What Admissions Officers Look For in a College Essay: 3 Key Elements
In a survey of 48 admissions officers from selective colleges, three things stand out when evaluating a student's personal statement: a unique perspective, powerful writing, and an authentic voice.
With grades and test scores telling only part of the story, and with test-optional policies now standard at many schools, your college essay carries more weight than ever. Here's what admissions officers are actually looking for, and how to deliver it.
Let's look at each aspect more closely:
Unique Perspective: Seeing the World Through Your Lens
Your unique perspective is the lens through which you've experienced the world. You can show that by:
Showcasing moments of key learning, personal growth, or meaningful contributions to others. What did that look like from your point of view?
Reflecting on everyday experiences like family meals or late-night conversations. What are those like for you?
Focusing on actions taken, emphasizing what you did rather than on abstract concepts or beliefs.
Powerful Writing: Weaving Action into Your Narrative
Colleges prefer essays based in action rather than ideas. Consider what your English teachers are always saying: show, don't tell! You can do this by:
Ensuring that your essay follows a strong narrative arc.
Reflecting on instances where you took initiative or embarked on new experiences, emphasizing the actions you took.
Illustrating a moment where your actions made a tangible difference in the lives of others.
Authentic Voice: Connecting Through Storytelling
Each year, college admissions officers read thousands of essays. Your authentic voice is what makes you memorable. You can do this by:
Telling your stories out loud to create a powerful, emotional connection between you and your audience.
Writing the way you actually speak, rather than reaching for words you'd never use in conversation.
Sharing real moments and reflections instead of polished, expected takeaways.
Want a step-by-step approach to discovering and expressing your authentic voice? Our self-paced college essay courses can help. You can create an account forfree here.
Bonus Tip: What Not to Write About
Avoid rehashing achievements found in your transcript or lists of awards. Essays offer a unique opportunity to add depth and dimension, revealing the qualities that define you as a future classmate, roommate, or campus leader. For more on this, check out our post on 10 things to avoid in your college essays.
Your college journey will be unique, and your essays should reflect the distinct qualities that make you an invaluable addition to your chosen school.
Need help finding your unique perspective, sharpening your writing, and getting your authentic voice on the page? That's exactly what we do!
Through our college essay coaching, workshops, and storytelling platform, we walk you through the storytelling process step by step, with the kind of feedback that strengthens your voice instead of replacing it. Whether you're staring at a blank page or polishing a draft, we'll meet you where you are.