Guide to college essays
Much has changed in the world of college admissions lately. But when it comes to infusing flair in your application, the college essay still reigns supreme. While other elements (like test scores) may be more flexible, admissions readers reliably use this key piece of writing to better understand applicants’ character and supply the “why” behind your profile.
So, how can you make sure you tell your story well? We’ve put together the official Empowerly’s Guide to Essays to get your gears turning, no matter what stage you’re on right now. From brainstorming exercises to overcome writer’s block to editing tips, each phase takes time. We have instructions and expert advice to keep you on the right track. Check out the guide below to take the first step to writing an admissions essay you’re proud to submit!
Why exactly are admissions essays so important?
In holistic admissions, college admissions offices consider context and achievement when reading your application, not just scores. The exact process varies at each school, but usually involves reviewing your grades and class rigor, as well as your activities outside of the classroom, personal background, and writing skills. All of these factors then combine to form an assessment of your readiness and fit for the school.
So, where can you focus your effort for the most benefit?
By the time you’re finishing high school and you sit down to fill out your college applications, most of your academic and extracurricular work is already completed. Other than your letters of recommendation (which you can’t write), the essays are the one element of your college application where the narrative really is in your hands.
The admissions essay is referred to by a handful of names, which you may have heard before:
- personal statement, or personal essay
- college admissions essay, or just college essay
- writing sample
- student essays
- and more!
These powerful stories allow you to personalize your application in a unique way. You can explain or expand, offer context and insight, and provide a coherent thread for the rest of your application.
That is, if you write well! Admissions officers know what they’re looking for when they read applications, so you’d better get to the point.
If you aren’t a naturally strong writer, check out our articles for more guidance on the process of editing your college essays and giving your application a final review before you submit. It’s important to remember that:
- Admissions officers read hundreds of applications every admissions cycle.
- They are subject to feeling tired and forgetting things about you, soon after you read them.
- You need to battle these obstacles by creating a holistic picture of yourself that is impactful and memorable!
If you have the time, we highly recommend building up your writing skills long in advance of senior year. Practice journaling, writing about yourself, and editing effectively. Read creative fiction and nonfiction to expand your horizons and refine your personal style. And continue to keep an open mind as you experience new things.
For advice on how to do all of these things (and more), read through our guide. This should keep you on track to write a truly spectacular essay every time.
Here is the official Empowerly Guide to Essays:
Go ahead, download it! This is Empowerly’s Guide to Essays. We want you to write with this guide at your side.
We’re proud to provide this knowledge free of charge to any student who needs help. Read through it, share it with friends, post it on social media, and reference it any time.
This is a preview of some of our key takeaways…
Remember these two quotes:
A. Always aim to “show, not tell.”
College admissions is one of the few times when you are welcome to brag about your accomplishments in great detail. The key is actually providing those details, not just making statements or claims. Write about what you did and why it matters, and give examples for every statement you can.
B. “Make sure your essay is about you, not your grandma.” This phrase is heralded at admissions presentations across our nation.
This is certainly an easy mistake to make, as to write about a sick relative who has inspired your interest in medicine. It’s fine to talk about the person who inspires you, but remember to keep the lens on you: your actions, choices, and growth. Provide the details, but don’t go overboard in discussing others.
Looking for another explanation? Empowerly counselor Jermaine describes exactly why (and how) to make sure your college essays are impactful:
Think theme.
Stuck at the brainstorming stage? Either choose a single distinct topic to write about or select a unifying theme to tie a few anecdotes together. Don’t try to write about too many things at once. Crowding your essay can make you seem scattered in your approach and detract from the power of each individual story.
Instead, every element of your essay ought to build to support your thesis. The reader should walk away having clearly learned something about you. After writing your essay, check that each paragraph and concept in your writing support this main point.
If you aren’t sure how to choose a strong essay topic that will allow you to develop a theme, Empowerly counselor Denard has some excellent strategies for getting started on the right foot:
Stay succinct.
You don’t need to restate the prompt. You can also avoid excessive adjectives that take up valuable space. Go ahead and cut unnecessary phrases like “I think” or “I feel,” while you’re at it; the reader assumes that you are the author of this work, so anything started as a statement will already be attributed to your thoughts or beliefs. Keep your sentences short and to the point.
You can find all this and more in Empowerly’s Guide to Essays. We’ve worked hard to build a comprehensive guide that can take you from idea to execution.
Still struggling?
Don’t hesitate to reach out for help. The sooner you start working towards your goals, the more time you have to create something amazing. We will be happy to answer your questions about how to get started and set you up with a complimentary consultation session to share more information about our program and approach. The Empowerly counselors have experience helping with essays, applications, scholarships, and more. Let us help you shine like you deserve!
Originally published March 18, 2021. Updated October 3, 2025.
