Top 10 College Essay Tips From Former College Admissions Officers
Get expert-backed college essay tips from former admissions officers. Learn what actually stands out, and how to write essays that get you admitted.
By Christian H.
Former Assoc. Dir. UCI MBA & BYU Admissions | #1 Bestselling Author
Posted December 5, 2025
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Writing a standout college essay is one of the most important and challenging parts of the college application process. As former admissions officers, we've read thousands of college admissions essays. We know what works, what doesn't, and what makes us pause and say: "This student belongs here."
As a former Associate Director of an MBA Program, Undergraduate Admissions Committee Member, and Financial Aid Counselor, I’ve helped hundreds of students get into their dream schools. The essays are one of the most important aspects of the entire college application, and it’s an area in which many students I’ve worked with have struggled.
Below, we share our top 10 college essay tips, real, tactical advice drawn from years on admissions committees, insights from other former admissions counselors, and student experiences. Whether you're writing your Common App essay, supplemental essays, or a personal statement, these tips will help you write great essays that reflect your authentic voice and leave a lasting impression.
Read: How to Write the Best College Essays: Step-by-Step Guide With Examples
Why the College Essay Matters More Than You Think
Let’s be honest: in a sea of applicants with similar test scores, GPAs, and extracurricular activities, the personal statement is one of the few places where you can stand out as a person, not just a profile.
Admissions committees aren’t just looking for students with perfect academics. They want students who bring diverse perspectives, who are self-aware, who reflect on their life experiences, and who will add to the higher education community in meaningful ways.
Your college admissions essays are your best opportunity to reveal what matters to you, how you think, what you've overcome, and what motivates you. That’s why writing a well-written, engaging, and personal college essay is so important. It’s not just about listing background information; it’s about turning life into insight. And it has the power to elevate your entire application.
And yes, many readers only skim essays for a few minutes, but that’s all the time you need to capture a reader’s attention. A strong essay can make the difference between a waitlist and an admit.
That’s why I coach students to approach the writing process with purpose and strategy. Write early, revise often, and read essays aloud as part of your editing process. You’ll be surprised how much you catch. In fact, the strongest personal statements often go through several drafts, because each round helps you better understand your own story.
10 College Essay Tips From Former Admissions Officers Who’ve Read 50,000+ Applications
Writing a great college admissions essay is hard, but it’s also one of the few parts of your application you can fully control. As former admissions officers who’ve read tens of thousands of essays, we know exactly what makes one stand out. These 10 tips will help you write a personal statement that’s strategic, authentic, and impossible to skim past.
1. Know what actually matters to admissions officers
Most students approach the college essay like another assignment: structured, polished, academic. But admissions officers aren’t grading your writing. They’re evaluating your thinking.
They want to know:
- Who are you beyond your stats and activities?
- What matters to you?
- Will you bring curiosity, maturity, and perspective to campus?
Your essay is not about proving you’re impressive. It’s about showing who you are when no one’s watching, and why that version of you would be an asset to the college community.
Read: How to Start a College Essay: 5 Expert Tips From Admissions Coaches
2. Begin with a moment that pulls us in
Forget opening with a quote or big idea. The most effective essays drop the reader into a vivid, specific moment that creates curiosity and emotional connection.
Example: “I was halfway through the chess match when I realized I was playing against a mirror version of myself: overconfident, impatient, and too quick to sacrifice the queen.”
Lead with something only you could write. You have 30 seconds to capture attention, so use them wisely.
3. Write like a real person, not a perfect applicant
Admissions readers can tell when you’re trying to sound “college essay smart.” That usually looks like over-polished writing, clichés about passion and leadership, or a tone that feels performative.
Instead, imagine sitting down with someone who genuinely wants to understand you (what drives you, what confuses you, what you’re working through). Write to them. That’s the voice colleges are craving: unfiltered, thoughtful, and self-aware.
4. Go beyond what happened, explain why it mattered
Too many essays are lists in disguise: I did X, then Y, and learned Z. The best essays zoom in on why those moments mattered. What did they reveal about how you see the world? How did they shape what you care about today?
For example: “I wasn’t just tutoring third graders in math, I was learning how to explain complex ideas in simple language, a skill I now use leading my robotics team.”
