how to sell yourself in a college essay

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How To Sell Yourself In Your Essay

Madeleine Karydes

Lead admissions expert, table of contents.

Stay up-to-date on the latest research and college admissions trends with our blog team.

College admissions is a bit like marketing. You want to showcase your best self. Sometimes, that’s a little difficult to do – especially if you’re more into the service part and not the ‘public’ part. It can be uncomfortable to feel like you are boasting about yourself. Here are a few tips on how to channel your inner rockstar, and sell yourself in your essay without sounding like a braggart.

1. Use Action Verbs

Here’s a helpful list . Now, scan your resume/essays. Are you being passive? Using the same boring words? Action-ize.

2. Number-ize

Following #2, make sure you couple your action verbs with “ numbers “ .

For example, take this sentence: “Spearheaded a fundraiser for Pencils4Hope .”

Transform it: “Spearheaded a fundraiser for Pencils4Hope, raising 32,000 to help build 4 schools .”

3. Impact, not Responsibilities

There is nothing more boring than someone who just lists all their responsibilities without conveying the actual impact and scope of their efforts. Make sure to not just list your duties, but how the activity demonstrated impact.

4. Find the ‘Special’ 

Write a bio about yourself. Seriously. Create your own headline and your caption. If you were to be a guest on CNN today, what would your chyron say? “ Author, Novelist, etc? “ “ Famed Neurosurgeon “ ? Craft one sentence that perfectly captures your narrative and story. It’s difficult to do, but once you narrow it down, you’ll have a much clearer idea of where you’re headed and what makes you *unique*.

5. Build your confidence

Easier said than done. But college admission is a lot like dating or rocking a job interview – you want to project your most confident self. When you’re in high school, sometimes it can feel like you’re floundering in a sea of tests, papers, sports, activities, etc. and it can be hard to really focus and hone in on your talents. You don’t need to have it all figured out for college – but you do need to walk in knowing your strengths, and passions, and most of all, display intellectual curiosity. Knowing who you are could be one of your greatest strengths and set you apart from your peers.  I suggest taking a few minutes to engage in this super quick, easy-peasy brainstorming exercise.

List your 3 greatest strengths

From this, you can start to build your story around your strengths, talents, and skills.

Other things you can do:

• Brainstorming exercises
• Practicing Mindfulness

Most of all, remember that this is literally your time to shine. It’s okay to sell yourself in your essay because that’s how colleges will get to know you. As long as you don’t make any untrue statements or put others down, it’s good to celebrate your achievements. If you need more advice on how to frame yourself as a candidate for college admissions, make sure to reach out to an   Empowerly counselor!

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College apps can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. empowerly college counseling is in it with you., related articles.

Filling Out the Common Application for College Admissions

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Articles & Advice > College Admission > Articles

How to Write About Yourself the Right Way in Your College Essays

There's a sweet spot between humble and prideful, and it's the exactly where you want to be while writing your college essays. Here are tips to find it!

by Phoebe Bain Freelance Writer

Last Updated: May 17, 2023

Originally Posted: Oct 11, 2017

Early 2000s kids have a pretty funky paradigm when it comes to how big the ego should be. Generation Z falls right behind Millennials, who have been criticized for being overly encouraged as kids. If Millennials have gotten a bad rep for the participation trophies and such, what’s a Gen Z kid to do when it comes to trying to sell themselves to colleges? Listen up: a place between humble and prideful exists, and that’s the exact place you want to reach in your college application essays. Here are five “what ifs?” of college essay humble-bragging and what to do about each of them.

If you’re afraid of bragging

College essays are about selling yourself. If you were selling a pen, you would definitely want to talk to your buyer about the pen’s high-quality ink, super-comfy grip, and trendy appearance. You would never leave any of those amazing pen attributes out because you want the buyer to want the pen. When writing your college essays , think of yourself as the pen. Never, ever leave out something great about yourself because you are afraid of bragging. College essays are the only time you get to talk about all of the wonderful things that make you you without anyone judging you for it. So take advantage!

Related: How to Use Your Writing Toolbox for a Rich Admission Essay

If you want to come off as confident

Showing confidence in your college essays might sound tricky, but with the right anecdotes, you can fully achieve that confident aura without literally saying, “I’m confident!” If you’re passionate about something unique that you might not have mentioned in your college app thus far, write about it in the essay. Talk about the time you did an underground production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show even though you didn’t know anyone else auditioning for it. If you thought becoming a ventriloquist as a kid was really cool and eventually gave it a shot, write about it. The best way to sound confident without outright telling the reader so in your essay is to write a story that shows you are confident. That will be more than enough to sell them on you.

If you think you might sound full of yourself

The “show, don’t tell” rule of writing applies in college essays too. For example, if you are writing an essay about your summer job, never say, “I was the best employee at the grocery store.” Rather, show that you were a great employee by telling a story about the time you caught a shoplifter or exhibited great customer service. You never need to tell the reader you are superior or the best in any way if you can show them instead.

Related: How to Write an Effective, Powerful Personal Statement

If you feel the need to tell the reader your credentials

There is a whole other section of the Common App where you list the leadership roles you’ve had and the awards you’ve won. You don’t need to mention them again in the essay portion unless the story you’re telling calls for it. Say you are writing an essay about the time you won a particularly interesting debate for your high school debate team—you can write about your accomplishment without sounding cocky. For instance, rather than saying “I was the best debater on my team, which is why I am captain,” you could talk about the reason you are so passionate about whatever topic you debated that day.

If you’re afraid you don’t sound like a competitive applicant

The place for competing with what you’ve done in high school is in the rest of the Common App . The place for letting the college know who you are and what you’d be bringing to the college’s community as a person is in the essay. The best way to make yourself more competitive in the essay portion of your application is to write an essay that describes exactly who you are on a day-to-day basis rather than talking about your achievements. There are a few colleges famous for requesting applicants to pick one of their friends and have that friend write an essay about said applicant. While that type of essay might sound pretty nerve-wracking, the takeaway from the prompt is that colleges want to know what someone you hang around all the time thinks of you. Ultimately, a university is looking for a great addition to their campus, and in the case of writing a portrait of your personality in an essay, you should never have to brag, and you should have a lot of reasons to be confident in who you are.

Related: Top 5 Tips for Making Your College Essay Stand Out

Ultimately, the college essay is all about balance. Don’t tell the reader how great you are—show them instead. Admission officers will rarely be turned off by an applicant who wrote a great story about something wonderful they did, but they might find it a little off-putting if you call it wonderful yourself.

Looking for more college essay tips? Check out a ton more advice and real life essay examples in our  Application Essay Clinic.

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Ultimate Guide to Writing Your College Essay

Tips for writing an effective college essay.

College admissions essays are an important part of your college application and gives you the chance to show colleges and universities your character and experiences. This guide will give you tips to write an effective college essay.

Want free help with your college essay?

UPchieve connects you with knowledgeable and friendly college advisors—online, 24/7, and completely free. Get 1:1 help brainstorming topics, outlining your essay, revising a draft, or editing grammar.

Writing a strong college admissions essay

Learn about the elements of a solid admissions essay.

