What 100 college essays taught me about who gets rejected…

Summary

The video emphasizes that college essays should reflect how students think, rather than focusing on dramatic, life-changing stories. It advises students to avoid clichéd openings and to instead grab attention with hooks such as shocking statements, confessions, or unexpected starts. The speaker stresses that perspective is more important than the event itself, and that essays should be personal and real. Admissions officers are not looking for polished perfection but for authenticity, personality, and unique perspectives. The message is clear: don’t try to impress with tragedy—be yourself, and let your thoughts shine through.

Takeaways

• 😀 Colleges value how you think, not just what happens to you.
• 😀 Your college essay's first sentence is critical to grabbing attention.
• 😀 Avoid boring or cliché openings; aim for hooks like shock statements, confessions, or unexpected starts.
• 😀 Personal essays should reflect on your experiences, not just describe them.
• 😀 The best college essays showcase your unique perspective, not just a dramatic story.
• 😀 You don't need a tragic or life-changing event to stand out in your essay.
• 😀 Be real in your writing—avoid trying to sound overly intellectual or formal.
• 😀 Your college essay should highlight your personality and how you think, not just your achievements.
• 😀 Writing about everyday experiences can be just as impactful as writing about major life events.
• 😀 Admissions officers are tired of vague essays—make sure your essay is memorable and genuine.

Q & A

Why do many college essays sound the same?

Many college essays sound the same because students often think they need to tell a life-changing or dramatic story, like surviving a major illness or losing a loved one. This leads to repetitive narratives that fail to stand out.

What do colleges look for in a college essay?

Colleges look for how you think, not just what happened to you. They want to see your perspective and how you process and reflect on your experiences.

What is the importance of the first sentence in a college essay?

The first sentence is crucial because it is your chance to grab the admissions officer's attention. If it’s boring or forgettable, they may lose interest immediately. A strong opening hooks the reader and encourages them to continue reading.

What are some effective ways to start a college essay?

Three effective hooks are: 1) A shocking statement to make the reader go 'wait, what?' 2) A confession that makes you seem real and authentic. 3) An unexpected start that flips expectations and sparks curiosity.

Why do some essays with dramatic stories still fail?

Even essays with dramatic stories can fail if they don’t focus on the person’s perspective, how they reflect and grow from the experience, or if they just describe the event without deeper analysis.

How should you approach writing about difficult experiences in your essay?

If you’re writing about a difficult experience, focus on how it impacted you and your personal growth. Avoid just recounting the event, and make sure the essay reflects your perspective, not just the trauma.

Why is using overly complex language in your essay a mistake?

Using overly complex language or trying to sound 'smart' often results in an essay that sounds impersonal and forced. Admissions officers prefer essays that reflect your genuine voice and personality rather than a stiff or overly formal tone.

What makes a good college essay?

A good college essay is memorable and personal. It should reveal your unique perspective, show how you think, and convey who you are, rather than just describing your achievements or struggles.

What is an example of a creative and unique essay topic?

An essay about a seemingly mundane experience, like a student's love for Costco samples, can be surprisingly unique and engaging if written creatively, showing how the experience reveals something about the student’s personality.

What should you avoid when writing your college essay?

Avoid writing vague or generic statements about overcoming obstacles without personal detail. Don’t try to guess what admissions officers want to hear or write about events that aren’t meaningful to you.