Admissions committees want thinkers, not just doers.
5. Show a shift, not just a story
You don’t need to have survived something traumatic to write a meaningful essay. What matters is that something shifted (your worldview, your goals, your assumptions, your identity).
Great essays show change over time. Maybe you realized you were wrong. Maybe you gained confidence. Maybe you started asking better questions. That’s the growth readers remember, because it feels real.
6. Start early, revise obsessively
You cannot write a strong essay the night before it’s due. The writing process is the thinking process. Most great essays go through 5–10 drafts.
Begin brainstorming early in the college application process. Write badly. Then rewrite bravely. Read it aloud. Print it out. Step away and return with fresh eyes. Small improvements compound over time, and they’re what separate a “fine” essay from a great one.
7. Match the structure to the insight
There’s no magic format. Some essays follow a classic arc. Others bounce in time or use a series of snapshots. The best structure is the one that reveals who you are most clearly.
Avoid clever formats that confuse the reader. If your story has emotional or intellectual depth, the shape will follow. Prioritize clarity, momentum, and payoff. Make sure every section earns its place, and that by the end, we understand something deeper about you.
8. If you choose a common topic, make it uncommon
Yes, some topics (injuries, grandparents, volunteer work) are overdone. But the problem isn’t the topic, it’s the lack of depth.
If you can bring a fresh lens or unexpected reflection to a familiar theme, it can absolutely work. The key is specificity. Show your unique relationship to the experience, not just the experience itself. One sharp, honest paragraph is more memorable than a polished but generic page.
9. Treat short answers like mini personal statements
Admissions officers don’t skim short answers. They rely on them to understand how well you know their school and what you’ll bring to campus.
Be specific. “I’m excited about research” is forgettable. “I’m excited about contributing to Professor Yu’s AI and Ethics Lab because…” shows you’ve done your homework. Great essays connect your interests to the school’s unique offerings.
The “Why Us?” and short prompts are not throwaways. In fact, they’re often where admissions readers look for seriousness and fit.
Generic = forgettable. Name specific professors, programs, or values. Then connect them to who you are and how you think. You’re not writing a commercial, you’re showing alignment. The more detailed and sincere, the better.
10. Get feedback, but protect your voice
Feedback is essential, but too many cooks dilute your essay. Ask 1–2 people you trust, ideally someone with admissions experience or strong editing skills. Ask them:
- Where do you lose interest?
- What do you learn about me from this?
- Does it sound like me?
Then, revise based on clarity, not conformity. The best essays sound like a real student (flawed, thoughtful, and honest), not like a committee’s group project.
Sample of a Great College Essay
Prompt: Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
“The Sound of Scraping Plastic”
The first time I heard it, the rhythmic scrape of plastic against linoleum, I didn’t know what it meant. I was 15, shadowing my mom during her overnight shift as a janitor at a local elementary school.
She handed me a mop and gestured toward a row of overturned chairs. “Start here,” she said. I nodded, unsure whether to feel helpful or ashamed.
For years, I’d done everything to hide what my parents did for work. I learned to dodge questions, change topics, and smile. At school, I built a different version of myself, AP classes, student government, and science Olympiad. I didn’t lie, exactly. I just left things out.
But that night, in the quiet hum of empty hallways, something shifted. I watched my mom move from room to room with practiced efficiency. No wasted motion. No complaints. She wasn’t just cleaning, she was providing. I saw pride in her posture, precision in her work, and an honesty I hadn’t had the courage to claim for myself.
When I came home, I rewrote my resume. I added “part-time janitorial assistant” under work experience. I stopped skipping the question about parental occupation. I started owning my story, not just the polished parts.
That shift, small but foundational, changed how I led at school. I became less interested in accolades, more invested in mentoring students from similar backgrounds. I co-founded a first-gen support club. I helped rewrite our school’s financial aid workshop to better serve non-English-speaking parents.
What I used to hide has become the thing I’m most proud of. Because of the sound of scraping plastic? That’s the sound of someone showing up. And now, I show up too, with full honesty, zero apologies, and a perspective that’s rooted in both grit and gratitude.
