Hey all! I'm curious about examples of a college essay that really caught an admissions officer’s attention. What specific qualities tend to differentiate a great essay from a good one? Is it the topic, how it’s written, or something else?
Hey there! A great college essay stands out to admission officers when it provides a clear, vibrant, and genuine window into who you are. It's less about the topic you choose and more about how you use it to reflect your individuality and personal growth. Admission officers are looking for your voice and perspective, something that distinguishes you from other applicants.
A particularly effective essay is one that doesn't just recap experiences, but rather offers insights into your character, values, or how you approach challenges — it's about the 'why' and 'how,' not just the 'what.' For instance, if you write about a community service project, don't just describe what you did. Instead, delve into how it changed your view on collaboration or the importance of community involvement. It’s critical that the narrative has a strong personal element and that it resonates with readers on an emotional level as well.
It's also worth mentioning that the best essays often avoid overly used topics unless they can approach them from a unique angle. For example, instead of writing about a generic sports victory, you might focus on a moment of unexpected empathy you felt for an opponent. Essentially, in a great essay, the way you convey your story is just as important as the story itself. It's a balance of content and presentation.
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.