8 Simple Steps to Writing a Stand-Out College Application Essay

By: Cat Tatu

24/7Marketing Superstar

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Writing your college application essay may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. By following a few simple steps, you can create a standout essay that will edge you just a little bit closer into getting accepted to your dream school.

Step 1: Don’t Wait

Start writing early, don’t wait until the last minute to finish it. Give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm your ideas, write your essay, and revise your essay. Waiting until the last moment will only
hurt you in the long-run. It’s better not to procrastinate, give yourself the time needed to create an amazing essay and don’t put yourself in a position where you have to rush to finish.

Step 2: Choose Something Meaningful

Take a moment and think about what makes you you. Think about how you want your dream college to see you, what do you want to communicate to them. Your essay is a way for your
college to get to know you, to see who you are and why you would fit into their environment. Your essay should be personal, it should be unique, so choose a topic that is meaningful to you, that
reflects who you are.

Step 3: Brainstorm

Think about some of the challenges you may have faced in your life, think about your parents favorite stories to tell about you, think about the moments in life where you felt most triumphant. What event, what moment in your life would show that university who you truly are? Find that moment in time where you felt like you were on top of the world, or that moment where you felt most crushed, let your story show who you are to the college. Think about how you want the university to see you, and jot down a few ideas.

Step 4: Create an Outline

Once you have a good idea of what you want to write about, create an outline to keep you on track and ensure that your essay flows smoothly. Outlines are helpful in the writing of the essay as they allow you to make sure your thoughts are communicated clearly. Creating an outline can also help you weed out what to use and what not to use for a college essay.

Step 5: Write Your First Draft

Once you have planned everything out: chosen your topic, thought of an idea, and outlined your essay, it’s time to startwriting. Focus on your introduction and main points. Be sure to use examples and anecdotes to get your points across.This is only your first draft. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Focus on writing your essay, not on its quality and its awe-factor, just get your words on the paper.

Step 6: Edit and Revise

After you've finished your first draft, set it aside for a day or two before revisiting it. Then, read through your essay carefully, looking for ways to improve clarity and flow. Don't be afraid to make changes and try out different approaches. Don’t worry if your essay seems a little messy at first, this editing and revising stage allows you to go back and improve on what you’ve written. Look for little things like grammar mistakes as well as big things like a lack of flow. Now is the time to make your essay into what you imagine it to be and don’t be afraid to pick it apart

Step 7: Get Feedback

So you’ve revised your essay, it’s looking good but you're not sure if it's
ready yet. Now is the time for you to get a second opinion, a second pair of eyes
to look at the essay and help you polish and perfect it. Ask a friend, family member, or mentor to read your essay and provide feedback. They will help you identify areas that need improvement and offer suggestions for
how to make your essay stronger.

Step 8: Proofread

You’re almost done, you’re so close. You’ve edited your essay, you’ve gotten feedback on your essay, all that’s left is one final look at it. Before you submit your essay, be sure to proofread it carefully for grammar and spelling mistakes. It’s a good idea to have a friend or a family member also read over it one more time since it can be easy to miss mistakes when you’ve been working on an essay for a long time.

By following these steps, you can write a college application essay that stands out and helps you get accepted into the school of your choice. Remember to be authentic and true to yourself, and never be afraid to ask for help if you need it. It’s never too early to start brainstorming. Good luck!

24/7 Teach offers courses to prepare you to ace your college applications. Learn more about how to write outstanding essays and make your college application the best it can be through their courses and seminars.

If you are ready to start thinking about the college application process, set up a free strategy call with one of our 24/7 College Admissions specialists and learn everything you need to create a successful college application plan for yourself or your teen.