Striking the Right Chord: A Teen’s Guide to Writing Memorable College Essays

College application season can feel overwhelming, especially when it’s time to sit down and write your essays. But think of your essays as your chance to speak directly to admissions officers—your voice, your story, your song. If that sounds daunting, don’t worry! Here’s a clear guide to help you write memorable essays that showcase the best version of yourself.

The Personal Statement: Telling Your Story

Your personal statement is like a single, resonant note that tells admissions officers, This is who I am. But what should you write about?

What to Write About:

1. Find Your Core Topic: Pick a moment, habit, or challenge that defines who you are. Reflect on the last one or two years—what experience changed or shaped you?

2. Keep It Narrow: Don’t try to squeeze in your whole life story. Focus on one meaningful event or observation and explore it deeply.

3. Play Your “One Song”: What’s the one thing you want admissions to remember about you? Show them, through your story, why you’re interesting, creative, or driven.

4. Highlight Growth: Did you overcome an obstacle or discover something new about yourself? Share what you learned and how it impacted you.

   
   

How to Write It:

• Show, Don’t Tell: Instead of writing, “I learned perseverance,” describe the late nights, the setbacks, and the moment you pushed through. Bring your reader into the story.

• Be Specific: Avoid vague statements like “I love art.” Instead, talk about how you spent weeks working on a charcoal portrait, struggling with every detail of the subject’s eyes, until they finally looked alive on the page.

• Be Enthusiastic: Your voice should sparkle with energy and curiosity. Think of this as your chance to make someone say, “I want this student on my campus!”

The “Why” Essay: Making the Match

This essay answers two big questions:

1. Why do you belong at this college?

2. What will you bring to their community?

What to Write About:

• Personal Fit: Show that you’ve done your homework about the college. What programs, professors, or opportunities excite you, and why?

• Your Contribution: How will you enrich campus life? Use examples from your academic, cultural, or extracurricular experiences to illustrate what you’ll bring.

• Your Goals: Share what you hope to learn and achieve at this specific college.

Tips for Writing:

• Be Specific: Instead of saying, “I admire your art program,” mention a professor whose lectures on Renaissance art history inspire you, or a student exhibit you saw that left an impression.

• Show Your Creativity: Let your curiosity and ideas shine through. Share your excitement about techniques, styles, or artistic projects you’d love to tackle.

• Be Authentic: Admissions officers want to hear your genuine voice, not a list of buzzwords from their website.

Pitfalls to Avoid

Writing about yourself can feel tricky, but steering clear of these common missteps will help:

1. Too Broad or Generic: Avoid clichés or topics everyone writes about, like “cross-cultural awareness” or “hard work.” Focus on what makes you unique.

2. Negativity Overload: Even if you’ve faced struggles, highlight how you’ve grown. Colleges want to admit students who are resilient and bring positive energy.

3. Too Personal: Think of your essay like a professional statement of purpose, not a diary entry.

4. Long Introductions: Jump into your story quickly! Admissions officers don’t have time for slow build-ups.

Final Thoughts: Project Strength and Positivity

The best essays project energy, curiosity, and confidence. Think of your personal statement as the song that introduces you, and your “Why” essay as the encore that shows you’re ready for college.

Be honest, specific, and excited about your future. Admissions officers will hear your unique story loud and clear—and they’ll want to see you on their campus stage.

Now, grab your keyboard and start writing your song! 🎶