How to Write a College Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide

We recommend starting to prepare in the summer before your senior year. Of course, timelines might vary for every student. Yet generally, plan to spend about 1–3 weeks on brainstorming and developing your first draft. Plus at least 2–4 weeks more you will most likely spend on revising and editing across multiple drafts. Do not forget to leave some time for breaks in between every writing and editing phase. 

In case you are going to apply to several schools, we highly recommend organizing a paper tracker spreadsheet. It will help you systematize deadlines. It will also help you visualize the required number of essays and a prompt overlap that may enable you to prepare one personal statement for prompts alike. 

First and foremost, read all the essay instructions carefully. If you do not follow them, not only will it reduce your chances of admission, but the committee may not even read your paper. Such guidelines might vary yet, in general, they concern page or word count together with a writing prompt. 

The topic of your personal statement is its most essential element. However, figuring out what to write your college essay about may be tricky. Brainstorming is aimed at finding the topic that records the best version of you and proves to colleges that you are the right choice. Your friends, family, and teachers could also help with pointing out the most interesting or admirable about you.

Another option of getting an idea is to look through the writing prompts regularly released by Common App. Remember that your topic should be uncommon and meaningful to you. It has to reveal something setting you apart and have an unusual angle. 

Unlike other academic essays, you are free to define your personal statement’s outline. You can either use a common five-paragraph pattern or resort to a more creative approach and use storytelling techniques. 

In the case of using traditional structure, your paper will consist of an Introduction, Body Paragraphs, and a Conclusion. 

Open your introduction with an attention-grabbing line. Then provide a concise overview of your paper. And end it with a thesis statement. Avoid starting with clichés or famous quotes. 

Body paragraphs should present the main points, usually each in its own paragraph. Do not forget to provide relevant details and examples to substantiate each point. Try to reflect on every specific image or detail, or scene to recollect the most remarkable aspects. Mind your language and tone. It should be respectful yet conversational. 

To leave admissions officers with a memorable final impression, the conclusion of your paper should give a profound insight. Do not just summarize what you already wrote. 
However, by approaching the paper’s structure more creatively, your chances increase significantly. Thus, we advise considering the following patterns. 

Vignettes structure
The vignette (also known as a montage) structure intertwines several stories under one common theme. Every story is to show one of your qualities or values and infer with a future outlook.
This type of pattern provides the admissions committee with a glimpse into your background, personality, and identity. It also demonstrates how you express yourself in diverse areas of your life.

Single story structure
The single-story (also known as narrative) structure applies a chronological narration to illustrate how your character was evolving over time. It might be moments in a moderately brief event or a timeframe spanning months or years.
Single story essays are best efficient in case you have pulled through a significant challenge or are eager to prove personal development.

Leave your draft aside and let it rest for a couple of days. Then, get back to it and, first, check if the personal statement sends a message you want, its clarity and flow. Afterward, examine the tone issues and style. Finally, make sure to exclude any punctuation or grammatical errors. 
It is normal and even advisable to make several revision rounds yet remember to take some breaks between them.

Believe it or not, but asking someone else (2-3 people) to proofread your paper and give their feedback is imperative. You can ask your family member, a friend, or your favorite teacher. Not only will fresh eyes catch possible inconsistencies or errors, but they can also note whether your personal statement is really all about you.