National College Match

College Prep Scholarship

Student Resource Center

Refer A Student

About Us

Writing College Essays

Eleven Tips For Every Essay


We've compiled tips that every student should read before writing their college essay. We've also put together a page with outstanding essays, a page on what college admissions officers are thinking when they read your essay, and a page on general strategies for writing a great college essay.

Writing Tips


1. Choose a topic that only you can write about. What makes you unique?

2. Tell a story. Have a beginning, middle, and end, and focus your essay on one or two over-arching ideas.

3. Share details of your background. You have an advantage as a low-income student, so resist the urge to fit in. Showcase your ability to overcome difficulties that your peers have not faced.

4. Write about you. Make sure your essay reveals who you are and helps to complete the picture you’ve outlined in the rest of your application.

5. Demonstrate emotional maturity. If you choose to write about problems in your life, use a mature, composed tone. Make sure you’re ready to write about them in a way that shows personal growth.

6. Show, don’t tell. Use anecdotes and vivid description to illustrate your story.

7. Observe word limits. Try to approach the word limit, but don’t go over. Each word should be carefully chosen.

8. Edit carefully. Use feedback to edit and revise. Spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting should all be flawless.

9. Choose words that feel natural. Don’t use big words just because they sound impressive. Use the word that best expresses your thought.

10. Don’t be cliché. Avoid generic or trite statements. If you have a sentence that begins with “this may sound cliché, but...” then it may not be worth including.

11. Let your voice shine through.


Essay Home | Essay Strategy | Sample Essays | Admissions Officer Perspective