Why do I have to write essays for US college applications?

Admissions officers use college admissions essays to evaluate your character, writing skills, and ability to self-reflect. The essay is your chance to show what you will add to the academic community.

The college essay may be the deciding factor in your application, especially for competitive schools where most applicants have exceptional grades, test scores, and extracurriculars.

Some colleges also require supplemental essays about specific topics, such as why you chose that specific college. Scholarship essays are often required to obtain financial aid.

Frequently asked questions: College admissions essays

Which Common App essay prompt should I choose?: When writing your Common App essay, choose a prompt that sparks your interest and that you can connect to a unique personal story.

No matter which prompt you choose, admissions officers are more interested in your ability to demonstrate personal development, insight, or motivation for a certain area of study.
What is the Common Application essay?: The Common App essay is your primary writing sample within the Common Application, a college application portal accepted by more than 900 schools. All your prospective schools that accept the Common App will read this essay to understand your character, background, and value as a potential student.

Since this essay is read by many colleges, avoid mentioning any college names or programs; instead, save tailored answers for the supplementary school-specific essays within the Common App.
How do I write about myself in a college essay?: Most importantly, your essay should be about you, not another person or thing. An insightful college admissions essay requires deep self-reflection, authenticity, and a balance between confidence and vulnerability.

Your essay shouldn’t be a résumé of your experiences but instead should tell a story that demonstrates your most important values and qualities.
How do I revise my college essay?: When revising your college essay, first check for big-picture issues regarding your message and content. Then, check for flow, tone, style, and clarity. Finally, focus on eliminating grammar and punctuation errors.
How do I meet the word count?: If your college essay goes over the word count limit, cut any sentences with tangents or irrelevant details. Delete unnecessary words that clutter your essay.

If you’re struggling to reach the word count for your college essay, add vivid personal stories or share your feelings and insight to give your essay more depth and authenticity.
How do I write a college essay fast?: If you’ve got to write your college essay fast, don’t panic. First, set yourself deadlines: you should spend about 10% of your remaining time on brainstorming, 10% on outlining, 40% writing, 30% revising, and 10% taking breaks in between stages.

Second, brainstorm stories and values based on your essay prompt.

Third, outline your essay based on the montage or narrative essay structure.

Fourth, write specific, personal, and unique stories that would be hard for other students to replicate.

Fifth, revise your essay and make sure it’s clearly written.

Last, if possible, get feedback from an essay coach. Scribbr essay editors can help you revise your essay in 12 hours or less.
Can I swear in a college essay?: Avoid swearing in a college essay, since admissions officers’ opinions of profanity will vary. In some cases, it might be okay to use a vulgar word, such as in dialogue or quotes that make an important point in your essay. However, it’s safest to try to make the same point without swearing.
Can I use my college essay to explain bad grades?: If you have bad grades on your transcript, you may want to use your college admissions essay to explain the challenging circumstances that led to them. Make sure to avoid dwelling on the negative aspects and highlight how you overcame the situation or learned an important lesson.

However, some college applications offer an additional information section where you can explain your bad grades, allowing you to choose another meaningful topic for your college essay.
What are cliché college essay topics?: Here’s a brief list of college essay topics that may be considered cliché:

Extracurriculars, especially sports

Role models

Dealing with a personal tragedy or death in the family

Struggling with new life situations (immigrant stories, moving homes, parents’ divorce)

Becoming a better person after community service, traveling, or summer camp

Overcoming a difficult class

Using a common object as an extended metaphor

It’s easier to write a standout essay with a unique topic. However, it’s possible to make a common topic compelling with interesting story arcs, uncommon connections, and an advanced writing style.
Can I use contractions in a college essay?: Yes. The college application essay is less formal than other academic writing—though of course it’s not mandatory to use contractions in your essay.
What tense should I write my college essay in?: In a college essay, you can be creative with your language. When writing about the past, you can use the present tense to make the reader feel as if they were there in the moment with you. But make sure to maintain consistency and when in doubt, default to the correct verb tense according to the time you’re writing about.
What is the purpose of a college essay?: The college admissions essay gives admissions officers a different perspective on you beyond your academic achievements, test scores, and extracurriculars. It’s your chance to stand out from other applicants with similar academic profiles by telling a unique, personal, and specific story.
What font should I use for a college essay?: Use a standard font such as Times New Roman or Arial to avoid distracting the reader from your college essay’s content.
How should I cite sources in a college application essay?: A college application essay is less formal than most academic writing. Instead of citing sources formally with in-text citations and a reference list, you can cite them informally in your text.

