how to prepare for college essay

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College admissions

Course: college admissions   >   unit 4.

• Writing a strong college admissions essay
• Avoiding common admissions essay mistakes
• Brainstorming tips for your college essay
• How formal should the tone of your college essay be?
• Taking your college essay to the next level
• Sample essay 1 with admissions feedback
• Sample essay 2 with admissions feedback
• Student story: Admissions essay about a formative experience
• Student story: Admissions essay about personal identity
• Student story: Admissions essay about community impact
• Student story: Admissions essay about a past mistake
• Student story: Admissions essay about a meaningful poem

Writing tips and techniques for your college essay

Pose a question the reader wants answered, don't focus exclusively on the past, experiment with the unexpected, don't summarize, want to join the conversation.

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12 Strategies to Writing the Perfect College Essay

College admission committees sift through thousands of college essays each year. Here’s how to make yours stand out.

Pamela Reynolds

When it comes to deciding who they will admit into their programs, colleges consider many criteria, including high school grades, extracurricular activities, and ACT and SAT scores. But in recent years, more colleges are no longer considering test scores.

Instead, many (including Harvard through 2026) are opting for “test-blind” admission policies that give more weight to other elements in a college application. This policy change is seen as fairer to students who don’t have the means or access to testing, or who suffer from test anxiety.

So, what does this mean for you?

Simply that your college essay, traditionally a requirement of any college application, is more important than ever.

A college essay is your unique opportunity to introduce yourself to admissions committees who must comb through thousands of applications each year. It is your chance to stand out as someone worthy of a seat in that classroom.

A well-written and thoughtful essay—reflecting who you are and what you believe—can go a long way to separating your application from the slew of forgettable ones that admissions officers read. Indeed, officers may rely on them even more now that many colleges are not considering test scores.

Below we’ll discuss a few strategies you can use to help your essay stand out from the pack. We’ll touch on how to start your essay, what you should write for your college essay, and elements that make for a great college essay.

Be Authentic

More than any other consideration, you should choose a topic or point of view that is consistent with who you truly are.

Readers can sense when writers are inauthentic.

Inauthenticity could mean the use of overly flowery language that no one would ever use in conversation, or it could mean choosing an inconsequential topic that reveals very little about who you are.

Use your own voice, sense of humor, and a natural way of speaking.

Whatever subject you choose, make sure it’s something that’s genuinely important to you and not a subject you’ve chosen just to impress. You can write about a specific experience, hobby, or personality quirk that illustrates your strengths, but also feel free to write about your weaknesses.

Honesty about traits, situations, or a childhood background that you are working to improve may resonate with the reader more strongly than a glib victory speech.

Grab the Reader From the Start

You’ll be competing with so many other applicants for an admission officer’s attention.

Therefore, start your essay with an opening sentence or paragraph that immediately seizes the imagination. This might be a bold statement, a thoughtful quote, a question you pose, or a descriptive scene.

Starting your essay in a powerful way with a clear thesis statement can often help you along in the writing process. If your task is to tell a good story, a bold beginning can be a natural prelude to getting there, serving as a roadmap, engaging the reader from the start, and presenting the purpose of your writing.

Focus on Deeper Themes

Some essay writers think they will impress committees by loading an essay with facts, figures, and descriptions of activities, like wins in sports or descriptions of volunteer work. But that’s not the point.

College admissions officers are interested in learning more about who you are as a person and what makes you tick.

They want to know what has brought you to this stage in life. They want to read about realizations you may have come to through adversity as well as your successes, not just about how many games you won while on the soccer team or how many people you served at a soup kitchen.

Let the reader know how winning the soccer game helped you develop as a person, friend, family member, or leader. Make a connection with your soup kitchen volunteerism and how it may have inspired your educational journey and future aspirations. What did you discover about yourself?

Show Don’t Tell

As you expand on whatever theme you’ve decided to explore in your essay, remember to show, don’t tell.

The most engaging writing “shows” by setting scenes and providing anecdotes, rather than just providing a list of accomplishments and activities.

Reciting a list of activities is also boring. An admissions officer will want to know about the arc of your emotional journey too.

Try Doing Something Different

If you want your essay to stand out, think about approaching your subject from an entirely new perspective. While many students might choose to write about their wins, for instance, what if you wrote an essay about what you learned from all your losses?

If you are an especially talented writer, you might play with the element of surprise by crafting an essay that leaves the response to a question to the very last sentence.

You may want to stay away from well-worn themes entirely, like a sports-related obstacle or success, volunteer stories, immigration stories, moving, a summary of personal achievements or overcoming obstacles.

However, such themes are popular for a reason. They represent the totality of most people’s lives coming out of high school. Therefore, it may be less important to stay away from these topics than to take a fresh approach.

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Write With the Reader in Mind

Writing for the reader means building a clear and logical argument in which one thought flows naturally from another.

Use transitions between paragraphs.

Think about any information you may have left out that the reader may need to know. Are there ideas you have included that do not help illustrate your theme?

Be sure you can answer questions such as: Does what you have written make sense? Is the essay organized? Does the opening grab the reader? Is there a strong ending? Have you given enough background information? Is it wordy?

Write Several Drafts

Set your essay aside for a few days and come back to it after you’ve had some time to forget what you’ve written. Often, you’ll discover you have a whole new perspective that enhances your ability to make revisions.

Start writing months before your essay is due to give yourself enough time to write multiple drafts. A good time to start could be as early as the summer before your senior year when homework and extracurricular activities take up less time.

Read It Aloud

Writer’s tip : Reading your essay aloud can instantly uncover passages that sound clumsy, long-winded, or false.

Don’t Repeat

If you’ve mentioned an activity, story, or anecdote in some other part of your application, don’t repeat it again in your essay.

Your essay should tell college admissions officers something new. Whatever you write in your essay should be in philosophical alignment with the rest of your application.

Also, be sure you’ve answered whatever question or prompt may have been posed to you at the outset.

Ask Others to Read Your Essay

Be sure the people you ask to read your essay represent different demographic groups—a teacher, a parent, even a younger sister or brother.

Ask each reader what they took from the essay and listen closely to what they have to say. If anyone expresses confusion, revise until the confusion is cleared up.

Pay Attention to Form

Although there are often no strict word limits for college essays, most essays are shorter rather than longer. Common App, which students can use to submit to multiple colleges, suggests that essays stay at about 650 words.

“While we won’t as a rule stop reading after 650 words, we cannot promise that an overly wordy essay will hold our attention for as long as you’d hoped it would,” the Common App website states.

In reviewing other technical aspects of your essay, be sure that the font is readable, that the margins are properly spaced, that any dialogue is set off properly, and that there is enough spacing at the top. Your essay should look clean and inviting to readers.

End Your Essay With a “Kicker”

In journalism, a kicker is the last punchy line, paragraph, or section that brings everything together.

It provides a lasting impression that leaves the reader satisfied and impressed by the points you have artfully woven throughout your piece.

So, here’s our kicker: Be concise and coherent, engage in honest self-reflection, and include vivid details and anecdotes that deftly illustrate your point.

While writing a fantastic essay may not guarantee you get selected, it can tip the balance in your favor if admissions officers are considering a candidate with a similar GPA and background.

Write, revise, revise again, and good luck!

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About the Author

Pamela Reynolds is a Boston-area feature writer and editor whose work appears in numerous publications. She is the author of “Revamp: A Memoir of Travel and Obsessive Renovation.”

