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A college essay is your unique opportunity to introduce yourself to admissions committees. A well-written and thoughtful essay—reflecting who you are and what you believe—can go a long way to separating your application from the rest that admissions officers read. It is your chance to stand out as someone worthy of a seat in that classroom. Below are the few elements that make for a great college essay.

  • Be Authentic: Be yourself in your writing. Admissions officers want to get to know the real you, so be honest and genuine in your essay.
  • Show, Don't Tell: Instead of merely stating facts or listing accomplishments, use descriptive language and vivid storytelling to engage your readers. Show how your experiences shaped you.
  • Use Deep themes: Select a topic that sets you apart from other applicants. Avoid common or clichéd topics unless you can bring a unique perspective to them.
  • Grab the Reader from the Start: Start your essay with a powerful opening like a bold statement, thoughtful quote, or descriptive scene which serves as a roadmap for the rest of your writing, engaging the reader from the start.
  • Write With the Reader in Mind: The Essay must have a clear & logical argument flowing with proper usage of transitions between paragraphs and every thought must be organized in a manner that makes sense to the reader
  • Write Several Drafts: It’s important to start writing your drafts as early as possible giving you enough time to write several drafts so that you can revise and add a new perspective each time you revise.
  • Read It Aloud: Reading your essay aloud can instantly uncover passages that sound clumsy or too long
  • Don’t Repeat: Avoid repetition of any story or anecdote that you may have used in writing the essay.
  • Ask Others to Read Your Essay: It will help clarify any confusion that others as a reader might have
  • Pay Attention to Form: Be sure that the font is readable, that the margins are properly spaced, that any dialogue is set off properly, that there is enough spacing at the top, and that you follow the word limit as much as you can. Your essay should look clean and inviting to readers. 
  • Stay On-Topic: Ensure that your essay directly addresses the prompt and doesn't veer off-topic.
  • End Your Essay With a “Kicker”: In journalism, a kicker is the last punchy line, paragraph, or section that brings everything together. Your kicker is to be concise and coherent, engage in honest self-reflection, and include vivid details and anecdotes that deftly illustrate your point.

A perfect college essay is one that reflects your personality, experiences, and aspirations while addressing the prompt effectively. While writing a fantastic essay may not guarantee you get selected, you may have an edge over somebody with a similar GPA and background.The mantra to write a good College Essay: Write, be authentic, revise again, and good luck!