For example, “In her research paper on genetics, Quinn Roberts explores …”
How many paragraphs should a college essay be?: There is no set number of paragraphs in a college admissions essay. College admissions essays can diverge from the traditional five-paragraph essay structure that you learned in English class. Just make sure to stay under the specified word count.
What topics should I avoid in a college essay?: Most topics are acceptable for college essays if you can use them to demonstrate personal growth or a lesson learned. However, there are a few difficult topics for college essays that should be avoided. Avoid topics that are:

Overly personal (e.g. graphic details of illness or injury, romantic or sexual relationships)

Not personal enough (e.g. broad solutions to world problems, inspiring people or things)

Too negative (e.g. an in-depth look at your flaws, put-downs of others, criticizing the need for a college essay)

Too boring (e.g. a resume of your academic achievements and extracurriculars)

Inappropriate for a college essay (e.g. illegal activities, offensive humor, false accounts of yourself, bragging about privilege)
How can I make my diversity essay memorable?: To write an effective diversity essay, include vulnerable, authentic stories about your unique identity, background, or perspective. Provide insight into how your lived experience has influenced your outlook, activities, and goals. If relevant, you should also mention how your background has led you to apply for this university and why you’re a good fit.
Why do schools want a diversity essay?: Many universities believe a student body composed of different perspectives, beliefs, identities, and backgrounds will enhance the campus learning and community experience.

Admissions officers are interested in hearing about how your unique background, identity, beliefs, culture, or characteristics will enrich the campus community, which is why they assign a diversity essay.
What is a diversity essay?: In addition to your main college essay, some schools and scholarships may ask for a supplementary essay focused on an aspect of your identity or background. This is sometimes called a diversity essay.
Can I use humor in my application essay?: You can use humor in a college essay, but carefully consider its purpose and use it wisely. An effective use of humor involves unexpected, keen observations of the everyday, or speaks to a deeper theme. Humor shouldn’t be the main focus of the essay, but rather a tool to improve your storytelling.

Get a second opinion from a teacher, counselor, or essay coach on whether your essay’s humor is appropriate.
How important is writing style in a college essay?: Though admissions officers are interested in hearing your story, they’re also interested in how you tell it. An exceptionally written essay will differentiate you from other applicants, meaning that admissions officers will spend more time reading it.

You can use literary devices to catch your reader’s attention and enrich your storytelling; however, focus on using just a few devices well, rather than trying to use as many as possible.
How do I find my college essay topic?: To decide on a good college essay topic, spend time thoughtfully answering brainstorming questions. If you still have trouble identifying topics, try the following two strategies:

Identify your qualities → Brainstorm stories that demonstrate these qualities

Identify memorable stories → Connect your qualities to these stories

You can also ask family, friends, or mentors to help you brainstorm topics, give feedback on your potential essay topics, or recall key stories that showcase your qualities.
Can I use a common topic for my college essay?: Yes—admissions officers don’t expect everyone to have a totally unique college essay topic. But you must differentiate your essay from others by having a surprising story arc, an interesting insight, and/or an advanced writing style.
What makes a good college essay topic?: There are no foolproof college essay topics—whatever your topic, the key is to write about it effectively. However, a good topic

Is meaningful, specific, and personal to you

Focuses on you and your experiences

Reveals something beyond your test scores, grades, and extracurriculars

Is creative and original
What should I avoid in a college essay conclusion?: Unlike a five-paragraph essay, your admissions essay should not end by summarizing the points you’ve already made. It’s better to be creative and aim for a strong final impression.

You should also avoid stating the obvious (for example, saying that you hope to be accepted).
How should I end my college admissions essay?: There are a few strategies you can use for a memorable ending to your college essay:

Return to the beginning with a “full circle” structure

Reveal the main point or insight in your story

Look to the future

End on an action

The best technique will depend on your topic choice, essay outline, and writing style. You can write several endings using different techniques to see which works best.
When are college application deadlines?: College deadlines vary depending on the schools you’re applying to and your application plan:

For early action applications and the first round of early decision applications, the deadline is on November 1 or 15. Decisions are released by mid-December.

For the second round of early decision applications, the deadline is January 1 or 15. Decisions are released in January or February.

Regular decision deadlines usually fall between late November and mid-March, and decisions are released in March or April.

Rolling admission deadlines run from July to April, and decisions are released around four to eight weeks after submission.
Which tests do I need to take to get into college?: Depending on your prospective schools’ requirements, you may need to submit scores for the SAT or ACT as part of your college application.

Some schools now no longer require students to submit test scores; however, you should still take the SAT or ACT and aim to get a high score to strengthen your application package.