How Involved Should Parents and Guardians Be in High School Student College Applications and Admissions?

There are several ways parents can lend support to their children during the college application process. Here's how to get the ball rolling.

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• Tips for Reading an Assignment Prompt
• Asking Analytical Questions
• Introductions
• What Do Introductions Across the Disciplines Have in Common?
• Anatomy of a Body Paragraph
• Transitions
• Tips for Organizing Your Essay
• Counterargument
• Conclusions
• Strategies for Essay Writing: Downloadable PDFs
• Brief Guides to Writing in the Disciplines

• How to Write a College Essay

College admissions experts offer tips on selecting a topic as well as writing and editing the essay.

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Students can go online to review essay requirements for the colleges they want to apply to, such as word limits and essay topics. Many students may start with the Common App, an application platform accepted by more than 1,000 schools.

For college applicants, the essay is the place to showcase their writing skills and let their unique voice shine through.

"The essays are important in part because this is a student's chance to really speak directly to the admissions office," says Adam Sapp, assistant vice president and director of admissions at Pomona College in California.

Prospective college students want their essay, sometimes called a personal statement, to make a good impression and boost their chances of being accepted, but they have only several hundred words to make that happen.

This can feel like a lot of pressure.

"I think this is the part of the application process that students are sometimes most challenged by," says Niki Barron, associate dean of admission at Hamilton College in New York, "because they're looking at a blank piece of paper and they don't know where to get started."

That pressure may be amplified as many colleges have gone test optional in recent years, meaning that ACT and SAT scores will be considered if submitted but are not required. Other schools have gone test-blind and don't consider such scores at all. In the absence of test scores, some admissions experts have suggested that more attention will be paid to other parts of an application, such as the essay.

But just as each applicant is unique, so are college admissions policies and priorities.

"Being test optional hasn't changed how we use essays in our selection process, and I wouldn't say that the essay serves as a substitute for standardized test scores," Barron wrote in an email. "A student's academic preparation for our classroom experience is always front and center in our application review process."

On June 29, 2023, the Supreme Court ruled against college admissions policies that consider an applicant's race. The ruling, though, does not prohibit students from writing essays on how their race has affected them, which experts say could significantly affect how students approach this portion of their applications.

Essay-writing tips offered by experts emphasize the importance of being concise, coherent, congenial, unique, honest and accurate. An applicant should also flex some intellectual muscle and include vivid details or anecdotes.

From brainstorming essay topics to editing the final draft, here's what students need to know about crafting a strong college application essay.

Getting Started on the College Essay

How long should a college essay be, how to pick a college essay topic, writing the college essay, how the affirmative action ruling could change college essays, editing and submitting the college essay.

A good time for students to begin working on their essays is the summer before senior year, experts say, when homework and extracurricular activities aren't taking up time and mental energy.

Starting early will also give students plenty of time to work through multiple drafts of an essay before college application deadlines, which can be as early as November for students applying for early decision or early action .

Students can go online to review essay requirements for the colleges they want to apply to, such as word limits and essay topics. Many students may start with the Common App , an application platform accepted by more than 1,000 schools. Students can submit that application to multiple schools.

Another option is the Coalition Application, an application platform accepted by more than 130 schools. Students applying through this application choose from one of six essay prompts to complete and include with their application.

In addition to the main essay, some colleges ask applicants to submit one or more additional writing samples. Students are often asked to explain why they are interested in a particular school or academic field in these supplemental essays , which tend to be shorter than the main essay.

Students should budget more time for the writing process if the schools they're applying to ask for supplemental essays.

"Most selective colleges will ask for more than one piece of writing. Don't spend all your time working on one long essay and then forget to devote energy to other parts of the application," Sapp says.

Though the Common App notes that "there are no strict word limits" for its main essay, it suggests a cap of about 650 words. The Coalition Application website says its essays should be between 500 and 650 words.

"While we won't, as a rule, stop reading after 650 words, we cannot promise that an overly wordy essay will hold our attention for as long as you'd hoped it would," the Common App website states.

The word count is much shorter for institution-specific supplemental essays, which are typically around 250 words.

The first and sometimes most daunting step in the essay writing process is figuring out what to write about.

There are usually several essay prompts to choose from on a college application. They tend to be broad, open-ended questions, giving students the freedom to write about a wide array of topics, Barron says.

The essay isn't a complete autobiography, notes Mimi Doe, co-founder of Top Tier Admissions, a Massachusetts-based advising company. "It's overwhelming to think of putting your whole life in one essay," she says.

Rather, experts say students should narrow their focus and write about a specific experience, hobby or quirk that reveals something personal, like how they think, what they value or what their strengths are. Students can also write about something that illustrates an aspect of their background. These are the types of essays that typically stand out to admissions officers, experts say. Even an essay on a common topic can be compelling if done right.

Students don't have to discuss a major achievement in their essay – a common misconception. Admissions officers who spoke with U.S. News cited memorable essays that focused on more ordinary topics, including fly-fishing, a student's commute to and from school and a family's dining room table.

What's most important, experts say, is that a college essay is thoughtful and tells a story that offers insight into who a student is as a person.

"Think of the college essay as a meaningful glimpse of who you are beyond your other application materials," Pierre Huguet, CEO and founder of admissions consulting firm H&C Education, wrote in an email. "After reading your essay, the reader won't fully know you – at least not entirely. Your objective is to evoke the reader's curiosity and make them eager to get to know you."

If students are having trouble brainstorming potential topics, they can ask friends or family members for help, says Stephanie Klein Wassink, founder of Winning Applications and AdmissionsCheckup, Connecticut-based college admissions advising companies. Klein Wassink says students can ask peers or family members questions such as, "What are the things you think I do well?" Or, "What are my quirks?"

The essay should tell college admissions officers something they don't already know, experts say.

Some experts encourage students to outline their essay before jumping into the actual writing, though of course everyone's writing process differs.

The first draft of an essay doesn't need to be perfect. "Just do a brain dump," Doe says. "Don't edit yourself, just lay it all out on the page."

If students are having a hard time getting started, they should focus on their opening sentence, Doe suggests. She says an essay's opening sentence, or hook, should grab the reader's attention.

Doe offered an example of a strong hook from the essay of a student she worked with:

"I first got into politics the day the cafeteria outlawed creamed corn."

"I want to know about this kid," she says. "I’m interested."

The key to a good college essay is striking a balance between being creative and not overdoing it, Huguet says. He advises students to keep it simple.

"The college essay is not a fiction writing contest," Huguet says. "Admissions committees are not evaluating you on your potential as the next writer of the Great American Novel."

He adds that students should write in the voice they use to discuss meaningful topics with someone they trust. It's also wise to avoid hyperbole, as that can lose the readers' trust, as well as extraneous adverbs and adjectives, Huguet says.

"Thinking small, when done right, means paying close attention to the little things in your life that give it meaning in unique ways," he says. "It means, on the one hand, that you don’t have to come up with a plan for world peace, but it also means thinking small enough to identify details in your life that belong only to you."

The Supreme Court's ruling on affirmative action has left some students feeling in limbo with how to approach their essays. Some are unsure whether to include racial identifiers while others feel pressure to exclude it, says Christopher Rim, CEO and founder of Command Education, an admissions consulting company.

"For instance, some of our Asian students have been concerned that referencing their culture or race in their essay could negatively impact them (even moreso than before)," Rim wrote in an email. He noted that many students he works with had already begun crafting their essays before the ruling came. "Some of our other students have felt pressure to disclose their race or share a story of discrimination or struggle because they expect those stories to be received better by admissions officers."

