What Makes a Great College Essay?
Hint: It’s Not Just the Writing
Let’s take a closer look at what matters.
Every year, around this time, I see the same pattern: a rising senior opens a blank Google Doc, types their name at the top — and freezes.
It makes sense. There’s nothing quite like staring at a page that’s supposed to explain who you are to people you’ll never meet — people who hold your admission decision in their hands.
And because it feels so big, it’s easy to assume you need a big story, flawless words, or something no one else has ever done before.
Here’s what I wish every student — and every parent — could hear: A great college essay isn’t about impressing someone. It’s about helping them understand who you really are, beyond your grades and test scores.
Why This Essay Matters More Than You Think
Your transcript tells a reader what classes you took and how you did. Your activities list shows how you spent your time outside the classroom.
But neither of those things fully answers what every good reader wants to know: Who is this person, really? What will they bring to our community? How do they think?
The essay is one of the few places you get to step off the list of facts and speak directly to another human being. When a college admissions reader puts down your essay, they should feel like they know something true about you that they couldn’t have learned anywhere else in your file.
That’s the ‘so what.’ A great essay doesn’t just describe an event or achievement — it shows how you see the world, what you notice, what you value, and how you make meaning of your own experiences.
Small Stories, Big Insights
Some students spend weeks searching for a “big enough” story, only to feel stuck when nothing dramatic comes to mind. The truth? The size of the moment has nothing to do with the size of the insight.
One of my students felt sure she had nothing to write about. We talked through her everyday routines and she mentioned making coffee for her parents each morning before school. To her, that seemed ordinary — too small to matter.
But when we peeled it back, that gesture said something real: about her care for her family, her sense of responsibility, and her quiet way of showing up for people she loves. Her essay didn’t just talk about brewing coffee — it showed what mattered to her and what kind of person she’d be on campus.
So What? A Reader’s Point of View
College application readers read thousands of essays every cycle. Many of them blur together because they stay on the surface: they describe what happened but skip over why it mattered.
What makes an essay stand out isn’t the topic — it’s the reflection.
What did you learn from this routine, memory, or small moment?
How did it shape you?
What does it reveal about the way you handle challenges, make choices, or think about your place in the world?
That’s what readers carry into committee rooms — not just a summary of what you did, but an understanding of who you really are when no one’s watching.
Authentic Voice Over Perfect Writing
If you remember nothing else, remember this: admissions officers know exactly what 17-year-olds sound like. And they want to hear it.
They don’t want your essay to sound like your English teacher wrote it for you or like it was scrubbed by AI into something generic. They want your real voice — your humor, your curiosity, your unfinished edges.
Perfect grammar never changed an admit decision. Authenticity can.
How to Start This Summer
If you’re staring at a blinking cursor, stop trying to find the perfect opening line. Instead, pay attention to the small stuff. What routines shape your days? What objects do you keep for no good reason? What memories pop into your head when you least expect them?
Write them down, not to impress someone, but to understand what they say about you.
A strong essay always answers two questions: What happened? and So what?
When You’re Ready for Guidance
A good essay takes time — and you don’t have to figure it out alone. My Senior Cohort is now open for enrollment. We’ll walk through brainstorming, drafts, honest feedback, and staying true to your voice every step of the way.
If you want calm, clear support through essays and applications, now’s the time.
👉 Learn more and join here.
Your story doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be true — and yours.
You’ve got this — and I’m here when you’re ready.
Let’s get to college.
At Get It Write College Advising & Essay Counseling, I specialize in helping students navigate the complex terrain of college admissions. With a personalized approach and a commitment to your success, I provide the insights and strategies needed to build a balanced college list that aligns with your unique aspirations.
Don't leave your college journey to chance—connect with me today. Let's work together to unlock a world of possibilities and set the stage for a transformative college experience. Your future is waiting, and I'm here to ensure you reach it with confidence and clarity. Get in touch now and let's make your college dreams a reality!
That way, you’re sure to Get It Write.
