College Application Essays: Thinking Outside the Box
Harvard University Baker Library at Harvard Business School (HBS). Photograph by Ryan Young, Presidio Education® Founder & CEO, 2018.
Writing strong college application essays can be nerve-wracking for high school students. How can you articulate to college admissions that you're the right fit for their school? How can you explain academic struggles or showcase your true self without visiting campuses? Colleges seek transparent, creative, and motivated individuals. While grades and scores are important, essays offer a unique opportunity to demonstrate depth of character and why you deserve a chance.
Start Early and Revise
Procrastination can be detrimental when crafting college essays. Starting early and revising continuously allows for reflection and improvement. Every grammatical and analytical detail matters, as each could be the difference that gives your essay the edge it needs. In an increasingly competitive admissions process, the quality of your writing must be exceptional. We recommend students seek feedback from qualified individuals to review drafts for content, style, flow, emotion, articulation, and creativity. College essays are among the most important pieces of writing you'll produce.
Stanford University Cecil H. Green Library. Photograph by Presidio Education® Yunju Chen, Director of Product Management, 2018.
Why Specifically that College?
Many students make the mistake of writing generic essays without considering specificity or creativity. It's not enough to discuss who you are and what you want to study; you must also convey why you're applying to that particular college. Thoroughly research potential colleges to understand their departments, faculty, campus resources, and even student publications. This research will help you identify which colleges are the best fit and allow you to demonstrate why you're interested in their specific offerings.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Department of Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory. Photograph by Presidio Education® Yunju Chen, Director of Product Management, 2018.
Show, Don't Just Tell
Instead of merely stating your qualities or achievements, illustrate them through specific anecdotes. For example, rather than saying you're passionate about community service, describe a particular experience where you made a meaningful impact. This approach allows admissions officers to see your character in action, making your essay more compelling and memorable.
Tufts University Jumbo the Mascot upper campus. Photograph by Ryan Young, Presidio Education® Founder & CEO, 2018.
Be Yourself
Authenticity resonates with admissions officers. They want to hear your true voice and understand your unique perspective. Avoid trying to impress with grandiose language or experiences. Instead, focus on sharing genuine stories that reflect who you are and how you've grown. Your essay should be a reflection of your true self, not an idealized version.
Our team regularly volunteers in communities as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. Helping impoverished students create beautiful art projects at the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Kowloon City Children and Youth Integrated Service Centre in Kowloon City, Hong Kong. From left to right: Wayne Man, Math & Social Science Teacher; Kenley Lou, Social Science and College Intern Coordinator; and Isaac Ng, College Intern, Sustainability Data Analytics. Photograph by Ryan Young, Presidio Education® Founder & CEO, 2018.
Are You More Than Just Numbers?
Many high school students devote years to chasing top grades and test scores. While academic achievement is undeniably important for college admissions, is that really all you want colleges to see? Your grade point average (GPA) and test scores may open doors, but they don’t tell the whole story.
College application essays give you the chance to show who you truly are beyond your transcript. What activities do you participate in consistently—and why? Are you involved in clubs, teams, or service programs because they reflect your passions and values, or just to pad your resume? Admissions officers want to see purpose, not just participation.
Your essay is where you show your depth of character. It’s where you explain what matters to you, what you’ve learned from your experiences, and how you hope to make a positive impact on your community and campus.
Edit and Proofread
After drafting your essay, take time to revise and refine it. Look for areas where you can improve clarity, coherence, and impact. Pay attention to grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Consider seeking feedback from teachers, mentors, or peers who can provide constructive criticism. A polished essay demonstrates your commitment and attention to detail.
University of Southern California (USC) Cromwell Field. Photograph by Presidio Education® Yunju Chen, Director of Product Management, 2018.
Final Thoughts
Your college application essay is an opportunity to showcase who you are beyond grades and test scores. By starting early, being specific, showing authenticity, and revising diligently, you can craft an essay that stands out. Remember, admissions officers are looking for individuals who will contribute positively to their campus community. Use your essay to demonstrate how you will do just that.