Some of the uneasiness stems from what feels like a contradictory message from the court, Rim says. In his majority opinion, Chief Justice John Roberts Jr., said the ruling shouldn't be construed "as prohibiting universities from considering an applicant’s discussion of how race affected his or her life, be it through discrimination, inspiration, or otherwise." But he added that colleges may consider race only if it's tied to an applicant’s individual experiences or qualities, such as demonstrating courage against discrimination.

Personal essays shouldn't serve as a way for universities to ask students about their race as a means to admit them on such basis, Roberts added.

Rim says he expects there to be a lot of confusion from parents and students as they navigate that line when writing their essay. He says his guidance will vary with each student depending on their specific situation.

"For a student from an immigrant family, sharing their racial and cultural background may be integral to understanding their identity and values and therefore should be included in the essay," he says. "On the other hand, a student who has never meaningfully considered ways in which their race has shaped their life experience and worldview should not push themselves to do so in their essay simply because they believe it will better their chances."

While admissions officers try to learn about students via the essay, they are also gauging writing skills, so students want to make sure they submit top-notch work.

"The best writing is rewriting," Sapp says. "You should never be giving me your first draft."

When reviewing a first essay draft, students should make sure their writing is showing, not telling, Huguet says. This means students should show their readers examples that prove they embody certain traits or beliefs, as opposed to just stating that they do. Doing so is like explaining a joke to someone who's already laughed at it, he says.

"Let’s say, for example, that the whole point of a certain applicant’s essay is to let admissions officers know that she thinks outside the box. If she feels the need to end her essay with a sentence like, 'And so, this anecdote shows that I think outside the box,' she’s either underestimating the power of her story (or the ability of her reader to understand it), or she hasn’t done a good enough job in telling it yet," Huguet says. "Let your readers come to their own conclusions. If your story is effective, they’ll come to the conclusions you want them to."

After editing their essay, students should seek outside editing help, experts recommend. While there are individuals and companies that offer paid essay help – from editing services to essay-writing boot camps – students and families may not be able to afford the associated fees. Some providers may offer scholarships or other financial aid for their services.

The availability and level of feedback from free essay advising services vary. Some college prep companies offer brief consultations at no charge. Free essay workshops may also be available through local high schools, public libraries or community organizations. Khan Academy, a free online education platform, also offers a series of videos and other content to guide students through the essay writing process.

Colleges themselves may also have resources, Barron notes, pointing to pages on Hamilton's website that offer writing tips as well as examples of successful admissions essays. Likewise, Hamilton also holds virtual panel discussions on writing admissions essays.

Students have other options when it comes to essay help. They can ask peers, teachers, school counselors and family members for help polishing an essay. Huguet says it's typically wise to prioritize quality over quantity when it comes to seeking feedback on essays. Too many perspectives can become counterproductive, he says.

"While it can be valuable to have different perspectives, it's best to seek out individuals who are experts in the writing process," he says. "Instructors or professors can be helpful, particularly if they possess subject expertise and can provide guidance on refining arguments, structure and overall coherence."

Proofreaders should not change the tone of the essay. "Don't let anyone edit out your voice," Doe cautions.

And while proofreading is fair game, having someone else write your essay is not.

When an essay is ready to go, students will generally submit it online along with the rest of their application. On the Common App, for example, students copy and paste their essay into a text box.

Sapp says even though students often stress about the essay in particular, it's not the only thing college admissions officers look at. "The essay is the window, but the application is the house," he says. "So let's not forget that an application is built of many pieces."

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How to Write College Application Essays

Use the links below to jump directly to any section of this guide:

College Application Essay Fundamentals 

How to prepare to write your essay , how to approach different essay types, how to structure your essay , how to revise your essay, how to find essay writing help , resources for teaching students how to write a college essay, additional resources (further reading).

Of all the materials in a college application, the essay provides the greatest opportunity for you to set yourself apart. Unlike the transcript or resume, the essay is creative and expressive; in it, you can show the admissions counselors who you are and what you can do (that is, how well you can write!). A good application essay should have a memorable main idea, a cohesive structure, and a strong introduction and conclusion. Although essay topics can vary by college, the most common prompts deal with personal experiences and aspirations for the future. This guide   contains a diverse set of resources to help you orient yourself to the college application essay and, ultimately, to write the most competitive essay possible. 

The college application essay is a requirement for admission to almost all institutions of higher learning. Though in some ways it resembles essays you've written in class or on standardized tests, in other ways it's a unique writing exercises with its own particular requirements. Use the resources below to help you understand how the essay should be structured and what kind of content to include. 

"How Long Should College Application Essays Be?" (Learn.org)

This webpage guides you through some basic tips on writing the college essay—including essay length, sticking to the prompt, and maintaining an original tone. 

"College Application Essay" (College Board)

This webpage from the College Board discusses the different types of application essays, what length you should aim for, and most importantly, why colleges value this aspect of the application so much. 

"College Essays, College Applications" (College Board) 

The College Board's website is a great resource for any student looking to apply to college. This webpage contains several links to helpful resources, including sample essays and genuine student interviews. 

"Timeline for College Applications" (College Essay Guy)

This colorful, one-page guide from a college application specialist offers an illustrated timeline for high school students looking to apply for college. 

Before putting your ideas down on paper, it's important to conceptualize your essay, to craft strategically your tone and style, and,  crucially, to choose a topic that suits you and the school to which you're applying. The resources in this section include writing tips, lists of common mistakes you should avoid, and guides dedicated to the college application essay.

How to Plan Your Essay

"3 Common College Essay Mistakes to Avoid" (CNBC)  

This article from CNBC broadly outlines the most common mistakes students make when writing their college application essays. Although these mistakes may seem obvious, even the most experienced writers can fall into these common traps.

"7 Effective Application Tips" (Peterson's)

This article from Peterson's (a company providing academic materials for test prep, application help, and more) lists seven pieces of advice designed to make your writing pop. 

"The Secret to Show, Don't Tell" ( The Write Practice Blog)  

You've heard it before: show, don't tell. This is a great writing tip, but how do you pull it off? Here, the writing blog  The Write Practice  outlines how you can make your writing more descriptive and effective. 

"Passive Voice" (University of North Carolina)  

Avoiding passive construction is a subtle yet effective way to upgrade any piece of writing. Check out this webpage from a university writing center for some tips on recognizing and avoiding passive voice. 

"Using Appropriate Words in an Academic Essay" (National University of Singapore)

There are many ways to upgrade your vocabulary. Often, words can be replaced with more impressive substitutes, phrases can be shortened or lengthened depending on context, and transitions can be used for a smoother flow. The link above expands on these strategies and offers several others. 

How to Brainstorm Topic Ideas

"Bad College Essays: 10 Mistakes to Avoid" (PrepScholar)

This article from a well-known tutoring service and test prep program describes what to avoid when writing your essay. Essays that are too graphic, too personal, or too overconfident are all problematic, and this article explains why. 

"5 Tricks for Choosing Your College Essay Topic" (CollegeXpress)

Lost on how to choose a topic? This webpage from CollegeXpress outlines five sources of inspiration you can mine for ideas as you're getting started.

"The College Admission Essay: Finding a Topic" (The Choice Blog)

This article from New York Times  blog The Choice  breaks down three essential questions to ask yourself when choosing a topic for your college essay. 