Avoiding common admissions essay mistakes

Learn some of the most common mistakes made on college essays

Brainstorming tips for your college essay

Stuck on what to write your college essay about? Here are some exercises to help you get started.

How formal should the tone of your college essay be?

Learn how formal your college essay should be and get tips on how to bring out your natural voice.

Taking your college essay to the next level

Hear an admissions expert discuss the appropriate level of depth necessary in your college essay.

Student Stories

Student Story: Admissions essay about a formative experience

Get the perspective of a current college student on how he approached the admissions essay.

Student Story: Admissions essay about personal identity

Get the perspective of a current college student on how she approached the admissions essay.

Student Story: Admissions essay about community impact

Student story: admissions essay about a past mistake, how to write a college application essay, tips for writing an effective application essay, sample college essay 1 with feedback, sample college essay 2 with feedback.

This content is licensed by Khan Academy and is available for free at www.khanacademy.org.

How to Write Your College Essay: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide

Getting ready to start your college essay? Your essay is very important to your application — especially if you’re applying to selective colleges.

Become a stronger writer by reviewing your peers’ essays and get your essay reviewed as well for free.

We have regular livestreams during which we walk you through how to write your college essay and review essays live.

College Essay Basics

Just getting started on college essays? This section will guide you through how you should think about your college essays before you start.

• Why do essays matter in the college application process?
• What is a college application theme and how do you come up with one?
• How to format and structure your college essay

Before you move to the next section, make sure you understand:

How a college essay fits into your application

What a strong essay does for your chances

How to create an application theme

Learn the Types of College Essays

Next, let’s make sure you understand the different types of college essays. You’ll most likely be writing a Common App or Coalition App essay, and you can also be asked to write supplemental essays for each school. Each essay has a prompt asking a specific question. Each of these prompts falls into one of a few different types. Understanding the types will help you better answer the prompt and structure your essay.

• How to Write a Personal Statement That Wows Colleges
• Personal Statement Essay Examples
• How to Write a Stellar Extracurricular Activity Essay
• Extracurricular Essay Examples
• Tips for Writing a Diversity College Essay
• Diversity Essay Examples
• Tips for Writing a Standout Community Service Essay
• How to Write the “Why This Major” Essay
• How to Write a “Why This Major” Essay if You’re Undecided
• How to write the “Why This College” Essay
• How to Research a College to Write the “Why This College” Essay
• Why This College Essay Examples
• How to Write The Overcoming Challenges Essay
• Overcoming Challenges Essay Examples

Identify how each prompt fits into an essay type

What each type of essay is really asking of you

How to write each essay effectively

The Common App essay

Almost every student will write a Common App essay, which is why it’s important you get this right.

• How to Write the Common App Essay
• Successful Common App Essay Examples
• 5 Awesome College Essay Topics + Sample Essays
• 11 Cliché College Essay Topics + How to Fix Them

How to choose which Common App prompts to answer

How to write a successful Common App essay

What to avoid to stand out to admissions officers

Supplemental Essay Guides

Many schools, especially competitive ones, will ask you to write one or more supplemental essays. This allows a school to learn more about you and how you might fit into their culture.

These essays are extremely important in standing out. We’ve written guides for all the top schools. Follow the link below to find your school and read last year’s essay guides to give you a sense of the essay prompts. We’ll update these in August when schools release their prompts.

See last year’s supplemental essay guides to get a sense of the prompts for your schools.

Essay brainstorming and composition

Now that you’re starting to write your essay, let’s dive into the writing process. Below you’ll find our top articles on the craft of writing an amazing college essay.

• Where to Begin? 3 Personal Essay Brainstorming Exercises
• Creating the First Draft of Your College Application Essay
• How to Get the Perfect Hook for Your College Essay
• What If I Don’t Have Anything Interesting To Write About In My College Essay?
• 8 Do’s and Don’t for Crafting Your College Essay
• Stuck on Your College Essay? 8 Tips for Overcoming Writer’s Block

Understand how to write a great hook for your essay

Complete the first drafts of your essay

Editing and polishing your essay

Have a first draft ready? See our top editing tips below. Also, you may want to submit your essay to our free Essay Peer Review to get quick feedback and join a community of other students working on their essays.

• 11 Tips for Proofreading and Editing Your College Essay
• Getting Help with Your College Essay
• 5 DIY Tips for Editing Your College Essay
• How Long Should Your College Essay Be?
• Essential Grammar Rules for Your College Apps
• College Essay Checklist: Are You Ready to Submit?

Proofread and edited your essay.

Had someone else look through your essay — we recommend submitting it for a peer review.

Make sure your essay meets all requirements — consider signing up for a free account to view our per-prompt checklists to help you understand when you’re really ready to submit.

Advanced College Essay Techniques

Let’s take it one step further and see how we can make your college essay really stand out! We recommend reading through these posts when you have a draft to work with.

• 10 Guidelines for Highly Readable College Essays
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How to Write a Personal Essay for Your College Application

What does it take to land in the “accept” (instead of “reject”) pile?

How can you write an essay that helps advance you in the eyes of the admissions officers and makes a real impression? Here are some tips to get you started.

• Start early.  Do not leave it until the last minute. Give yourself time when you don’t have other homework or extracurriculars hanging over your head to work on the essay.
• Keep the focus narrow.  Your essay does not have to cover a massive, earth-shattering event. Some people in their teens haven’t experienced a major life event. Some people have. Either way, it’s okay.
• Be yourself.  Whether writing about a painful experience or a more simple experience, use the narrative to be vulnerable and honest about who you are. Use words you would normally use. Trust your voice and the fact that your story is interesting enough in that no one else has lived it.
• Be creative.  “Show, don’t tell,” and that applies here — to an extent. The best essays typically do both. You can help your reader see and feel what you are describing by using some figurative language throughout your piece.
• Make a point. As you finish your final body paragraphs ask yourself “So what?” This will help you hone in on how to end your essay in a way that elevates it into a story about an insight or discovery you made about yourself, rather than just being about an experience you had.

Where your work meets your life. See more from Ascend here .

We’ve all heard about the dreaded “college essay,” the bane of every high school senior’s existence. This daunting element of the college application is something that can create angst for even the most accomplished students.

• AA Amy Allen is a writer, educator, and lifelong learner. Her freelance writing business,  All of the Write Words , focuses on providing high school students with one-on-one feedback to guide them through the college application process and with crafting a thoughtful personal essay. A dedicated poet, Amy’s work has also been published in several journals including  Pine Row Press ,  Months to Years,  and  Atlanta Review .

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The Right Way to Pitch Yourself to a School

Find your inner voice and use it to tell colleges what they need to know about you.

Pitching Yourself to a School

Selling yourself successfully to a college requires some serious marketing savvy. How to stand out to swamped admissions staffers, who together will be surveying a field of 2 million? That's roughly the number of applicants that four-year schools will be sifting through this year. First, let go of the notion that the fat envelope would already be in the mail if you could just crack the admissions code. "It would be a lot easier if there was a magic formula," says David duKor-Jackson, associate director of admissions at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology , "but there isn't." There's no magic essay topic, either. Says Annalee Nissenholtz, an independent college counselor in St. Louis: "If I hear about one more kid who's saving the poor! The first kid or two who did it—they were really interesting, and then everyone heard that must be the trick. There really is no trick. It's digging deep and trying to figure out what makes you interesting." 

