to see the person behind the application and understand what makes the student a compelling addition to their campus.
Tips For Writing Your Essay
Choose the prompt that speaks to you. Which topic sparks ideas or feels most natural to write about? Look for the one that allows you to tell a personal, meaningful story in your own voice.
Show, don’t just tell. Use vivid, specific details to help the reader visualize the people, places, and moments in your story.
Use active voice and keep it concise. Active verbs make your writing more engaging. If a sentence feels clunky or wordy, simplify it.
Take a break before revising. Step away from your draft for a day or two. Then revise with fresh eyes—and thoughtful feedback from someone you trust, like a counselor or teacher.
Be selective with feedback. Everyone has opinions, and they may not all align. Take what’s helpful and true to your voice, and leave the rest. Then, revise again. Remember that no one besides you should be editing or revising your essay for you.
Proofread—more than once. Carefully check for spelling and grammar errors, and have someone else read it, too. Tools like spellcheck are helpful, but don’t rely on them completely—they can miss or miscorrect.
Read your essay out loud. It should sound smooth and natural. If you trip over a phrase, revise it. Watch for repetition, too.
Let go of perfection. There’s no such thing as a flawless essay. When it feels authentic and clear, trust your work—and yourself.
Successful Essay and Personal Statement Examples
Logistics of Essay Writing
Don’t assume every college uses the Common App prompt only. Some schools have school-specific essays or supplements in addition to the main essay. For example, University of California schools don’t use the Common App and instead require four Personal Insight Questions (PIQs). Some colleges like Georgetown and MIT use their own application platforms altogether.
Track word and character limits carefully. Essays often have strict limits (e.g., 650 words for the Common App, 350 words for UC PIQs). Some school portals will cut off text that goes over the limit, so edit tightly.
Many schools require short answer or supplemental essays in addition to the main personal statement. These can include questions such as: “Why this college?”, “Describe an activity or experience,” and “What will you contribute to our community?”
Watch for hidden prompts; some schools release supplemental prompts only after you select a major or program (e.g., engineering, honors colleges, or scholarships).
It’s okay to reuse parts of essays, but always tailor content to each school’s values, programs, or culture.
Some platforms, like the Common App, experience heavy traffic near deadlines. Submit early to avoid last-minute tech issues or stress.
If you want help with your essays or personal statements, reach out to your College Hive Consultant.
