How to write standout college essays

12-12-2025

When I started my college application journey, I had no idea how much I would learn about myself in the process. I wanted to write college essays that made me examine my life and helped me see what motivated me to be who I am and what I believe in. Looking back, I realized what made my responses strong didn’t come from trying to impress a university. They came from trying to impress myself.

I used to think college essays were about proving why a school should pick me.

But the truth is that if a university wants a student — me or you — they’ll make it obvious. They’ll reach out, they’ll show you they value you as a candidate, and you’ll feel that connection.

The admissions office receives our GPAs, SATs and high school activities, but the essays are where we can showcase our character, our personality, our motivation and our writing skills.

Application tip one

So instead of guessing what they want to hear, write something you are proud of. A story you’d want to read again years later. The kind of story that reflects who you are, not who you think they want you to be.

For me, that meant talking about my younger sisters. Both of my sisters have spent their lives in need of specialized healthcare because they live with Type I diabetes, which is an autoimmune disorder, often diagnosed in childhood, where the body produces no insulin. Watching the care they received from doctors and hospital staff inspired my interest in healthcare leadership. Rather than going to medical school, I realized I could pursue hospital administration by combining business and STEM. I have the great desire to bring better, more affordable healthcare to families like mine.

I didn't write the story to impress anyone. I wrote it because it shaped who I am and what motivates me, even today.

Application tip two

A strong college application response isn’t generic; it’s deeply personal. It’s the story that shaped, challenged or changed you. It’s a moment where you walked away stronger.

For some people, that story might come from a leadership role. My experience was serving as the Illinois Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) State President, representing more than 5,000 business students across the state and more than 275,000 nationwide. Running conferences and leading teams taught me persistence and responsibility. It also confirmed that business was something I wanted to pursue.

When I applied to Purdue, it wasn’t originally my first choice, but it was in my top three. As the process unfolded, I realized that I belonged at Purdue.

Financially, it was the smartest decision. Tuition had been frozen for years. Also, I earned an academic merit scholarship. Campus was only two and a half hours from home — close enough to drive back, but far enough to be independent.

A good school will make you feel valued, but a great school will also make you feel at home. Purdue did both.

When I applied to the honors program at Purdue, I talked about my interest in combining STEM, business and communication. I shared my passion for researching affordable healthcare through an economics lens. I highlighted my leadership experiences and the communities I want to impact, including my own family.

Application tip three

No matter how good your writing feels, always get feedback from people you trust.

I had two trusted teachers review my essays. Then I asked a college coach, who guided me. They didn’t rewrite my stories, but they helped bring clarity to what I was saying.

If I’ve learned anything from this whole process, it’s that you end up exactly where you’re supposed to be.

During this formative period in your life, you don’t need to have everything figured out. If you write authentically, choose a school that values you and stay open to new paths, you’ll have a positive experience wherever you land.