That's good news. Instead of trying to decipher what they want, your task is to tell your story—to convey, in today's college app watchwords, a sense of your passion and commitment. Colleges are trying to understand, "Who is this person, and why would we want him or her to join this community?" says Jennifer Delahunty, dean of admissions and financial aid at Kenyon College . So it's important to convey during each part of the process how you will contribute to the greater good. "We no longer are just looking to pick up students," says Jed Liston, assistant vice president for enrollment at the University of Montana-Missoula . "We're looking for citizens." 

Make the grade. The first thing colleges want to figure out is whether you will thrive academically. For a read, they look first to your high school transcript. "If you're not in the ballpark, extracurriculars aren't going to get you in," says Jim Jump, academic dean and director of guidance at St. Christopher's School in Richmond, Va. Unless, perhaps, "you've won the Nobel Prize or have your own sitcom," he adds. But the A's, B's, and C's don't give the whole picture. Admissions staffs are looking for rigor, and they like to see academic risk takers. "Students ask us, 'Is it better to get an A in a regular class or a B in an AP class?' " says Keith Gramling, director of undergraduate admissions at Loyola University New Orleans . "Well, it's better to get an A in an AP class. But we are looking for students who have challenged themselves." 

Still, piling on classes to impress your dream college can backfire. "Oftentimes I find myself trying to talk students off the AP ledge," says Rick Bischoff, vice president for enrollment management at Case Western Reserve University . "I see students who are doing all they can to keep up with the work and don't have time to keep up with the learning. We're not counting APs. Has this student taken a rigorous curriculum? Has it prepared them? "It's that engagement that's central." Adds Stephen Farmer, associate provost and director of undergraduate admissions at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill : "What we want for students is the feeling that they're looking for the next great thing they need to know. We like to see a sense of joy and curiosity." 

Express yourself. If the goal is helping colleges get a clear picture of who you are, the essay, as one longtime admissions officer describes it, is "the peek through the curtain." Applicants often assume that the peek should reveal not a subtle landscape but a dramatic perspective. "Students feel, 'I need to find that exotic thing that sells,' " says Tony Cabasco, dean of admission and financial aid at Whitman College .

In truth, he says, what you write about "doesn't have to be a week in Africa. It can be you were a clerk at Safeway for the summer and that changed the way you view race relations or the environment." Adds Ted O'Neill, the former dean of admissions at the University of Chicago : "Turning points in their lives are kind of premature for kids of this age." Delahunty's idea of a "truly exceptional essay" at Kenyon is one in which "a student travels in a few swift paragraphs from one perspective to another and has seen the deeper meaning, learned the lesson, or found the humor." 

"We're looking for a thoughtful, earnest presentation that shows complicated interests and thinking," says O'Neill. This can be achieved in stories reflecting on life's smaller slices—why you like helping your dad fix up old cars on the weekend, being the only boy in a family of seven girls, why you like to write birthday limericks. Liston at Montana-Missoula recalls reading one student's answer to the question "What was the most significant invention of all time?" It was "a very elegant essay on the spork," he says. "You left saying, 'That was quirky, that was funny, but that was well thought out.'" 

Make sure your authentic voice comes through, avoiding the appearance of what Ingrid Hayes, associate vice president for enrollment management and director of admissions at Spelman College , calls a "manufactured essay." Adds Delahunty: "Sometimes, we'll say, 'Didn't the mom write a beautiful application?'... When you see the word heretofore, that's a clue." Far worse than parent-assisted essays are the ready-made ones available for around the same price as two tickets to the movies, a stratagem that will almost certainly go awry. Loyola New Orleans received the same essay—purchased online—from different applicants; they were, not surprisingly, denied. 

A variation on the same rule: Don't exaggerate. "Always, always, always be honest," says Missy Sanchez, director of college counseling at Woodward Academy near Atlanta. "Maybe you're going to get lucky, but the real professionals on the other side—they're going to ask questions."

Be sure the inner self you expose is one you're proud to claim. Poorly chosen words can make a bad impression. One applicant "wrote about an argument during which he broke a wall," says North Carolina's Farmer. "Rather than writing what he learned, he justified his behavior. He came across as shockingly incurious [and] seemed unteachable. You thought, he's going to spend four years making speeches." 

Show a little love. Although most students apply to multiple colleges, showing genuine enthusiasm for each school on your list is such a must that colleges have a name for it: "demonstrated interest." No college wants to play second or fifth or 15th fiddle. "We want kids who want us," says Jean Jordan, dean of admission at Emory University . Tailor each application individually, with concrete examples of why you can see yourself there. "If you can take out Rice University and put in Vanderbilt and not make a difference," says Chris Muñoz, Rice's vice president for enrollment, "that's not going to work."

As always, your presentation is crucial. "Writing 'I sat in Lorch Hall' doesn't help me feel like that student knows more about us," says Erica Sanders, director of recruitment and operations at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor . "Saying 'Professor So-and-so's class helped me become even more interested' or 'made me realize I really don't know what I want to pursue' can make a difference." And do your homework. Claiming that you want to go to XYZ university for engineering when the school doesn't offer such a program will make your application memorable, but not in a good way. 

Find your fans. If the application is your chance to talk about what makes you stand out, think of teacher recs as a way to reinforce your themes. The best choice isn't always the teacher whose class you aced, says Sanchez; better to pick the one who can describe what you're like as a person, or the one who saw you struggle and sweat and manage to pull a D up to a B. "Ask if they can write you a strong recommendation," advises Seattle-based educational consultant Judy Mackenzie. "If the teacher hesitates, back off." Once you've got an advocate, type up bullet points summarizing your activities, community service, jobs, and a few pluses the teacher might not know about. And plan ahead. A rushed writer is rarely as persuasive as one who has had mulling time. 

Go for depth. While it might seem impressive to have joined six clubs and volunteered at a soup kitchen in your senior year, admissions officers can see through such a ploy. Besides, it's unnecessary, says Steven Roy Goodman, a Washington, D.C., educational consultant and the coauthor of College Admissions Together: It Takes a Family. "It's important to be well lopsided rather than well rounded. That enables you to focus on what you're good at," he says. Adds Bischoff of Case Western: "Applicants worry far too much—do they have the service and the leadership, and are they a musician, and, boy, if they could pick up a sport." Like Goodman, he believes in doing less and doing it well. But at the same time, you want to avoid being one-dimensional. "If your presentation is one-sided," says Liston, "start working on other sides. Show that you're not just that one thing." Anything you're passionate about has merit, including an after-school job. 

Take the interview. Some interviews are informational, some are evaluative; some schools encourage them, others don't give them at all. The best strategy is to take any face time offered unless you know you'll be putting your worst foot forward. If you got into serious trouble in high school and "the details are messy," or you are inclined to demonstrate lack of interest because "your parents are making you apply to that college," skip it, Goodman advises. Otherwise, one-on-ones are a way to underscore your desire to attend.