Why this essay works:
- Authenticity - Doesn’t try to impress, just tells the truth, powerfully
- Narrative arc - We see emotional change, concrete action, and maturity
- Distinct voice - No clichés or over-polished language, just a strong, clear tone
- Strategic depth - Elevates a “common” background into a lens on leadership, humility, and identity
Real-World Insights From Inside the Admissions Room
Forget the myth that your essay has to be dramatic, flawless, or life-changing. What admissions officers actually want is authenticity, clarity, and reflection. Here's what they’ve said—based on real quotes from Quora, interviews, and our own time in the room:
- “We’re not looking for perfect stories. We’re looking for real people who are thoughtful about their experiences. If I finish an essay feeling like I understand how a student thinks, that’s a win.”
- “The fastest way to lose credibility? Sounds like a 40-year-old wrote it. We can tell when an essay has been over-edited or filtered through too many adults. It stops feeling like a student, and that’s a problem.”
- “One of my favorite essays was about a student failing their driver’s test. It wasn’t profound on the surface, but it was honest, funny, and incredibly self-aware. That stayed with me more than any ‘I overcame adversity’ essay.”
- “Don't try to write what you think we want to read. You never know who’s reviewing your application or what will resonate with them. The most memorable essays are always the most human.”
Bottom line: Great essays aren’t about extraordinary accomplishments. They’re about showing up as a real person with a distinct voice, meaningful reflection, and a story only you could tell.
Final Thoughts: Your Story Matters More Than You Think
If I were to place a 100-meter sprinter and a marathon runner side-by-side, technically, they are both runners. However, you would point out that they are trained to run very different races.
Similarly, everything you’ve learned about writing in high school is useful… for high school. College application essays are a completely different animal and a different race altogether. By using these simple tips (and I have TONS more!), You will easily raise your game and stand out from the crowd.
If you’d like to learn more about elevating your application essays, work with me on Leland. Book a free intro call on my profile to get started. I look forward to working with you to get into your dream school! Also, check out bootcamps and free events for college to learn more!
See: The 10 Best College Admissions Consultants
Read next:
- How to Format Your College Essay & What NOT to Do
- Common App College Essay Prompts & Tips
- College Essay Topic Brainstorming Worksheet + Ideas That Worked
- How to Write the "Why Us?" / "Why This School?" College Essay
- 30+ Best Colleges With Late Application Deadlines (2025 Updated List)
FAQs
What do admissions officers look for in a college essay?
- They look for authenticity, reflection, and growth. A strong essay reveals how you think and what you value, not just what you’ve done.
How long should a college essay be?
- The Common App essay has a 650-word limit. Supplemental essays vary by school but are often 150-300 words.
Can I write about mental health or personal challenges?
- Yes, but make sure the focus is on your growth and perspective, not just the challenge itself. Be honest but not overly graphic or unresolved.
What makes a college essay stand out?
- Specificity, strong storytelling, and an authentic voice. Admissions officers want to feel like they’ve met you by the end of the essay.
When should I start writing my college essays?
- Ideally, the summer before senior year. Starting early gives you time to reflect, revise, and submit your best work.
Written by Christian
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I've reviewed and interviewed thousands of students (and know what REALLY makes applicants stand out). I am a former Assoc. Dir. of the MBA program at UC Irvine, former member of BYU’s Admissions Committee, and previous Internship Director for LG Electronics in South Korea and China. I have personally counseled thousands of students (and their families) on all aspects of admissions, financial aid, scholarships, and career success. The truth is, if you want to stand out from the crowd and rise above the noise, you need to raise your thinking and perspective. Which is exactly what I will help you do. As a full-time professional coach who has helped 100% of my students get into one of their top 3 programs, my goal is to transform how you view yourself, your future, and teach you the mindset and methodologies of “Personal Influence.” We will do that by following the research-backed strategies of my #1 Bestselling book, The Influence Mindset: The Art & Science of Getting People to Choose You. Ranked by LinkedIn in the Top Ten Books for Personal Marketing, these proven practices will no doubt help you rise in influence (and confidence!) as you prepare for college and beyond. If you are ready to discover your story, harness your vision, and learn the secrets of how to confidently write influential college application essays, let’s chat! I can’t wait to walk this journey with you.
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