"COLLEGE ESSAY GUIDE: Choosing a Prompt for the Common Application" (YouTube)

In this five-minute video, a Yale student discusses how to choose a college essay prompt and how to approach the essay writing process. His channel is filled with original videos on the college application process. 

"Where to Begin? 3 Personal Essay Brainstorming Exercises" ( CollegeVine Blog)

Approaching the Common App essay prompts can be difficult. This blog post explains several tactics you can use to narrow down your options, such as writing down a list of your greatest convictions.

"Using First Person in an Academic Essay: When Is It Okay?" (WritingCommons.org)

Most high school students are told to avoid using the first person point of view; this can be confusing when writing college essays, which typically ask what  you  think. This article breaks down when (and why) it's acceptable to write in the first person. 

Although all college essays serve the same purpose - articulating why you should get into a college - they come in different kinds. While topics on the Common Application are relatively consistent from year to year, personal statements and so-called "supplemental essays" vary by institution. Each of these essays requires a slightly different approach. The resources in this section will prepare you to answer the various types of essay prompts you're likely to encounter. 

Common Application Essays

CommonApp.org

The Common Application's official website is the best place to start getting acquainted with the service to which the majority of US colleges and universities now subscribe - a service which allows you to streamline your application process and minimize duplication of materials.

"What's App-enning" Blog (Common App)  

The Common App runs a blog with a wealth of information on common application-related news, including periodic updates on common application essay prompts for each application cycle. You can practice brainstorming with old prompts, or even start preparing your application by looking at this year's prompts.

125 College Essay Examples (PrepScholar Blog)

Here, PrepScholar provides a variety of Common App essays that got their respective applicants into their desired schools. Along with the body text of the essays, the website provides analysis on  what  makes the essays so great. 

A Few Essays That Worked (And a Few That Didn't) (NYTimes Blog)

This article analyzes unsuccessful essays, illuminating the ways in which they fell short. Although you should exercise caution and adjust your approach to your specific school, it's always good to pick up on general things to avoid. 

Personal Statements

What Is a Personal Statement? (PrepScholar Blog)

Although personal statements and Common App essays are similar, not all personal statement essays are administered through the Common App. This article from PrepScholar's blog will provide you with everything you need to know about writing a personal statement.

Examples of Successful Statements (Purdue OWL)

The Purdue OWL online writing lab collate links on this page to several successful personal statement. It can be useful to read successful statements and to consider how and why the statements made an impact on their readers. 

Past Threads on Advice for Writing Your College Essay (Reddit Post)

Although not about the personal statement  per se , this Reddit post has links to several past threads that may be of use to any prospective college applicant. 

What 10 Things Should Your Personal Statement Include? (Which University UK)  

This site outlines ten things to consider when writing a personal statement, including outlining what you will bring to the course, not what the course will bring to you. 

Supplemental Essays

How to Write Great Supplemental College Essays (IvyWise Newsletter)

Supplemental essays can often be challenging, asking a range of questions from the mundane to the oddly specific. This article from college application site IvyWise will break down example prompts to make them more approachable. 

Write Your Supplemental Essays (College Essay Guy)

Looking for a comprehensive guide to supplemental essays? Look no further than this page provided by the "College Essay Guy," who breaks down how to write supplemental essays that ask different kinds of questions. 

An Awesome Guide to the UChicago Supplement (Dyad)

Dyad, a college mentoring service, walks you through how to approach UChicago's supplemental essay question. Although the article is specific to UChicago, it contains general tips that are helpful to any college applicant. 

Reading My Yale Supplement Essay (YouTube)

Josh Beasley is back in this short YouTube video, where he reads the supplemental essay that got him into Yale and extrapolates advice for current and prospective applicants. 

A college application essay (like any academic essay) should have an introduction, a conclusion, and body paragraphs. Additionally, it should have overall coherence (that is, it should make a point) and cohesion (that is, it should flow well from paragraph to paragraph). We've collected the most relevant resources here to help you structure your college essay correctly and efficiently. 

How to Make Your Essay Stand Out 

College Essays That Stand Out From the Crowd (NYTimes)

This NYTimes article includes links to several recent essays that caught the eyes of the admissions readers by taking risks. You can even listen to an essay being read aloud by a current Princeton student.

50 Successful Ivy League Application Essays (Gen / Kelly Tanabe)  

If you have some time on your hands, this hefty PDF document contains 50 essays from successful Ivy League applicants. After reading these essays, consider what they have in common and how they might be a model for your own essay.

Make Your Application Essay Stand Out (CampusExplorer.com)

In this article from CampusExplorer, you'll find general tips on how to make your essay more appealing to the admissions readers. The writers include general writing tips as well as more targeted advice for the tone and audience of the application essay.

How to Write a College Application Essay that Stands Out (Boston University)

This short video from BU's own admissions department touches briefly on what impresses their admissions readers, including risk-taking, memorable stories, and honesty. 

Essay Structure (Monash University)

This chart from Monash University visually demonstrates how your content should be organized in order to keep your argument or story on track. 

How to Write an Introduction

How to Start a Personal Statement: The Killer Opening (Which University UK)  

Any good introduction both forecasts what your essay will be about and catches the reader's attention. This page will give you some helpful advice on starting your essay with a bang. 

How to Start a College Essay Perfectly (PrepScholar Blog)

This article from PrepScholar shows you how to "hook" your reader at the start of your application essay with colorful language, a vivid story, and an "insightful pivot" to your main point.

Let Me Introduce Myself (Stanford University)

This article from Stanford U's alumni page details the first-line openings of the essays for some current Stanford undergrads. 

Five Ways to NOT Start Your College Application Essays (PowerScore)

In this article, you'll learn five techniques to avoid, as they typically land a college application essay in the "reject" pile; these include beginning with dictionary definitions or famous quotations. 

How to Write a Conclusion 

Ending the Essay: Conclusions (Harvard University)

Harvard's writing center suggests bringing closure to your essay (that is, wrapping up your argument) while still expanding outward to broader applications or insights in your final paragraph.

Concluding Paragraph (Easybib)  

Although you may have used Easybib to make a bibliography before, did you know they have many resources on how to write a good essay? Check out this page for succinct advice on what your conclusion should entail. 

5 Ways to Powerfully End Your College Essay (College Greenlight)

This blog post instructs you to end with action (that is, a story or anecdote) rather than summary, giving you five ways to do this effectively, including addressing the college directly.

How to Write the Best Conclusion for a College Application Essay and Supplement (Koppelman Group)

The Koppelman Group, a college application consulting firm, warns you, above all, not to end "in conclusion" or "to conclude." They also provide targeted advice for the Common App and Supplement essays, respectively. 

No essay is perfect in its first-draft form; college application essays in particular are limited by word counts that can be difficult to meet. Once you've communicated your ideas, you'll want to edit your essay in order to make sure it's the best it can be. You'll also need to cut or add words to make sure it's within the specifications set by the institution. The resources in this section include tips and tricks for revising your college application essay. 

3 Ways to Increase Word Count (WikiHow)

Complete with illustrations, this WikiHow page outlines several ways you might go about substantively expanding your essay. These tips include clarifying points, reworking your introduction and conclusion, adding new viewpoints and examples, and connecting loose threads. 

Admissions 101: What an Essay Word Limit Really Means (Veritas Prep) 

In this blog post, Veritas Prep's college preparation tutors assure you that being a little over or under the limit is acceptable, recommending ways you can think about the word limit's purpose.