Before you go, polish with practice. Rehearse your questions and talking points with an adult. Make sure to communicate not just your strengths but also your enthusiasm. Say clearly and politely, 'This is what I've achieved, and I'm proud of it,' " says Goodman. If your interview takes place on campus, schedule it toward the end of your visit. "After you've gone on the tour and met some kids," says Sanchez of Woodward Academy, "you've got something to talk about." 

Practice full disclosure. Did your stellar academic record nose-dive one semester? Is there an obvious hole in your coursework? A suspension? The temptation is to hope it goes unnoticed, but it won't. The best approach is full disclosure. Add a letter explaining the situation. But for it to have a mitigating effect, Sanchez says, "you have to have recovered" from whatever tripped you up, accepted the consequences, and done what you could to make amends. "You've got to show us that you learned something," Goodman says. If you got suspended from school for drinking, for example, "and the punishment is 20 community service hours, do 50." And don't whine. If your grades took a tumble, don't expect admissions staff "to be moved by normal things that happen in life," says Rice's Muñoz. " 'My boyfriend broke up with me' is not going to cut it, nor is 'I overextended myself' or 'I got really involved with being the lead person for the prom.'" 

Clean up your online act. There's you, the serious college applicant. Then there's the other you—the one with the E-mail address and voice-mail greeting that your friends find hilarious. Maybe you even put up those sassy beach pictures on Facebook. Admissions staffers, many of them fairly recent graduates themselves, sometimes check out social networking sites. So, if you're Jekyll and Hyde, clean up your split personality. "Students don't always realize the extreme public nature of the Web," says Gramling at Loyola. "They say, 'Oh no, no, that's my site for me and my friends.'" Before posting on MySpace, consider, are these photos you would show to your mom? If the answer's no, you probably don't want the admissions committee at your No. 1 college to get a peek, either. 

A word to parents. In the spirit of trying to see their applicants in the round, a small but growing number of schools are asking for recs from the 'rents. Sanchez advises parents to "think about the three or four things people always brag to you about your child." Then, give examples to show how these characteristics come through. "Suzy is a great organizer. She used the whole senior class to help the elementary school clean up the playground on Earth Day." And remark on whatever the child's passion may be, for example, "He loves to play his guitar, and we're going to miss music in the house 24-7." Parents should remember that their job is to present their vision by providing the facts, not to sell. So a mother should feel free to note that her son "has the messiest room I've ever seen" when describing his brilliant organizational skills as a class officer. "You can say stuff," Sanchez says. "They know they're not perfect. They're teenagers." 

Parents should otherwise stay on the sidelines, cheering but not interfering. No matter how anxious they may get, mom and dad must resist the urge to call the admissions office pretending to be their child, because they're guaranteed to sound more like a 40-year-old than a 17-year-old. It happens. 

Acing the Essay. To pick a topic and deliver it compellingly: Brainstorm. Ask family and friends what to write about. Focus on what matters to you and why. Show, don't tell. Use vivid examples. Seek feedback. Ask a friend to read your essay, and ask, "Does this sound like me?" It should. Take your time. Don't do your essay at the last minute. Selling yourself takes polish.

Killer Extracurrics. Show that you've chosen what you love. A passionate dedication to the cello or math trumps a long list of club memberships or hours of obligatory community service. Convey lessons. What drew you in, and what did you learn? Provide details. President of the poetry society? Say how many members the club has and what you do. Show commitment. How much work did you put into the newspaper or lacrosse team?

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Selling Yourself in Your Applications

Well, it's the middle of August. In a matter of days, most rising high school seniors will be starting their final high school years. This is where you may find that time speeds up. It's like you are suddenly on fast-forward. The days rush by in a blur -- and applications will be due before you know it.

Are you a rising senior? For those of you applying to college choosing the Early Action (EA) or Early Decision (ED) route, those early November application deadlines will hover like a shroud over you as you try to decide on a Halloween costume. If you've been diligent over the summer, you may have already written your Common Application essay and reviewed and possibly completed other requirements of your applications. If so, my hat's off to you, even though I rarely wear a hat!

This is a heads-up, then, for EA- and ED- planning seniors to get with it now , rather than letting your application-prep sand slip through the hourglass. Obviously, those of you choosing Regular Decision (RD) will, in most cases, have until early January to get your act together, but even putting off your RD applications past Thanksgiving can easily ruin what should be a happy and relaxing year-end holiday break.

Now, this will sound “preachy," I'm sure, but I've said it before and will no doubt say it again: Most well-prepared rising seniors use the summer before their senior year to square away their thoughts about which colleges they will pursue and what details are involved in doing that. Granted, summer is almost gone, but there is still time to do some critical preparation before the rush of a new school year and its related activities roar out of the starting gate.

Of course, as I'm sure you know, the Common Application is the requirement for most colleges these days, although there are some exceptions. Perhaps one of the most important aspects of college admissions is revealing to the admissions committees who you are and how you think . Probably the best way to do this is through your essays. The Common Application requires you to write a significant essay in response to one of a number of different prompts. You'll also have to answer some so-called “short responses."

You May Have to Tackle Multiple Essays

The Common Application may also require long supplemental essays, which are needed by many colleges, especially the most competitive ones. This extra writing may further tax your ability to present your best personal qualities. There may be additional questions about the more subtle aspects of who you are. In light of all this, then, the purpose of my advice here is to give you some guidelines to help you reveal qualities about yourself that you may not have thought of before.

What follows is a series of questions that will help you pull those formerly little-known features about your personality, humor and other qualities out of the dark and into the light of your applications. It's a kind of personal inventory. I've mentioned this before and will note it again in the future because with it I've had great success using it in my admissions counseling work. Seniors discover aspects about themselves that they had overlooked or taken for granted. These aspects are the key building blocks for marketing your profile to colleges in your applications.

Once you've answered the questions below, you'll be able to use the information in any number of places on your applications. Copy this questionnaire and paste it into your word processor. Then, print it out and work on your responses, or type your answers directly into the file.

Take your time and be as expansive as possible. Even though there are some obvious questions here (name, email address, etc.), fill out all information. Keep in mind that you're presenting who you are to people who have never met you. Here we go …

Senior Year Inventory

- Email address:

– You are a US citizen or permanent resident. Yes _____ No _____

– First language: ____________

– What other languages, if any, do you speak fluently? ____________

– What is your high school's track record for sending its graduates to the Ivies and other elite colleges? Can you cite some specific outcomes from recent graduating classes? ____________

– Does your school's college counselor have a lot of experience with elite college admissions? Do you have a good relationship with your counselor? His/her recommendation will be crucial. Will your rec from him/her be top notch? ____________

The following “hodge-podge" questions will help us get to know you a bit better. Don't obsess over your answers. Write what first comes to mind, and don't worry about grammar, spelling or sentence structure. Have fun with these.

