So, I know I need to start drafting my Common App essay soon, and I'm kind of freaking out about it. How do I choose a structure that flows well but also stands out? Any advice from those who've been through it would be super appreciated!
I remember the stress of essay season all too well! My child and I worked through many drafts before settling on a structure that worked. What eventually helped was choosing a narrative style that had a hook at the beginning—a moment that captured the essence of the story to be told. Try opening with a vivid scene or dialogue that draws the reader in. From there, make sure to have a clear theme that ties it all together.
For my child, it was about demonstrating resilience by weaving together different life experiences that echoed this quality. And rather than trying to cover too much, focus on depth over breadth; it's better to give a snapshot into a critical moment or aspect of your life than to try and tell your whole life story. If you can, get feedback from teachers or friends because sometimes they can offer insight into what parts of your story are most compelling. Most importantly, remember to let your personality shine—admissions officers want to get to know you, so your authentic voice should come through loud and clear. Good luck!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.