College Essay Word Limit - Going Under? (College Confidential) 

In this College Confidential discussion forum, students discuss the possible ramifications of writing under the word limit for a college essay. 

How to Increase Your Essay Word Count (WordCounter)

This article from WordCounter outlines different ways you might go about meeting word count, including addressing different viewpoints, adding examples, and clarifying statements. 

Hitting the Target Word Count in Your College Admissions Essay (Dummies.com)

This article details how to hit the target word count. Scroll down to the middle of the article for advice on where you should cut words from to meet word count. 

Some Tricks to Reduce Word Count (EastAsiaStudent.net)

This article recommends simplifying your style, deleting adverbs, deleting prepositions, and revisiting connectives and adjectives to reduce word count. 

Advice on Whittling Your Admissions Essay (NYTimes) 

In this New York Times article, Andrew Gelb discusses how to go about cutting down your admissions essay in order to meet the requisite word limit.

How to Shorten an Essay Without Ruining the Content (Quora) 

This Quora post from a concerned student yielded useful community responses on how to effectively shorten an essay without losing the original message. 

Feel like you've hit a wall revising your essay on your own? You're not alone, and there are plentiful resources on the web through which you can connect with fellow college applicants and/or professional tutors. The links in this section will take you to free services for improving your college application essay, as well as two of the top paid writing tutor services.

College Confidential Forums 

College Confidential is a free, public forum in which you can post your essay and receive feedback from current college students, current college applicants, and even teachers or other experienced users. 

/r/CollegeEssays (Reddit)

This subreddit is a great place to look for crowdsourced help on your essay, ask questions about college essays, or even find a private tutor. 

Essayforum.com

Essayforum.com provides another platform for students to share their application essays. Although this link takes you to the site's forum for applicants to undergraduate degree programs, you can submit and review essays in other categories as well.  Varsity Tutors

Varisty Tutors offers tutoring services from freelance tutors based on location. Prices and services vary, but their site is easy to use and there are many tutors available to choose from.

Princeton Review

Princeton Review, one of the largest providers of college preparation tutoring (ranging from standardized test preparation to essay help) offers online essay tutoring services with a free trial period. 

Using in-class time to prepare your students to write college application essays is, of course, rewarding, but can also be challenging. If you're a teacher looking to incorporate the college essay into your curriculum but you're not sure where to start, take a look at the useful resources below.

TeachersPayTeachers

College Essay Writing

This product includes material for more than one full lesson plan, including powerpoint presentations, assessments, and homework on the topic of college essays. 

Narrative Writing Ideas and Prompts

Appealing to students 9th grade and up, this product includes lesson plans, handouts, and homework for developing narrative writing for the college essay process. 

College Essay: Comprehensive 7-Session Workshop Series

This PDF includes entire courses, manuals, and handouts designed to teach students the ins and outs of the college essay process, either in an individual or group setting. 

College Essay Revision Forms & Rubrics

These PDFs provide students with visual organizers and rubrics to assess their own writing and learn how to become better college essay writers. 

Free Resources

Teaching the College Essay (Edutopia) 

Teaching your students about writing the college essay can be incredibly intimidating -- as a teacher, how should you approach the process? This article from Edutopia outlines how to go about introducing the college essay to your students. 

Essay Lesson Plan Ideas for College Applications (EssayHell)

If you're a teacher looking for a concrete lesson plan on college essays, this guide recommends using the first day to discuss the importance of the essay, the second day for brainstorming, and so on. Click on the link above to examine their full guide. 

Help Your Students Write a Killer College Essay (EdWeek Blog)

This blog post goes over various techniques designed to help your students choose an appropriate topic and write their essay with passion. 

The Biggest College Essay Mistakes & How to Fix Them (Talks With Teachers)

Looking to help your students avoid the minefield of mistakes in the college essay field? Check out this post from Talks With Teachers, a journal that shares "inspiring ideas for English teachers." 

Curious to read more about college application essays, or to see fun and unusual examples of what students have written? The articles, blog posts, and books in this section are a good place to start surveying the field.

One Over-the-Top Admissions Essay (Huffington Post)

This piece from the Huffington Post talks about a humorous response to a Stanford supplemental essay topic, the so-called "letter to my future roommate."

College & University - Statistics and Facts (Statista.com) 

In the process of writing your college essay, you may find yourself wondering who exactly goes to college, how many colleges there are in the United States, etc. This site gives the up-to-date statistics for various US demographics, both in aggregate and by university, as well as other information.

Who Made That College Application? (NYTimes)

This piece from the NYTimes outlines the history of the college essay from its origins in the 1800s, to the first "modern" college application, produced by Columbia University in 1919, to the present.  

How They Got Into Harvard (Staff of the Harvard Crimson)

This highly-rated collection of successful Harvard application essays, available on Amazon, is both an entertaining read and an instructive resource for anyone looking for exemplary essays to use as models. 

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8 Questions Your College Essay Should Answer

Your college essay should reflect your opinions and experiences and display clear and critical thinking. It’s more than a list of facts or a highlight reel of successes; it helps college admissions officers understand your character. So show them who you are. Set yourself apart from other candidates by painting a vivid picture of yourself.

Colleges may provide writing prompts or leave the topic up to you. Whether requirements are specific or vague, your college essay should answer important questions to grab the attention of each college admissions officer who reads it.

How Important Is the College Essay?

It depends . If you have a high GPA, competitive test scores, and stand-out extracurricular activities, acceptance is less likely to hinge on your essay. If you’re on the borderline, an essay can’t make up for inadequate scores or stats, but a good essay might give you the edge over another student.

Even at top schools, college essays can make a difference by allowing your personality, passions, and determination to show through. Schools like students with a track record of success. Your essay can show them where you shine and what benefits you’d bring to their community.

According to the College Board, “a majority of colleges and universities believe the essay to be of considerable or moderate importance in determining which academically qualified students they would choose.” Since colleges take essays seriously, you should, too.

Questions to Answer

Including all the facts, feelings, and impressions necessary to set you apart in 600 words is a tall order, but you can do it. Below are questions your college essay might address to get the right kind of attention. Consider these common prompts before you write. Then write to the supplied prompt or choose your own focus. First create an outline and estimate how long each section should be before you start writing. Some schools put no upper limit on size, but if you write more than 700 words, overworked admissions officers become frustrated. Aim for about 550 to 600 words.

1. How can you foster your passion and love of learning at this school?

If you mention specific things about a college, get the facts straight. Mention courses, programs, or opportunities that show you’ve done research. Don’t feel you need to praise the school too much. This isn’t about buttering people up; it’s about showing how you’d fit into the college environment. Share something specific to emphasize what makes you a good fit. Describe how the school would benefit from your presence. Mention planned majors or extracurriculars that show how you’d take advantage of their resources. Demonstrate that you’re ready to be active in classes, leadership opportunities, or other activities.

2. What are your long-term goals?

Show that you’re self-aware. Share your plans. Don’t know what you’ll major in? Focus on your most likely general field of study. Discuss what drew you to it and what you’ll do in future. How is the college the best place for you to meet those goals? Focus on one or two; don’t mention too many things without addressing any in depth.

3. Do you intend to go to graduate school?

This question assesses planning abilities and awareness of strengths. If you see yourself going on to graduate school, describe what you’ll study. Express how you’ll use undergraduate time to prepare for that future. Describe resources that will help you achieve your goals.