– What single achievement are you most proud of? (It could be something “public" like being a student-government officer or something far more personal, like teaching yourself how to do a back dive or learning to get along with a stepparent.) ____________

– What's the most difficult thing you've had to do in your life? ____________

– What do you do better than almost anyone else? (Again, it could be a highly visible achievement like leading the basketball team in scoring, or perhaps you're the only one in your family who can get your little brother to eat broccoli.) ____________

– What's the nicest thing you've ever done for anyone? (Name a few, if several come to mind.) ____________

– What do you think your teachers say about you when you're not around? ____________

– What do you think your friends say about you when you're not around? ____________

– What do you worry about most (besides college admissions)? ____________

– What really makes you laugh? ____________

– What's your all-time favorite book and why? ____________

– What are your favorite foods? What foods do you avoid (or even spit out)? ____________

– Where do you think you will be and what will you be doing 10 years from now? ____________

– If you could do one thing over in your life, what would it be and why? ____________

– If a highly-selective college had to pick between you and one other applicant, why should they pick you? (Elaborate on this one a bit. Don't make it too short. Be both serious and funny, if you can. Feel free to make a list of five or 10 reasons why they should take you and not the other candidate.) ____________

Mine the Inventory for Essays, Applications

If you take time to answer all these questions carefully and in depth, you'll have a solid arsenal of material to use in your applications, especially in those sometimes challenging Common App supplemental essays and short responses. As I mentioned above, it's common for seniors to overlook important and interesting aspects of their lives to-date. These questions are designed to dig out noteworthy events, opinions, choices and actions, some of which may attract an admissions committee's attention.

Once again for emphasis: Your goal in your applications is to tell those admissions committees who you are and how you think . This inventory will help you do that. Plus, as an added bonus, the information you gather on this questionnaire can be quite helpful for admission interviews, should you encounter them during your college process.

So, what are you waiting for? Stop texting and start thinking!

Dave is co-founder of College Confidential and College Karma Consulting, co-author of America's Elite Colleges: The Smart Buyer's Guide to the Ivy League and Other Top Schools, and has over 30 years of experience helping high schoolers gain admission to Ivy League and other ultra-selective schools. He is an expert in the areas application strategies, stats evaluation, college matching, student profile marketing, essays, personality and temperament assessments and web-based admissions counseling. Dave is a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University and has won national awards for his writing on higher education issues, marketing campaigns and communications programs. He brings this expertise to the discipline of college admissions and his role as a student advocate. His College Quest newspaper page won the Newspaper Association of America's Program Excellence Award, the Pennsylvania Newspaper Publisher's Association Newspapers in Education Award, the Thomson Newspapers President's Award for Marketing Excellence and the Inland Press Association-University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Mass Communications Inland Innovation Award for the Best New Page. His pioneering journalism program for teenagers, PRO-TEENS, also received national media attention. In addition, Dave won the Newspaper Association of America's Program Excellence Award for Celebrate Diversity!, a program teaching junior high school students about issues of tolerance. His College Knowledge question-and-answer columns have been published in newspapers throughout the United States. Dave loves Corvettes, classical music, computers, and miniature dachshunds. He and his wife Sharon have a daughter, son and four grandchildren.

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Writing Without Bragging: Do's & Don'ts of Patronizing Yourself

When you first start writing your college essays, you probably imagine what you want them to read like. Unique, quirky, intelligent, and balanced is probably what comes to mind. But when you get to the end, more often than not, they sound stiff and scripted. It sucks.

College essay writing is one of the hardest forms of writing. In order to do it right, you need to balance your accomplishments, your school, and your personality in only 300 to 500 words. It is easy, with so many confinements, for your writing to sound stuffy.

One of the biggest reasons this happens is because many people find bragging uncomfortable. It is so hard to brag about yourself to a university without coming off as fake. While selling yourself and your strengths is important in college essays, it is also important to feel good about what you are writing. Generally, it is uncomfortable in any circumstance describing your achievements. However, the solution lies in reframing the problem.

As shown by studies that focus on how people are perceived by peers when talking about themselves, rephrasing and rethinking about talking about ourselves is the key to bragging without sounding cocky. Michael Norton, a Harvard Business professor, wrote about associations with bragging and insincerity. This insincerity, Norton states, derives from being indirect. In order to brag about yourself, without sounding cocky, you need to write in way that is sincere but builds up your confidence at the same time.

One way to do so is to reflect on how you improved from your past self. Instead of saying how you are president of Key Club and how you completed 500 hours of service, describe how you came to the realization as a member that you cared about service and how you took it upon yourself to have a greater impact. Look at how far you have come and bounce your accomplishments off your former self.

Additionally, focus on how you succeeded, not on what you succeeded. Do not simply state your accomplishments; rather focus on describing them. Also, write about the journey that led you to where you are. By doing so, you came come of as very genuine and accomplished in a very positive, nonchalant type of way.

However, there is a catch to writing this way. While trying to remain humble, be careful not to take this to the extreme or twist it. As Henry Alford wrote in his article about humble-bragging, attempting to brag through modesty upsets others as they see you attempting to awe them and gain their sympathy.

Be careful not to use modesty to compliment yourself. In terms of college essays, this manifests itself when people write statements about how they weren't sacrificing a lot of huge amounts of time or effort to a cause. Describing how it was "nothing" to spend the summer teaching children English in Vietnam is not charming. It is patronizing and hurts your essay. Instead, focus on why you did what you did.

Overall, writing essays that do not sound like bragging will sound much more authentic, real to you and to your intended audience. Using the tips above, you will be able to write a more impactful essay that highlights your achievements in a positive way.

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How to Sell Yourself in an Essay

The ability to sell yourself in an essay is a skill frequently called upon in the professional world. Whether in a cover letter or a college entrance statement, a compelling essay requires you to identify the skills or experiences that are valuable to your audience. Invest some time in brainstorming your unique attributes; your essay might leave your reader sold.

Identify your audience, or whom you will be selling yourself to in the essay. The content of the essay will depend on the audience. If writing a cover letter for a business management job application, the audience likely is a recruiter with a business background, for example. A diverse panel that also includes readers not in the engineering profession likely will read an essay for entrance to a university engineering program,

Identify at least three characteristics that the reader of the essay will want to see. For a college entrance essay, the audience is most likely interested in seeing qualities such as leadership, academic excellence or extracurricular experiences. A corporate recruiter will look for experiences that are relevant to the position you seek. The ability to identify how the audience will see your statements will increase the chances of making a connection.

Jot down your relevant experiences, skills and characteristics. Select three of the most compelling items that you brainstormed and support these characteristics with convincing, concrete examples that will inform your audience of your abilities. If you are trying to sell yourself in a college entrance essay, highlight your leadership skills by citing a time you excelled in a leadership position, such as when you took initiative to start a club or help organize a community event.

Write a strong introductory sentence to get the reader's attention and make him want to continue reading the essay. For a cover letter, simply state which positions you are applying for to make it clear for the recruiter. However, for a personal statement for college entrance, try to pull the reader in with a "hook" such as a humorous anecdote, a quote or an interesting fact. For example, "To be successful you must risk failure. The summer before graduating high school, I made a commitment run the New York City Marathon."

List the three key attributes or selling points after the attention-grabbing introduction sentence. It is not necessary to expand these statements here; you will write more about these in the body of the essay.

