How To Describe Yourself in College Application Essays: The Ultimate Guide
Your College Application Essay: A Golden Opportunity to Stand Out
Your college application essay is one of the best chances you have to make a lasting impression on admissions officers. A well-crafted personal statement can be the difference between acceptance and being placed on the waitlist. The most compelling essays often delve deeply into the student’s personal interests, values, and goals, creating a vivid picture of who they are beyond their academic achievements and extracurricular activities.
However, many students struggle with the idea of writing about themselves. It's not uncommon to feel awkward or overly modest when asked to describe personal qualities. In this article, we explore five strategies to help students overcome this challenge and write a more personal and impactful college essay.
The Power of Sharing Your Story
As the number of high school graduates continues to rise, with over 3 million expected this year, the competition for college admission is only intensifying. Colleges are increasingly adopting a holistic admissions process, which goes beyond test scores and GPAs to consider all aspects of a student’s life, both inside and outside the classroom.
This shift makes it more important than ever for students to share their personal stories in their applications. Essay prompts that ask about a student's views, values, or interests provide a unique opportunity to do just that. While these prompts can be uncomfortable for some, they are one of the few areas where students can control the narrative and leave a lasting first impression on admissions officers.
Five Tips for Writing About Yourself in College Applications
1. Showcase Personal Depth
Students may be tempted to stick to the facts when writing their application essays, but it's essential to encourage depth and detail. Admissions officers are looking for students whose interests interconnect, supported by a record of involvement in related extracurricular activities. Providing rich detail allows the reader to gain a clear understanding of who the student is.
In other words, don’t shy away from showing your passions. If your interest in political activism is fueled by your desire to study climate science, incorporate all aspects of your character into your essay. The same goes for other interests, whether it's art, social justice, or psychology. Colleges provide personal essay prompts because they want to get an inside look at the qualities you’ll bring to their campus.
However, avoid simply rehashing a list of accomplishments or extracurriculars. Your personal essay should highlight your most significant achievements, not attempt to list everything within a limited word count.
2. Describe Your Background
Today’s college campuses are more diverse than ever, with students from all walks of life bringing their unique perspectives. This diversity is increasingly recognized as a key driver of innovation and equality, and colleges are eager to hear from applicants whose backgrounds have shaped them into the people they are today.
If there's a unique aspect of your background that has influenced your growth, determination, or ambition, don't hesitate to highlight it in your application. Colleges want to know what makes you unique.
3. Use Stories to Your Advantage
When the essay prompt allows, use stories to illustrate your points. Personal experiences that demonstrate growth, a commitment to values, or a willingness to help others can provide a more compelling narrative than a simple list of achievements.
Interestingly, some of the most powerful essays are those where a student has faced failure, loss, or mistakes. These stories offer an opportunity to showcase humility, resilience, and other soft skills that are highly valued in higher education.
Even if the prompt doesn’t explicitly invite storytelling, look for ways to weave in small anecdotes. Briefly recounted experiences can add a personal touch that will stand out to admissions officers.
4. Connect with the School
Honesty is crucial in your college application, and you should avoid overstating your connection to a particular school. However, if your interests, values, or experiences genuinely align with those of the college, don’t hesitate to make that connection clear in your essay.
For instance, if you have a longstanding passion for debate and are applying to a school with a nationally recognized debate team, mentioning this can strengthen your application.
Additionally, if you’ve had positive experiences with the school—whether through official programs or interactions with current students or alumni—mentioning these can be beneficial. When answering “why this college” prompts, this approach can help bridge the gap between what initially drew you to the school and what convinced you to apply.
5. Seek Outside Perspectives
If you’re struggling to write about yourself, consider asking someone you trust for their input. A counselor, teacher, or friend can offer valuable insights into how others see you. This outside perspective can boost your confidence and help you identify stories or qualities you might have overlooked.
Depending on who you ask, you might be reminded of experiences that demonstrate your growth, values, or compassion. Hearing these stories from another viewpoint can make it easier to write about them without feeling like you’re bragging. If you’ve already drafted your essay, a fresh set of eyes can help fill in any gaps or add strength to your narrative.
Make Your Personal Statement Truly Personal
Many students find it challenging to write about themselves, often fearing that it will come across as boastful. But the truth is, colleges want to hear your story—one that goes beyond grades and test scores. They’re eager to understand who you are, what you value, and how you’ve grown. While self-promotion can be difficult, especially for those who are modest by nature, it’s an essential part of the college application process.
For assistance with your college essays, check out Admit AI, which provides automatic feedback to help write essays that will get you accepted.