Show that you’re open to considering further study once you see how you develop during college. Even if you don’t intend to go to grad school, demonstrate that you’re a devoted student. Focus on how you’ll benefit from undergraduate work. Describe how much it matters to have a first-rate undergrad education.

4. Do you take initiative? Are you self-motivated?

A cardinal rule of good writing is: Show, don’t tell. Don’t tell colleges how important something is— show them what you’ve done. Describe times when you’ve taken action. Write about instances when discipline and persistence helped you. Show evidence of initiative and determination. Describe examples of self-starting behavior so readers imagine you in action.

5. How involved are you in extracurriculars? What have you learned from them?

Extracurriculars show evidence of determination, creativity, teamwork, passion, or civic-mindedness. They clarify what you value, what motivates you, what sets you apart. Give examples of ways you’ve pushed yourself outside of school. Which challenges did you overcome? Focus on one or two and make an impression with personal details.

6. Have you gone beyond the high school curriculum to challenge yourself?

Describing extracurriculars that show talents and interests is valuable. Consider also showing concern for others. Have you volunteered, tutored, been a counselor, helped parents with their business, or worked after school? How do you challenge yourself as part of a team? Help readers see how well you’d integrate into their community.

7. How do you overcome obstacles and problems?

Don’t talk about lofty principles; give examples of problems you’ve solved. Write about ways in which you’ve overcome obstacles. Willingness to get help is good—knowing limits is healthy. Being willing to get assistance and learn from others is impressive. If you show how you’ve improved after getting help, you show willingness to stick to difficult tasks.

8. What sets you apart from other applicants?

Don’t list characteristics; focus on behaviors. Enthusiasm, attitude, and drive are easier to see if you explain that you used them to start a club, work at a dog shelter, or build a boat. Let readers imagine you doing and succeeding. Share times you did something you’re proud of. Let that behavior illuminate who you are.

Once you’ve written your college essay, set it aside, then  re-read it with fresh eyes. Get at least one person (a teacher or counselor is ideal) to proofread i it. Show what you care about and what makes you different. Then you’ll really shine!

Things to Keep in Mind Before You Write

If you’re supplied with a writing prompt, read it carefully. Your essay shows how well you follow directions. Some schools don’t ask a question or suggest a topic; those that do want to see that you address it directly. Don’t let your essay feel generic or written to answer a different prompt.

What’s the reason for the prompt? What does the college hope to learn? Sarah Myers McGinty , author of The College Application Essay , says essays often uncover how well a student might fit at the school, or show whether a student can do the work. She says colleges tend to ask three kinds of questions:

• You questions about who are you and what you’d offer to the college community
• Why us questions about why you think the college would be a good fit
• Creative questions that give you chances to share inventive, original thoughts

Before writing to a prompt, take time to consider what kind of question it asks. What is the college really interested in learning about you? Write to address that interest.

Make answers specific and personal. Don’t write too broadly. Don’t tell your life story or echo the rest of your application. Focus on one thing in detail. Make your story something readers won’t find elsewhere. It should be less about experiences than about how you respond to them. Differentiate yourself from others.

Don’t just describe what happened—reflect on it. Just telling a story isn’t the point. Giving a glimpse into how you think is more important. Show what insights you’ve gained from experiences.

Creative doesn’t mean unfocused. If a college essay prompt is meant to show creativity, you must still write a detailed, logical essay with a point. Avoid meandering or pretention. Even off-the-wall prompts require well-written responses. Don’t let parents or teachers influence your style so much that you sound like they do. Write in your own voice. Also, stick to the truth; don’t embellish your history.

Be careful with humor. Writing vividly without trying to be funny usually works best. Show enthusiasm but avoid jokes or humor that might offend or confuse admissions officers or professors who read what you write.

Don’t write a sob story. Students often write about unusual challenges. Stories about adversity have built-in drama and evoke sympathy. But sympathy alone won’t get you admitted. Don’t rely too heavily on emotions; include important facts. If you focus on challenges, describe how you overcame them.

For more ideas about writing a college essay, check out these articles in the CollegeVine blog:

How to Prepare for College Level Writing in High School

What Is a College Personal Statement?

4 Ways Parents Can Help Their Teen with College Essays

Want help with your college essays to improve your admissions chances? Sign up for your free CollegeVine account and get access to our essay guides and courses. You can also get your essay peer-reviewed and improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays.

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

College Application Checklist

Find the right college for you., junior summer: ─do before applying to college checklist.

• Set up a professional-sounding email address.
• Create a balanced list of reach, match, and safety colleges.
• Go to the application website.
• Note the regular application deadline.
• Note the early application deadline.

Junior Year: Take Tests and Other Exams for Admission

• Find out if an admission test is required.
• Take an admission test, if required.
• Take other required or recommended tests (e.g., AP Exams, IB exams).
• Send admission test scores, if required, with your application.
• Send other test scores.
• Retest by summer of junior year or fall of senior year.

Early Senior Year: Get Letters and Essay Ready.

• Request recommendation letters. Provide a résumé for reference.
• Send thank-you notes to recommendation writers.
• Start the essay drafting and revision process 2 months prior to the application deadline.
• Draft initial essay.
• Proofread essay for spelling and grammar.
• Have 2 people read your essay.
• Revise your essay.
• Proofread your revision.

Fall of Senior Year: Make a Campus Visit. Apply for Financial Aid.

• Interview at the college campus, if required.
• Submit FAFSA® if eligible.
• Submit CSS PROFILE if needed.
• Make a note of the priority financial aid deadline.
• Make a note of the regular financial aid deadline.
• Submit college aid form if needed.
• Submit a state aid form if needed.
• Check the college's financial aid website to see if you need to submit any additional institution forms.

Submit the Application. Pay Fees by Deadlines.

• Complete college application.
• Save copies of your application and application materials.
• Pay application fee. Submit an application fee waiver if eligible.
• Submit application.
• Request high school transcript to be sent.
• Request midyear grade report to be sent.
• Confirm receipt of application materials by checking your application status online.
• Send additional material if needed.
• Tell your school counselor that you applied.
• Receive letter from admissions office.

Senior Spring: Make Your Selections.

• Apply for housing and meal plans, if applicable.
• Receive financial aid award letter.
• Accept financial aid offer.
• Notify whichever colleges you’re not planning to attend.

What things do you need to provide in the college application process?

When applying to college, you’ll need to provide information regarding personal details, your academic background, your extracurricular activities, and achievements you want to highlight. You’ll also need to submit standardized test scores and letters of recommendation, if required. Along with that, you’ll want to submit any required essays, making sure they highlight your aspirations and your personality. You can even strengthen your application by including additional information about yourself and a résumé.

Most colleges will require an application fee. If you require financial assistance to cover this fee, ask your school counselor about application fee waivers.

What are five things you need to know about college application process?

When navigating college admissions requirements, consider these five points:

• Go through each college's admissions requirements, including transcripts, test scores, essays, and recommendations.
• Pay close attention to submission deadlines to ensure you deliver all required documents on time.
• Familiarize yourself with the admissions criteria, including academic performance, extracurricular activities, and personal attributes.
• Check out the available financial aid options, such as scholarships and grants. Follow the designated application timelines.
• Visit the colleges you're interested in. Take advantage of any interview opportunities to express your interest and gain valuable insights into the institutions.

Is the admissions process the same for all colleges?

The admissions process can differ between institutions. Colleges you apply to may ask for standardized test scores and recommendation letters. Or they may have more specific requirements. Before you even begin an application, you’ll need to review the admissions guidelines of each college you plan to apply to and personalize your application to their needs.