• Avoid the use of imprecise language in your essay. The use of such words may dilute your essay's argument. Have someone else proofread your essay. You do not want any typographical or grammatical errors.
• Be careful to not come off as arrogant in the essay. Since you are trying to sell yourself, you must sound confident in your statements, but be careful to not offend the reader.
• Research your audience before writing your essay. This will help you to craft statements that highlight the key interests of your audience and therefore build a more compelling essay.
• 1 Study and Strategies Guides: Persuasive or Argumentative Essays

About the Author

John Lee is a writer with several years of expertise in technical subjects, including mechanical engineering. He holds a Bachelor of Science in engineering from Pennsylvania State University. He is currently based in Asia.

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Me, Myself, and I: How to Describe Yourself in College Application Essays

A Student’s College Application Essay Is One Of Their Best Opportunities To Stand Out…

After all, a well-written personal statement can be the difference between acceptance or receiving a waitlist letter. Often, the best essays are those that go into detail about the student themselves. A descriptive essay that shows how a student’s personal hobbies, interests, values, and career goals interconnect goes much farther than just a list of their extracurricular activities.

However, many students find it difficult to break the habit of being humble and write about themselves. In this article, we cover five different ways students can reframe the challenge of writing about themselves to make their college essays feel more personal.

The Importance Of Sharing Your Story

With over 3 million students expected to graduate from high school this year , the pool of college applicants will continue to grow. Because of this, colleges are increasingly seeking ways to adapt the college admission process to allow students the opportunity to share their unique stories.

Across the country, from small liberal arts colleges to leading research universities, schools are increasingly moving in the direction of a holistic admission process . A holistic approach to college admissions goes beyond a student’s test scores and grade point averages to take into account all that a student achieves inside and outside of school.

Because of this shift in approach, it’s never been more necessary for students to share their personal stories however they can in their college application. Most often, students are given the opportunity through essay prompts that ask questions about the student’s views, values, or interests as they relate to the institution.

While many students find these prompts uncomfortable, they are one of the only ways students can take control of the application process by choosing to put themselves in the spotlight. The person who reads a student’s college application and personal statement has no idea who they are; it’s up to each student to leave them with a good first impression.

5 Tips For Writing About Yourself On College Applications

Show personal depth.

While students may be tempted to state just the facts of their background, encourage depth and description in their application. A holistic admissions process loves to see students with interests that interconnect, especially when provided with a record of extracurricular involvement to back it up . Providing detail gives the reader the context they’ll need to get a clear picture of the student.

In other words, students shouldn’t be afraid to nerd out and get passionate! If their interest in political activism is driven by the field they’re most interested in studying, such as climate science, encourage them to work all aspects of their character into their application. Same with art, social justice, psychology, and more! Colleges provide students with essay prompts that invite them to get personal for a reason - they love the inside look at what qualities your student will bring to their campus.

However, students should be careful to not merely rewrite a list of accomplishments, extracurriculars, or commitments that can be found elsewhere on their college applications. A student’s personal essay can lean on these parts of the application by focusing on the most important accomplishments rather than trying to list all of them within a small word count limit.

DESCRIBE YOUR BACKGROUND

Today, it’s possible for students from all walks of life to attend college, each bringing their own unique perspective and background to create more diverse campuses than ever . As this diversity is continually being recognized as a driver of innovation and equality, colleges are giving applicants more chances than ever to describe their background and what factors have shaped them into the person they are today.

Therefore, if there’s a unique aspect of your student’s background that you believe is worth highlighting in their college application, don’t hesitate! Colleges are eager to hear from applicants with experiences during their upbringing that reveal grit, determination, or ambition.

MAKE USE OF STORIES

To this end, students should make use of stories in their personal statements, if given a prompt where a story would make sense. Past experiences that show personal growth, dedication to values or ethics, or willingness to reach out and help those in need can all do more to tell a college about an applicant’s potential as a student than a grade point average ever could.

Shockingly, sometimes the most powerful stories to tell in a personal statement are those where a student has failed, lost, or made a mistake. In these stories, students are not only given the opportunity to display humility and the capability for growth, but also many other soft skills often associated with success in higher education.

Even if the essay prompt doesn’t invite your student to share a story, look for ways to naturally incorporate small anecdotes. Past experiences and stories, even summarized in a few sentences, can add a personal touch to an essay that college admissions officials will notice.

CONNECT TO THE SCHOOL

Students should always aim to be truthful in their college applications and should avoid making themselves seem more connected to the college they apply to than they really are. However, if a student’s interests, values, or experiences align with a college’s, then making an effort to genuinely connect with the school in their college essay can give students an edge.

For example, a student with a nearly life-long passion for debate would be well served to mention it when applying for a school where their debate team has received national recognition.

Additionally, if your child has had positive experiences with a school, whether through official programs or interactions with current students or alumni, a brief mention of this can work well in their college essay. When a student is unsure of how to answer “why this college” essay prompts , this tactic can be a great way to bridge the gap between what first drew a student toward a school and what convinced them to apply.

ASK FOR AN OUTSIDE OPINION

If your student finds themselves struggling to weave their personal story into the essay prompt, one way to spark ideas is to ask a trusted outsider for help. From a counselor to a teacher or fellow student, chances are your student will know someone who is willing to give them an idea of how they’d describe them to others. These outside looks will do wonders for your child’s confidence, creativity, and perspective when it comes to writing their “me, myself, and I” personal statement.

Depending on who your student asks, they may even be reminded of past experiences where they showed personal growth, committed to their values, or helped someone in need. Hearing stories from a different perspective may make it easier to write about them in a way that doesn’t feel self-aggrandizing. If they’ve already written a rough first draft of the story, their helper may be able to fill in details that add strength to the essay.

Make Your Personal Statement Personal

Many students struggle with the idea of writing about themselves. However, the perception that describing your past or telling a meaningful story about yourself is “bragging” couldn’t be further from the truth. Colleges are eager to hear stories that give insight into who a student is beyond their grades and test scores, and students would be wise to take advantage of the opportunities to do so. Yet, even the most accomplished adults struggle with describing themselves and their own accomplishments. It can be difficult to sell yourself, no matter how much value you bring to the table!

If your student is having a difficult time portraying themselves in their college application, we’d love to hear from you and see where our WeAdmit counselors can help. Our counselors are experienced in helping guide students toward submitting the best possible college applications, exploring all their options, and putting their best first impression forward. We would love to hear from you and see how our team can help your student get into their dream college!

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About Yourself Scholarship Essay Examples (2023)

Jennifer Finetti Sep 28, 2022

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A popular scholarship essay prompt is “Tell us about yourself.” This question is relatively open-ended, which may make it difficult to answer at first glance. What should I tell them about myself? My struggles, my goals, my passions…? These may all be fitting topics, depending on the scholarship. We’ll show you some scholarship essay examples about yourself, along with writing tips to guide you along the way.

What they want to know about you

As you prepare to write, think of the topics the scholarship committee would be interested in. These may include:

• Your current degree, as it applies to your overall career goals. You can explain why you chose your current educational path and what you want to do with that.
• Your short-term and long-term professional goals . Frame your answer as if to say “Where will you be in 5 years? Where will you be in 10 years?” Scholarship committees like to reward people with defined aspirations.
• Past experiences that sparked your passions. You could talk about an influential person in your life, but make sure most of the essay focuses on you. After all, you are talking about yourself.
• Something about you that relates to their organization. With any scholarship essay, you should try to connect yourself with the organization providing the funding. Don’t force a connection. Find one that naturally fits. Mention hobbies, experiences and goals that match what the review committee is looking for.
• Something unique that sets you apart from other applicants. This may be volunteer experience, career specialties, situational differences (growing up in an area that didn’t encourage education), etc.

