7 GREAT College Essay Tips to Help You Stand Out

Summary

In this video, the speaker offers insightful tips for writing a compelling college essay. Key advice includes not overthinking the Common App prompt, focusing on personal qualities, and being vulnerable to connect with readers. He emphasizes using vivid imagery to engage the senses, highlighting 'so what' moments to showcase critical thinking, and creating an unexpected yet fitting conclusion. Two exercises—the Essence Objects exercise and the Values exercise—are recommended to help students brainstorm meaningful essay topics that reflect their personal values and experiences.

Takeaways

• 😀 Don't stress over choosing a specific Common App prompt; the key is showcasing your writing skills and demonstrating how you can contribute to the campus.
• ✏️ Focus on answering the questions: Can you write well? Will you add value to the college community? These matter more than which prompt you select.
• 🎯 Avoid obsessing over what you think admissions officers want to hear. Be authentic in your personal essay rather than trying to fit into expectations.
• 🌟 Being vulnerable in your essay can create a strong connection with the reader, allowing them to feel closer to you through your personal story.
• 🛠 Vulnerability isn't just about sharing mistakes; it can also mean embracing contradictions in yourself or diving into topics you’re deeply passionate about.
• 💡 Include 'so what' moments, insights that reveal your values or personality. These are critical for showcasing deeper thinking and reflection.
• 👁️ Engage the reader's imagination by using sensory details in your writing. Describe sights, sounds, smells, and other sensations to immerse the reader in your world.
• 🎬 The ending of your essay should feel surprising but inevitable. Avoid making it too predictable, and let the conclusion tie things together naturally.
• 📦 The 'essence objects' exercise is a great tool for brainstorming essay topics by reflecting on meaningful objects that represent key memories or relationships.
• 🔍 The 'values exercise' helps identify what matters most to you, which can guide your essay toward meaningful themes and personal significance.

Q & A

What is the speaker's main advice about choosing a Common App prompt?

The speaker advises not to spend too much time obsessing over which Common App prompt to choose. Admissions officers care more about your ability to write and contribute to campus life than the specific prompt you select.

Why does the speaker discourage focusing on 'what they want' when choosing a prompt?

The speaker believes focusing on 'what they want' is problematic because it puts the student in the wrong headspace. It's better to focus on what you have to offer rather than trying to guess what admissions officers might prefer.

What does the speaker suggest about being vulnerable in your essay?

The speaker encourages vulnerability, as it helps the reader feel closer to you. Vulnerability can take different forms, such as sharing a personal mistake, revealing a tension within yourself, or geeking out about something you love.

Is vulnerability essential for writing a great college essay?

No, vulnerability is not a requirement, but some of the best essays often include it. It can make your essay more impactful by allowing readers to connect with you on a deeper level.

What is a 'productive tension' in the context of writing a college essay?

A productive tension occurs when you reveal conflicting qualities within yourself, such as a love for routine but also a desire for spontaneity. This contrast can add depth to your essay without needing to resolve the conflict fully.

What does the speaker mean by 'so what moments' in a college essay?

'So what moments' are insights that reveal why certain details or experiences matter to you. They provide deeper meaning and show the reader your values, critical thinking, and the significance behind the stories you tell.

How can using all five senses improve your college essay?

Engaging all five senses helps to paint vivid imagery in your essay, making it more immersive. By incorporating details that appeal to sight, smell, taste, touch, and sound, the reader can experience the story alongside you.

What does the speaker mean by 'surprising but inevitable' endings?

A 'surprising but inevitable' ending means that while the conclusion of your essay should surprise the reader, it shouldn't feel random. It should make sense in the context of the narrative and feel like a natural resolution.

What is the essence objects exercise mentioned by the speaker?

The essence objects exercise involves creating a list of objects that represent important memories, relationships, or qualities in your life. These objects help generate ideas for potential essay topics and provide a tangible way to reflect on your personal experiences.

How does the values exercise help in writing a personal statement?

The values exercise helps you identify your top values and reflect on how they manifest in your life. This reflection can guide your personal statement by highlighting what matters most to you and how those values shape your goals and aspirations.