Aim to take the SAT or ACT in the spring of your junior year to give yourself enough time to retake it in the fall of your senior year if necessary.
How can I pay for college?: Apply early for federal student aid and application fee waivers. You can also look for scholarships from schools, corporations, and charitable foundations.
How many colleges should I apply to?: To maximize your options, you should aim to apply to about eight schools:

Two reach schools that might be difficult to get into

Four match schools that you have a good chance of getting into

Two safety schools that you feel confident you’ll get into
How important is the college admissions essay in the selection process?: The college admissions essay accounts for roughly 25% of the weight of your application.

At highly selective schools, there are four qualified candidates for every spot. While your academic achievements are important, your college admissions essay can help you stand out from other applicants with similar profiles.
What do I need to complete my college application?: In general, for your college application you will need to submit all of the following:

Your personal information

List of extracurriculars and awards

College application essays

Transcripts

Standardized test scores

Recommendation letters.

Different colleges may have specific requirements, so make sure you check exactly what’s expected in the application guidance.
When should I start applying for college?: You should start thinking about your college applications the summer before your junior year to give you sufficient time for college visits, taking standardized tests, applying for financial aid, writing essays, and collecting application material.
Can I reuse another essay for my scholarship essay?: Yes, but make sure your essay directly addresses the prompt, respects the word count, and demonstrates the organization’s values.

If you plan ahead, you can save time by writing one scholarship essay for multiple prompts with similar questions. In a scholarship tracker spreadsheet, you can group or color-code overlapping essay prompts; then, write a single essay for multiple scholarships. Sometimes, you can even reuse or adapt your main college essay.
When should I start applying for scholarships?: You can start applying for scholarships as early as your junior year. Continue applying throughout your senior year.
What scholarships should I apply for?: Invest time in applying for various scholarships, especially local ones with small dollar amounts, which are likely easier to win and more reflective of your background and interests. It will be easier for you to write an authentic and compelling essay if the scholarship topic is meaningful to you.

You can find scholarships through your school counselor, community network, or an internet search.
What should I write in a scholarship essay?: A scholarship essay requires you to demonstrate your values and qualities while answering the prompt’s specific question.

After researching the scholarship organization, identify a personal experience that embodies its values and exemplifies how you will be a successful student.
What are the components of a great college admissions essay?: A standout college essay has several key ingredients:

A unique, personally meaningful topic

A memorable introduction with vivid imagery or an intriguing hook

Specific stories and language that show instead of telling

Vulnerability that’s authentic but not aimed at soliciting sympathy

Clear writing in an appropriate style and tone

A conclusion that offers deep insight or a creative ending
How long does it take to write a college essay?: While timelines will differ depending on the student, plan on spending at least 1–3 weeks brainstorming and writing the first draft of your college admissions essay, and at least 2–4 weeks revising across multiple drafts. Don’t forget to save enough time for breaks between each writing and editing stage.

You should already begin thinking about your essay the summer before your senior year so that you have plenty of time to try out different topics and get feedback on what works.
Why is it so important to have a standout college essay?: Your college essay accounts for about 25% of your application’s weight. It may be the deciding factor in whether you’re accepted, especially for competitive schools where most applicants have exceptional grades, test scores, and extracurricular track records.
Can I start my admissions essay with a quote?: In most cases, quoting other people isn’t a good way to start your college essay. Admissions officers want to hear your thoughts about yourself, and quotes often don’t achieve that. Unless a quote truly adds something important to your essay that it otherwise wouldn’t have, you probably shouldn’t include it.
How do I know if my college essay introduction is cliché?: Cliché openers in a college essay introduction are usually general and applicable to many students and situations. Most successful introductions are specific: they only work for the unique essay that follows.
What makes a good college essay introduction?: The key to a strong college essay introduction is not to give too much away. Try to start with a surprising statement or image that raises questions and compels the reader to find out more.
Why is the introduction important in a college admissions essay?: The introduction of your college essay is the first thing admissions officers will read and therefore your most important opportunity to stand out. An excellent introduction will keep admissions officers reading, allowing you to tell them what you want them to know.
How can I shorten my college essay?: If your college essay goes over the word count limit, cut any sentences with tangents or irrelevant details. Delete unnecessary words that clutter your essay.

You can speed up this process by shortening and smoothing your writing with a paraphrasing tool. After that, you can use the summarizer to shorten it even more.
How can I expand my college essay?: If you’re struggling to reach the word count for your college essay, add vivid personal stories or share your feelings and insight to give your essay more depth and authenticity.
How long should a college essay be?: Most college application portals specify a word count range for your essay, and you should stay within 10% of the upper limit to write a developed and thoughtful essay.

You should aim to stay under the specified word count limit to show you can follow directions and write concisely. However, don’t write too little, as it may seem like you are unwilling or unable to write a detailed and insightful narrative about yourself.