Note that you do not have to throw all this information into one essay. Choose the elements that best fit the scholarship. If you were on the review board, what would you want to learn about each applicant? What would make you choose one applicant over another? Keep this in mind as you develop your thoughts.

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What they don’t want to know about you

There is plenty of information you could include in an about yourself scholarship essay. There is just as much information to avoid though. Some topics to keep out of your essay include:

• False information. Do not make up stories or fabricate goals to fit the prompt. The scholarship committee can instantly tell when someone is lying, and they will disqualify you immediately.
• Past struggles that do not pertain to the essay topic. You can briefly mention struggles from your past, as long as you mention how you’ve learned from them. Do not make your essay a long story about the hard life you’ve led. Focus on your triumphs, not your obstacles.
• Vague goals and aspirations. Scholarships are usually given to students who have a plan. If you say, “I’m not sure what I’m doing yet,” the committee will select a more motivated candidate. If you have a plan and a backup plan, that’s fine. Just make sure you mention both options and show which one you favor.
• Cliché stories that most people tell. There is something that makes you stand out as a person. Use that to your advantage. Don’t rely on generic information they’ll find with other applicants.
• Unrelated elements of your personal life. In most cases, you should not mention your significant other in the essay. You might mention a spouse if you need to reference your children or a turning point in your life, but these personal details do not fit most essays. Any information that seems frivolous or ill-placed should be removed from the essay.

Read through your essay carefully. If you stop at one point to say, “Why did I mention that?” get rid of the corresponding information. Showcase the best elements about yourself in a fluid and cohesive manner.

Short scholarship essay example: Tell us about yourself (100 Words)

With 100 words, you can only focus on one or two elements of your life. Think about your biggest selling points – the things that show you are the ideal candidate. Start by introducing yourself and your educational status. Then jump into the main topic of the essay. You may not have room to mention how the scholarship will help your education. Instead, mention how your education can help your career. The other information will be implied.

My name is Christian Wood. I am a high school senior who will be attending the University of Nevada, Reno in the fall. I want to become an online journalist. My goal is to work for the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Huffington Post, or another news outlet that has a strong online presence. Most people already get their news on the internet, and the industry will be even bigger by the time I graduate. Getting a degree in journalism with a focus on digital media will set me up for a fulfilling, fast-paced career fit for the future.

Word Count: 96

Medium scholarship essay example: Tell us about yourself (250 Words)

With a mid-length scholarship essay, you have more space to explain how your past has influenced your present and future goals. You should have rom for an intro paragraph, a few body paragraphs, and a conclusion (maybe incorporated into the last body paragraph). Think of a few main points you want to touch on, and write those down first. If you still have room, you can add more details about yourself.

My name is Sarah, and I spent most of my childhood on the wrong medication. I experienced a problem common in clinical psychology – misdiagnosis. Professionals provide inaccurate diagnoses for many reasons – f rom antiquated testing methods to limited education. I want to open my own psychological testing facility and help change that. Therefore, I am pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Neuropsychology.  I was diagnosed with ADHD as a child because I had trouble focusing in school. The medication m y doctor prescribed to me only made me numb to the world around me. I couldn’t think or process emotions, or had no emotions at all. After several years my parents finally decided to get a second opinion. I saw a specialist and she concluded that I didn’t have ADHD , but a combination of dyslexia and dysgraphia (difficulties with reading and writing). She sent us to a therapist who helped me learn how to work around my conditions, and my life improved tremendously. I went from being a lifeless student with barely passing grades to an honor roll student full of joy and excitement. Unfortunately, my story is not one of a kind. There are countless children in America who are put on mind-altering medications that do not adequately address their needs. I cannot help all of those children, but I can provide a better alternative for the ones in my area. Through proper education, funded by financial aid, I can learn about psychological evaluations and provide the most accurate diagnoses possible.

Word Count: 249

Long scholarship essay example: Tell us about yourself (500 Words)

Scholarship essays that are 500 words or longer let you tell the whole story. You can discuss your past, present and future in a comprehensive manner. Avoid rambling and make sure each topic contributes to the overall essay. If one piece feels out of place, remove it and elaborate more on the existing elements. By the end of the essay, the reader should have a full understanding of who you are and what you want to accomplish.

My name is Sierra Breault, and I am a junior at Murray State University. I am double-majoring in Criminal Justice and Forensics Science, and I will graduate in 2024 with two bachelor degrees. My career goal is in social justice, so I can contribute to criminal justice reform. I want to ensure that those who commit crimes are treated fairly.  I come from a small town where excessive force and even death by cop incidents are often committed, especially against minorities. A few years ago, one of my relatives was charged for a crime although the crime scene evidence wasn’t properly obtained, catalogued and analyzed.  This experience played a big part in my wish to study criminal justice. I started exploring the career more when I decided that a desk job just wasn’t for me. Throughout high school I struggled because of the routine nature of it all. I saw the same people and attended the same classes every single day. I knew I didn’t want a job that would be that stagnant. That’s when I got the idea to work in law enforcement, because there would always be a new challenge for me to tackle. After researching the field even more, I set my sights on crime scene investigation. I have performed much better academically in college than I ever did in high school. That’s because there is no routine to the experience. Every week, I have new projects to complete, tests to study for, and activities to try. I have been involved with the campus Crime Stoppers organization all three years of college, and I was elected president for the upcoming term. This lets me work closely with law enforcement to supplement my college education and further my career.   After graduating, I will apply for work as a dispatcher in a state organization, such as the Department of Criminal Investigation. While my ultimate goal is to work as a forensic analyst or crime scene investigator, those positions usually only go to people within the organization. Dispatch is the most direct option for career entry, giving me the best chance to pursue my dream career. I am applying for this scholarship to help me finish the last two years of my degrees. As a college junior and soon-to-be senior, my scholarship opportunities are limited. Most awards are reserved for freshmen. I took advantage of those early on, and I have one recurring scholarship that covers half of my tuition. However, I need additional financial aid to cover the remainder of my academic costs. I appreciate your consideration, and I hope that you can help me pursue a profession in criminal justice. This is my passion, and I have a clear plan to turn that passion into a lifelong career.

Word Count: 463

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Jennifer Finetti

As a parent who recently helped her own kids embark on their college journeys, Jennifer approaches the transition from high school to college from a unique perspective. She truly enjoys engaging with students – helping them to build the confidence, knowledge, and insight needed to pursue their educational and career goals, while also empowering them with the strategies and skills needed to access scholarships and financial aid that can help limit college costs. She understands the importance of ensuring access to the edtech tools and resources that can make this process easier and more equitable - this drive to support underserved populations is what drew her to ScholarshipOwl. Jennifer has coached students from around the world, as well as in-person with local students in her own community. Her areas of focus include career exploration, major selection, college search and selection, college application assistance, financial aid and scholarship consultation, essay review and feedback, and more. She works with students who are at the top of their class, as well as those who are struggling. She firmly believes that all students, regardless of their circumstances, can succeed if they stay focused and work hard in school. Jennifer earned her MA in Counseling Psychology from National University, and her BA in Psychology from University of California, Santa Cruz.