How important are extracurricular activities in the college admissions process?

Participating in extracurricular activities can significantly influence the college admissions process. Colleges seek students who aren’t only academically accomplished but also have a diverse range of interests and a demonstrated dedication to their passions. Being actively involved in clubs, sports, community service, and leadership roles can positively impact your application and highlight your potential contributions to the college community.

Are interviews required for college admission? How should I prepare for them?

Colleges may require interviews as part of their admissions process, or they may not require them. You’ll want to verify the specific requirements of each college. If a college recommends an interview or it’s mandatory, make sure to prepare yourself thoroughly. Practice answering common interview questions, research the college, and think about how to express your objectives and interests effectively. Interviews offer a chance to present yourself in a more personal and engaging way, so take advantage of this opportunity.

Related Articles

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, how to prepare for college: 31 tips to get ready.

Other High School , College Admissions

While you might think college preparation only happens during the summer before college, this isn’t necessarily true. In fact, you can start preparing for college as early as 9th grade! But what exactly does the process of college preparation entail?

Here, we explain how to prepare for college at every grade level in high school . Specifically, we take a look at what you can do on the academic, financial, and extracurricular fronts, providing you with advice and tips, as well as a helpful preparing-for-college checklist.

How to Prepare for College: Overview

In this guide, we go over how to get ready for college in every grade, from 9th through 12th and even the summer before college. We give you detailed steps to take in areas such as academics, extracurricular activities, financial aid, standardized tests, and college applications.

If you’d like to jump ahead to a specific grade level, feel free to use this table of contents:

How to Prepare for College in 9th Grade

How to get ready for college in 10th grade, things to do before college in 11th grade, getting ready for college in 12th grade, 5 things to do the summer before college.

We also offer a printable preparing-for-college checklist , which you can download by clicking the PDF thumbnail below:

Here’s a checklist of the major steps you should take in 9th grade in order to start getting prepared for college early.

#1: Do Well in Core Courses

Aside from your state’s high school graduation requirements, you’ll need to pay attention to the class requirements of most US colleges and universities .

In general, you’ll have to take at least the following in high school to be able to attend college:

• 4 years of English
• 3 years of math
• 3 years of science
• 3 years of social studies/history
• 2 years of a foreign language

If you’re already thinking of eventually applying to Ivy League institutions or similarly competitive schools , then make sure to take the following in high school:

• 4 years of math
• 3-4 years of science
• 3-4 years of a foreign language

Naturally, you also want to ensure you’re doing well in your core classes, so keep up your grades as best as you can — 9th grade is when your grades really start to count in terms of what colleges will see, so don't goof off!

Do your homework, take notes, study for all your tests, and actively participate in class to the best of your ability. These actions will set you up with good habits in your later high school years. Remember that your 9th grade GPA will influence your final GPA and class rank when you apply to colleges.

#2: Look Into Taking Honors and AP Courses

At this time, you should also start to look into what honors and/or AP classes you might be eligible to take as a 9th grader (or 10th grader, if you’re looking to the future). Meet with your counselor and discuss whether there are any upper-level classes or more challenging versions of the core courses above that you can sign up for.

Your counselor should also  map out possible class plans for each year you're in high school so that you’ll be on track to complete all the courses you need for college. Having a four-year plan can really help you visualize the different steps you'll need to take every year.

#3: Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities That Interest You

Your first year of high school is the perfect time to start exploring the different kinds of academic and non-academic interests you have through clubs, volunteering, and other groups. You can ask other students, your teachers, or your counselor what kinds of clubs, societies, and sports teams your school offers.

If there’s an informational club fair at the start of the school year, this would be an excellent time to learn more about what kinds of groups your school has (and doesn’t have).

Remember, too, that you don’t necessarily need to do activities through your school ; it's fine to look for volunteer organizations and other groups you could join outside school.

Another alternative is to carve out more time for a particular hobby you have , such as writing short stories or coming up with ideas for inventions. The point here is to start figuring out what your biggest interests and passions are, and how these could translate into possible academic or professional paths.

#4: Take the PSAT 8/9 (Optional)

If one of your goals is to qualify for National Merit on the PSAT/NMSQT as a junior, then it’ll help you greatly to start preparing early through the PSAT 8/9 , a version of the PSAT that's geared specifically toward 8th and 9th graders .

This test doesn’t count for anything and is really only helpful if you want to get as much PSAT and SAT practice as possible. If you'd like to take it, ask your guidance counselor how to register for it. The PSAT 8/9 is normally administered in October .

Note that if you plan to take the ACT instead of the SAT, there’s not much point in taking the PSAT 8/9 (except for the fact that it will help prepare you for standardized college admissions tests as a whole).

Although sophomores still have a few years before college begins, that doesn’t mean there aren’t things you can do to help you prepare for college.

#1: Keep Up Your Grades and a Rigorous Course Load

By 10th grade, if you haven’t already, you should really start to think about taking some AP and honors classes (if offered at your school), especially if you plan to apply to the most competitive colleges .

Meet with your counselor to determine which upper-level classes you are eligible for and most likely to do well in based on your individual interests and skills.

When it comes to your electives, try to take classes in topics that not only appeal to you but also challenge you (and are ideally at least somewhat related to your passion or future major).

As you should do every year in high school, continue to work hard to keep up your grades. If you’re struggling at all with a certain class, talk to your teacher and parents about possibly seeking extra help, such as a tutor .

#2: Stay Invested in Your Extracurriculars

By this point, you should have at least one or two extracurriculars you regularly do and that you’re committed to . These could be school clubs you’re part of, a part-time job or internship, a volunteer position you hold, a hobby or talent you’re pursuing, etc.

While it’s perfectly fine if you have more than two extracurriculars, just know that what ultimately matters is quality, not quantity. The activities you do should reflect what you’re truly interested in, academically, professionally, and personally.

If you plan to apply to very competitive colleges, you should focus on developing a spike , which is essentially finding your niche or what makes you stand out . You can do this by engaging in activities, events, competitions, etc. that speak specifically to your interest, whether that's German or computer science.

#3: Start Thinking About Possible Majors and Colleges

Yes, it’s still early when it comes to college, but your sophomore year is a great time to start playing around with ideas of what you might want to study in college — and possibly do as a career.

Some teenagers know right away what kind of career they want to have, while others (likely most!) have some interests here and there but don’t know what they want to do with these in college and as an adult.

You can get started by thinking about your biggest passions in life and what you generally enjoy doing, both in and outside of school. For example, maybe you’re passionate about music and have always envisioned yourself playing the violin in an orchestra. In this case, a music major at a more artistically inclined school could be an amazing fit for you.

It might also help to look at our comprehensive list of college majors , just to give you some ideas as to what majors are out there.

In terms of colleges, you don’t need to have a final list or anything yet — simply ge t a feel for what kinds of colleges are out there , including what’s available in and around your area (or in the area you’d like to live and go to school). You can use college search websites and reputable ranking lists to see what certain schools are famous for.

#4: Learn How to Pay for College

As a 10th grader, you probably don’t know much about paying for college or even what the FAFSA is . So take this time to start familiarizing yourself with key financial terms and what paying for college actually entails in terms of tuition, housing, meal plans, etc.

We recommend checking out our helpful guides on the different types of financial aid and how to save money for college . If your parents are worried about upcoming college expenses, read these articles with them and explain to them how you plan to apply for college scholarships and do well in school to increase your chances of securing a merit scholarship .