If no word count is specified, we advise keeping your essay between 400 and 600 words.
What are colleges looking for in the essay?: In your application essay, admissions officers are looking for particular features: they want to see context on your background, positive traits that you could bring to campus, and examples of you demonstrating those qualities.
Why do colleges ask for an essay?: Colleges want to be able to differentiate students who seem similar on paper. In the college application essay, they’re looking for a way to understand each applicant’s unique personality and experiences.
Should I title my college essay?: You don’t need a title for your college admissions essay, but you can include one if you think it adds something important.
How do I format a college essay?: Your college essay’s format should be as simple as possible:

Use a standard, readable font

Use 1.5 or double spacing

If attaching a file, save it as a PDF

Stick to the word count

Avoid unusual formatting and unnecessary decorative touches
How do I structure a college application essay?: There are no set rules for how to structure a college application essay, but these are two common structures that work:

A montage structure, a series of vignettes with a common theme.

A narrative structure, a single story that shows your personal growth or how you overcame a challenge.

Avoid the five-paragraph essay structure that you learned in high school.
How do I research a college?: Campus visits are always helpful, but if you can’t make it in person, the college website will have plenty of information for you to explore. You should look through the course catalog and even reach out to current faculty with any questions about the school.
What do colleges want in a “Why this college?” essay?: Colleges set a “Why this college?” essay because they want to see that you’ve done your research. You must prove that you know what makes the school unique and can connect that to your own personal goals and academic interests.
How many times should I revise my essay?: Depending on your writing, you may go through several rounds of revision. Make sure to put aside your essay for a little while after each editing stage to return with a fresh perspective.
Whom should I ask for feedback on my college essay?: Teachers and guidance counselors can help you check your language, tone, and content. Ask for their help at least one to two months before the submission deadline, as many other students will also want their help.

Friends and family are a good resource to check for authenticity. It’s best to seek help from family members with a strong writing or English educational background, or from older siblings and cousins who have been through the college admissions process.

If possible, get help from an essay coach or editor; they’ll have specialized knowledge of college admissions essays and be able to give objective expert feedback.
What should I check for when revising my college admissions essay?: When revising your college essay, first check for big-picture issues regarding message, flow, tone, style, and clarity. Then, focus on eliminating grammar and punctuation errors.
How can I make a cliché topic unique?: Include specific, personal details and use your authentic voice to shed a new perspective on a common human experience.
How do I write about my achievements and qualities?: Through specific stories, you can weave your achievements and qualities into your essay so that it doesn’t seem like you’re bragging from a resume.
How do I write about my challenges and mistakes?: When writing about yourself, including difficult experiences or failures can be a great way to show vulnerability and authenticity, but be careful not to overshare, and focus on showing how you matured from the experience.
What kind of self-reflection should I do for my college essay?: First, spend time reflecting on your core values and character. You can start with these questions:

What are three words your friends or family would use to describe you, and why would they choose them?

Whom do you admire most and why?

What are you most proud of? Ashamed of?

However, you should do a comprehensive brainstorming session to fully understand your values. Also consider how your values and goals match your prospective university’s program and culture. Then, brainstorm stories that illustrate the fit between the two.
When is it okay to bend language rules in a college essay?: In a college application essay, you can occasionally bend grammatical rules if doing so adds value to the storytelling process and the essay maintains clarity.

However, use standard language rules if your stylistic choices would otherwise distract the reader from your overall narrative or could be easily interpreted as unintentional errors.
How do I stay under the word count on my college application essay?: Write concisely and use the active voice to maintain a quick pace throughout your essay and make sure it’s the right length. Avoid adding definitions unless they provide necessary explanation.
How do I write with my authentic voice in a college application essay?: Use first-person “I” statements to speak from your perspective. Use appropriate word choices that show off your vocabulary but don’t sound like you used a thesaurus. Avoid using idioms or cliché expressions by rewriting them in a creative, original way.
Should I use American idioms or cultural references in my US college essay?: If you’re an international student applying to a US college and you’re comfortable using American idioms or cultural references, you can. But instead of potentially using them incorrectly, don’t be afraid to write in detail about yourself within your own culture.

Provide context for any words, customs, or places that an American admissions officer might be unfamiliar with.
What style and tone should I use for a college application essay?: College application essays are less formal than other kinds of academic writing. Use a conversational yet respectful tone, as if speaking with a teacher or mentor. Be vulnerable about your feelings, thoughts, and experiences to connect with the reader.

Aim to write in your authentic voice, with a style that sounds natural and genuine. You can be creative with your word choice, but don’t use elaborate vocabulary to impress admissions officers.

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