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Honesty — The most effective method to SELL YOURSELF

The Most Effective Method to Sell Yourself

• Categories: Critical Thinking Honesty

About this sample

Words: 683 |

Published: Jun 6, 2019

Words: 683 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

Table of contents

Be the solution, be positive, portray interest, put stock in experience, put on display my critical thinking, past task achieved.

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How To Start A College Essay About Yourself

The Silicon Review 17 April, 2024

Writing a college essay about yourself can be an intimidating task. It's your one chance to make an impression on the admissions officers and convince them that you're the right fit for their school. But where do you even begin? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Beginning a college essay about yourself involves capturing your unique voice and experiences in a compelling introduction that hooks the reader's attention, and having someone at Academized to write my essay ensures expert guidance and support to kickstart your narrative with confidence and clarity. In this post, we'll guide you through the process of starting a college essay about yourself, from brainstorming ideas to creating an introduction.

Brainstorming Topics

The first step in starting a college essay about yourself is to brainstorm potential topics. This is where you'll want to think about what makes you unique and what experiences have shaped who you are today. Here are some prompts to get you started:

• A significant challenge you've faced and how you overcame it
• A personal accomplishment you're proud of
• A life-changing event or experience
• Your cultural background and how it has influenced you
• A person who has had a significant impact on your life
• A passion or interest that drives you

As you brainstorm, think about the stories and experiences that best showcase your personality, values, and goals. Remember, the essay is an opportunity to give the admissions officers a glimpse into who you are beyond just your grades and test scores.

Choosing a Compelling Topic

Once you've brainstormed a list of potential topics, it's time to narrow it down to the one that you think will make for the most compelling essay. Here are some things to consider when choosing your topic:

• Significance: Choose a topic that has had a significant impact on your life or has helped shape who you are today.
• Uniqueness: While it's okay to write about a common experience, try to find a unique angle or perspective that sets your essay apart.
• Personal growth: Look for a topic that showcases how you've grown or learned from the experience.
• Passion: Choose a topic that you're passionate about, as this will make your essay more engaging and authentic.

Writing a Strong Introduction

Writing a college essay about yourself requires an engaging opening that showcases your personality and sets the tone for your narrative, and referencing insightful resources like https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/best-essay-writing-services-top-5-paper-websites-mary-walton can provide valuable inspiration and guidance to help you create a memorable introduction with confidence.

With your topic selected, it's time to start writing your essay. The introduction is arguably the most important part, as it sets the tone for the rest of the piece and hooks the reader's attention. Here are some tips for writing a strong introduction:

The Personal Anecdote

One effective way to start your essay is with a personal anecdote or story that relates to your chosen topic. This can be a powerful way to draw the reader in and set the scene for the rest of your essay. For example, if you're writing about a significant challenge you've faced, you could start with a vivid description of the moment when you first realized the challenge ahead of you.

The Thought-provoking Question

Another option is to start with a thought-provoking question that relates to your topic. This can pique the reader's curiosity and get them thinking about the issue or experience you'll be exploring in your essay. For example, if you're writing about a passion or interest that drives you, you could start with a question like, "What is it that makes us passionate about certain things in life?"

The Surprising Statement

You could also grab the reader's attention with a surprising statement or statistic that relates to your topic. This can be a great way to challenge the reader's assumptions and set up the rest of your essay as an exploration of that surprising idea. For example, if you're writing about your cultural background, you could start with a statement like, "While many people assume that culture is something that's passed down from generation to generation, my experience has shown me that it's something that's constantly evolving."

Finding Your Voice

No matter which approach you choose for your introduction, it's important to find your voice and write in a way that feels authentic and true to who you are. Don't try to sound like someone you're not, or use language that feels unnatural or forced. The admissions officers want to get to know the real you, so let your personality shine through in your writing.

Developing the Body

With a strong introduction in place, it's time to move on to the body of your essay. This is where you'll expand on the topic you've chosen and provide the details and examples that support your main idea or argument. Here are some tips for developing a strong body:

Use Vivid Details

To make your essay more engaging and memorable, be sure to use vivid details and descriptions. This could include sensory details (sights, sounds, smells, etc.), dialogue, or specific examples that help illustrate your points.

Show, Don't Tell

Rather than simply telling the reader what happened or what you learned, show them through your writing. Use concrete examples and anecdotes to bring your experiences to life and demonstrate the lessons or insights you've gained.

Structure and Flow

Pay attention to the structure and flow of your essay. Use transitions to smoothly move from one idea to the next, and consider using subheadings or other organizational techniques to help guide the reader through your essay.

Personal Growth and Reflection

Throughout the body of your essay, be sure to emphasize how the experience or topic you're writing about has impacted you personally. Share your thoughts, feelings, and insights, and reflect on how the experience has shaped who you are today or influenced your goals and aspirations for the future.

As you wrap up your essay, it's important to bring your ideas together in a strong conclusion. This is your chance to leave a lasting impression on the reader and reinforce the main themes or lessons you've explored throughout your essay.

Summarize Key Points

In your conclusion, you'll want to briefly summarize the key points or experiences you've discussed in the body of your essay. This helps to reinforce the main ideas and ensures that the reader walks away with a clear understanding of your central message or argument.

Final Thoughts and Insights

Use the conclusion as an opportunity to share any final thoughts or insights you've gained from the experience or topic you've written about. This could include lessons learned, personal growth, or how the experience has influenced your goals or perspectives.

Call to Action

Finally, consider including a call to action or a statement that encourages the reader to think more deeply about the topic or theme you've explored. This could be a question for them to ponder or a challenge to approach a similar situation or experience with a new perspective.

Revising and Editing

Once you've drafted your college essay, it's important to take the time to revise and edit your work. This will help ensure that your essay is polished, well-organized, and free of errors.

Read it Out Loud

One helpful technique is to read your essay out loud. This can help you catch awkward phrasing, run-on sentences, or other issues that you might have missed when reading silently.

Get Feedback

It can also be valuable to have someone else read your essay and provide feedback. This could be a friend, family member, teacher, or even a writing tutor. They may be able to offer fresh perspective and insights that can help you improve your essay.

Check for Clarity and Focus

As you revise, make sure that your essay has a clear focus and that each paragraph and idea contributes to your overall message or argument. Remove any unnecessary or tangential information that doesn't directly support your main point.

Polish Your Writing

Finally, take the time to polish your writing and ensure that your essay is free of grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. These small details can make a big difference in how your essay is perceived by the admissions officers.

Writing a college essay about yourself can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this post, you'll be well on your way to creating a compelling and authentic essay that showcases who you are and what you have to offer. Remember to take your time, focus on finding your unique voice, and don't be afraid to share your personal experiences and insights. With dedication and effort, you can create an essay that will make a lasting impression on the admissions officers and help you stand out in the competitive college application process.

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University of Houston’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Common app personal essay.

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you‘ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

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