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What makes a student essay stand out to college admissions officers?

Hi everyone, I'm a junior working on my college applications, and I'm trying to write a solid personal statement. What are some elements or strategies that I can use to make my essay stand out? Any thoughts or examples would be really helpful!

11 months ago

When it comes to crafting a standout college essay, there are several key elements and strategies you can incorporate:

1. Unique perspective: Admissions officers read thousands of essays, so it's important to have a unique angle or perspective on your topic that's different from the more common approaches. Think about what sets you apart and how you can convey that uniqueness in your essay. For example, if you're writing about a community service experience, don't just focus on the work you did - instead, discuss the unexpected insights you gained from specific people you interacted with.

2. Strong narrative: A compelling narrative that engages the reader from the start is crucial. Use descriptive language and storytelling techniques to paint a vivid picture of the events or experiences that shaped you. Focus on a single moment or a short, meaningful series of events that directly impacted your growth and perception of the world around you, rather than trying to cram every single detail into just 650 words.

3. Authenticity and introspection: Admissions officers value sincerity and self-reflection, so don't be afraid to delve deep into your thoughts, feelings, and emotions. How has your experience shaped your perspective, values, and aspirations? Show vulnerability and candor in your writing, as that can help the reader connect with you on a more personal level.

4. Voice and tone: Write in your own voice, and let your personality shine through. Don't overuse academic jargon or unnecessarily complex language. The best essays sound like a conversation with a close friend. Additionally, maintain a balanced tone, which is neither too formal nor too casual.

5. Show, don't tell: Use vivid, specific examples to illustrate your points, rather than simply stating them. For example, instead of stating that you're a compassionate person, show the reader how you demonstrated compassion in a specific situation.

6. Revise and polish: Spend a significant amount of time revising and editing your essay. This process may involve multiple drafts, so don't be discouraged if your initial draft isn't perfect. Seek feedback from teachers, family members, or friends to help you refine your essay and make it the best it can be. You might also consider utilizing CollegeVine's Free Peer Essay Review tool, or submitting your essay for a paid review by an expert college admissions advisor through CollegeVine's marketplace.

Finally, for more detailed guidance on how to tackle the personal statement, as well as examples of successful ones and what made them work, you can head to CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-common-application-essays/. Incorporating their tips, as well as the ones listed here, will help you create a memorable, engaging piece that stands out to admissions officers and gives them a deeper understanding of your personality, values, and aspirations.

Good luck!

11 months ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

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.