There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for a great college essay, but there are a few things it definitely shouldn’t be.
Our team has read thousands and thousands of personal statements over the years. We know every student’s story is unique, and we love getting to know students through their words. But we know that some common missteps show up again and again, no matter the student, story, or GPA.
The main problem we see with college essays isn’t a lack of effort. It’s well-intentioned students heading down the wrong path before they have a chance to find their voice.
Your college essay is one of the few parts of the application that’s fully yours and bears your unique voice, and it’s worth getting right.
To help you, let’s walk through five things your college essay is not, along with tips to help you stay on track as you start brainstorming and writing!
1. A Group Project
It’s natural to want a second opinion (or five) when you’re working on something this important. But be careful who you bring into the process and how many voices you invite in.
Too much feedback can start to blur your voice and water down the heart of your story. Well-meaning family members, teachers, and friends may offer conflicting advice or push you toward the kind of academic writing they’re used to. That kind of editing can quickly turn your personal statement into a group project, and your unique voice gets lost in the process.
Instead, limit your readers to one or two trusted people who understand the goal of a college essay. Choose someone who knows you well and can help you reflect honestly. And remember: this isn’t a team effort. You’re the writer. You get to make the final call.
2. An Essay for English Class
This isn’t AP Lang. Your college essay doesn’t need to follow a five-paragraph structure or use formal academic language. In fact, it really shouldn’t.
The best personal statements sound like a real person wrote them. First-person narration, some casual phrasing, and even contractions are all welcome here. You’re telling a story, not giving a speech. That means there’s room for humor, creativity, and even vulnerability, as long as it feels like you.
Most importantly, don’t worry about being “academic” or “impressive.” Focus on being personal, reflective, and authentic. That’s what makes a college essay memorable.
Pro Tip: Think of telling a story to your favorite teacher. You’re going to be a little more formal than you would be texting your best friend, but they’re your favorite teacher. You like them, and more importantly, you’re comfortable enough to speak as your authentic self.
3. A Written Resume
In the Common Application, the Activity List already covers your extracurriculars, and the Honors section lists other awards or achievements. Your supplemental essays might touch on your academic interests (colleges commonly have a “Why this major?” prompt). Don’t waste your personal statement rehashing everything you’ve already written in other places in your application.
The college essay is your chance to go beyond your resume. Show colleges who you are beyond the bullet points.
That doesn’t mean you can’t mention your activities. But if you do, focus on what they’ve taught you and not just what you did. Reflect on how they’ve shaped your values, personality, or worldview. Use the essay to add depth to your application, not to repeat information.
4. A Therapy Session
We’re big believers in the power of vulnerability. But your essay isn’t an emotional dumping ground. You don’t have to share your hardest moments to write something meaningful.
If you do want to write about a challenging experience (like a personal loss, a mental health journey, or a family hardship), make sure you’re ready to tell the story in a way that centers your growth. The essay should ultimately reflect how the experience shaped your perspective, values, or character.
The goal isn’t to relive trauma or to invite pity. It’s to show colleges how you’ve grown through what you’ve faced. Be honest, but also be thoughtful. If the topic still feels too raw or unresolved, it’s okay to choose something else.
5. A Role to Play
Students sometimes feel like they need to “perform” in their essay. They want to sound more mature, more intellectual, or more impressive than they really are. That can lead to big words, dramatic twists, or stories that feel a little too vague and lacking in specific details.
Here’s the thing: admissions officers read thousands of essays. They can spot a performance from a mile away. Usually, it’s because you don’t learn very much about who the person writing really is behind the veneer.
The best essays are grounded and genuine. You don’t need to play a role or put on a show. Be yourself. Trust your voice. Colleges want to hear your real story, not the one you think they’re looking for.
So… What Should Your Essay Be?
Your college essay is one of the few places in your application where you have total creative control. It’s your chance to speak directly to the people reading your application and to offer them something they can’t get from your transcript or test scores.
That’s a huge opportunity.
The strongest essays share a clear message about who the writer is, what matters to them, and how they think. These essays zoom in on specific examples, then zoom out to show meaning and reflection. They’re thoughtful and reflective, not just descriptive. And most importantly, they sound like the student wrote them, not a parent, teacher, or AI.
If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few brainstorming questions to spark ideas:
What’s something you care about deeply, and how did that passion develop?
What’s a moment that challenged your perspective about something?
What’s a small story that reveals something big about who you are?
When (or where!) do you feel most like yourself?
If you’re not ready to dive into writing yet, start by jotting down moments or memories that have stayed with you. Talk out ideas with someone who knows you well. Give yourself space to reflect. The writing will come more easily when you know what you want to say.
Final Thoughts
There are many ways to write a great essay, but keeping these five “don’ts” in mind can help you avoid some common missed opportunities and stay true to your voice.
We believe every student has a story worth telling. If you’re willing to reflect, be honest, and write with intention, you’ll end up with an essay that’s not only effective, but meaningful too.
Need help getting started? We guide our students through every stage of the process, from early brainstorming to final edits. Reach out to learn more about how we support students through the full college application journey.