Essays & Writing Tips

Colleges are looking for how well you write and if you answer all of the questions in the essay prompt. Take time to brainstorm and write a well-rounded essay. Have fun with the essay. This is your opportunity to stand out amongst the thousands of applicants. Avoid clichés and don't write what you think they want to hear. They want to know about YOU!

Tip:  Create a Google doc for all your essays. Write and edit in this doc.  Many essay responses can be re-used for different colleges and scholarship applications. Save your work frequently and paste finished products into your applications.

Writing Resources: 

Tips for Writing an Effective Essay (College Board PDF)

The College Essay Guy

Tips for Writing an Effective Essay (Quest Bridge  PDF)

Writing an Effective Essay (Quest Bridge  PDF)

NOT EVERY college requires an essay. Certain colleges require different essay topics than others. Make sure you check on the website of the college you are applying to that you have the correct prompt before you start writing your essay. 

Each college will inform you which essay topics are required with your application for admission.  You can view the topics below and visit the Common App Website for additional tips and essay help. 

1. 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.

2. 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?

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

4. 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?

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

6. 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?

7. 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.