Key aspect of a college essay?

I'm gearing up to start writing my college essays and I'm wondering, what's the most important aspect to focus on? Is it more about the story, the message, the writing style or something else entirely? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

The most critical aspect of a college essay is effectively communicating who you are to the admissions officer. This can be achieved through a compelling narrative that shows your personality, values, and growth. Here's how each of the aspects you mentioned contribute to this:

1. The Story: This forms the backbone of your essay. Your story doesn't have to be a grand event or achievement; it can be a simple moment or personal revelation that was meaningful to you. Admissions officers have read essays about big accomplishments many times, so focus on showing them a unique aspect of your character instead.

2. The Message: The underlying message or insight in your essay should reflect your growth and self-awareness. What did you learn from your story? How has it shaped you or influenced your future goals? Even if your story was negative or challenging, try to frame it in a way that highlights your resilience or capacity to grow from failure.

3. The Writing Style: Try to maintain authenticity and clarity in your writing. Avoid overly complex sentences or jargon. Be precise and vivid in your storytelling to keep your readers engaged. Ultimately, your writing should be a clear, well-organized reflection of your voice.

Remember, one of the main goals is to show the college something about you that they can't glean from the rest of your application. Also, avoid overused topics like sports victories or injuries, moving schools, or being an immigrant unless you have a very unique angle to tell your story.

One effective approach is to structure your essay around a single experience or moment. This allows you to dive deeply into how it affected you and what you learned, rather than trying to cover too much ground and losing depth.

Finally, don't hesitate to revise and get feedback! Your first draft probably won't be perfect, and having others read your essay can provide valuable perspective on whether you're hitting the mark. Good luck with your essays!