If you’ll be paying for college entirely on your own, get started early by reading our guide .

#5: Take the PSAT, PSAT 10, or PreACT (Optional)

If you want to get a head start on your SAT/ACT preparation, then taking either the PSAT, PSAT 10, or PreACT in 10th grade will be a wise choice.

Here are the differences between these three tests:

• PSAT : The PSAT, or Preliminary SAT, is an official practice test for the SAT with a slightly easier content focus and a shorter overall time frame. Sophomores who take the exam are ineligible for National Merit scholarships (only 11th graders are eligible for these).
• PSAT 10 : A version of the PSAT geared specifically toward 10th graders. This test is identical to the PSAT —the only difference is that it's offered in the spring instead of the fall.
• PreACT : An official practice test for the ACT administered specifically to 10th graders. There's no scholarship competition as sociated with the PreACT. Schools choose when to administer the PreACT during the school year.

You are not required to take any of these tests in 10th grade —they're simply available to you should you want more practice for the SAT or ACT.

If you’re interested in taking the PSAT, PSAT 10, or PreACT, talk with your counselor to check when and how to sign up for your desired test.

#6: Use Your Summer After 10th Grade Wisely

The summer between your sophomore and junior year is an ideal time to start exploring in more depth your biggest interests and to start thinking about what kind of career/major you want. You could also work a part-time job to begin saving money for college.

Here are some examples of things you could do at this time:

• Take a school trip to a foreign country (I myself went to Japan as part of a class trip)
• Get an internship or part-time job
• Volunteer somewhere — e.g., you could teach a class at a local Boys & Girls Club
• Participate in a summer program or camp
• Enroll in a class at a local community college

Your junior year of high school is where college preparation really starts to get serious. Here’s an overview of what to do during this critical year.

#1: Continue Taking Challenging Courses and Getting Good Grades

As always, keep up your GPA and do your best in all your classes, particularly in your core classes (English, math, science, and social studies) and any honors or AP classes you’re taking.

#2: Keep Up Your Extracurriculars

Continue to work on developing and adding to your spike (i.e., your passion) by doing activities you love and that are related to your academic and professional interests.

#3: Befriend Teachers You Plan to Ask for Letters of Recommendation

This is the time to start really getting to know your high school teachers better, especially those who teach core classes you consistently do well in , since they'll likely be the ones you want to get letters of recommendation from for your college applications.

Develop a strong rapport with your teachers so they respect you and know you well, beyond just the grades you get on homework assignments and tests.

It’s a smart idea to ask your teachers sometime in the spring if they’d be willing to write you a letter of recommendation for your college applications that fall. This way, you won’t be stressing out at the beginning of your senior year about whom to ask or how much time to give them to write your letter.

#4: Start to Research Colleges You’re Interested In

Junior year is an ideal time to start researching some of the colleges you’re interested in attending or that have grabbed your attention.

There are many ways you can get to know more about specific colleges:

• Read the official college website to see things such as what majors it offers, where it’s located, how many students it has, etc.
• Go to college fairs
• Visit college campuses directly to get a feel for the campus, students, and overall atmosphere
• Talk with former or current students about their experiences there

In addition, take care to openly communicate with your parents (or whoever is helping you pay for college) at this time. These are the people paying for your education, so it’s important that you involve them at least somewhat in the decision-making process so that they have an idea of which schools you’re considering and what kind of aid they typically offer.

Also, remember to look for safety schools .

#5: Learn More About Financial Aid

At this point, you should have a pretty basic understanding of how financial aid for college works. Now, it’s time to dig a little deeper and make sure you know the ins and outs of things such as subsidized loans vs unsubsidized loans and how much your parents (or you) can actually afford to spend on your college education. Consider, too, how much money you’ll need for application fees.

As you begin making a tentative college list, look up tuition costs and financial aid info for each school . You can do this research by going to the school’s official website, using the College Board’s BigFuture database , or using the National Center for Education Statistics’ College Navigator tool .

It might help to make a chart showing all the schools you’re considering applying to, their net costs, and whether they offer any scholarships or other aid based on merit and/or need.

Finally, keep educating yourself on how you can save up money for college .

#6: Begin Searching for Scholarships

While it might seem early to apply for college scholarships, it’s actually not, as many have deadlines between your junior and senior years. The US Department of Education offers a scholarship search tool you can use for free to get started on looking up potential scholarships.

We also maintain a comprehensive list of scholarships you can apply for as a junior . Some of these might require more documents and effort from you than others, such as transcripts and letters, so give yourself plenty of time to research and apply for them .

#7: Take the PSAT

Most 11th graders take the PSAT to help prepare them for the SAT, but you can also take it to try to win a National Merit Scholarship (remember that 10th graders aren’t eligible for these scholarships if they take the PSAT).

The PSAT is typically administered in October , so plan to prep for it (only if you're hoping to nab a super-high score) in the few months before.

#8: Take the SAT/ACT (Preferably Twice)

As a junior, you should take the SAT/ACT once, preferably twice , to prepare for your college applications in your senior year. At PrepScholar, we recommend taking your first SAT / ACT in the fall of your junior year and then again in the spring.

Taking the test more than once can significantly raise your chances of getting a higher score. For tips on how to prepare, check out our ultimate SAT guide and expert ACT guide .

#9: Use the Summer to Finalize Your List of Colleges

By this time, you should have taken the SAT/ACT at least once and come up with a rough idea of the colleges you’re most interested in. Now, you can crack down and start putting together your finalized list of schools .

Consider important factors such as the following:

• Majors/courses offered
• Student life/social scene
• Acceptance rate (i.e., how competitive the school is)

Most students apply to six to eight colleges (this includes two to three safeties, two to three target schools , and two to three reach schools ). It’s OK (and even encouraged) to talk to your parents during this time about what schools you want to apply to and their costs. That said, remind them that you are applying for scholarships as well and will hopefully win one!

At last — you’re a senior! But don’t get too comfortable yet — there’s a lot to do in order to get ready for college, especially in the fall. Here are the most important steps you’ll need to take.

#1: Get Your College Applications Ready to Send Off

Your senior fall will be extremely busy since this is when many college application deadlines are, including most early action and early decision deadlines . So you’ll need to start putting together your applications by writing your essays and gathering all necessary materials, such as your high school transcripts and recommendation letters.

Here’s a brief checklist of what to do for your college applications at this time:

• Write your college essays : You’ll likely have to write more than one, so get a head start on these. Give yourself at least a month or two to write, edit, and proofread before you submit.
• Ask for letters of recommendation from teachers : If you didn’t already do so your junior year, ask your teachers for rec letters ASAP. Try to get letters from teachers who teach core classes and/or classes in a field you want to major in.
• Take the SAT/ACT one last time, if needed: By this point, you should’ve taken the SAT/ACT twice. If you still want to take it one last time to try to raise your score, though, now’s the time to do it. Don't forget to check your colleges' websites to see what the last possible SAT/ACT test dates they’ll accept scores from are.
• Visit campuses if possible: Actually seeing college campuses in person should help you get a better sense for the overall atmospheres of the schools you’re applying to, and might even give you ideas for what you can write about in your college essay(s).

#2: Complete and Submit Your FAFSA

The FAFSA is released on October 1 every year, so try to complete and submit your FAFSA as soon as possible after this date as well as any other financial aid applications your schools might require. Most colleges will require you to turn in your FAFSA by February, so getting started on this sooner rather than later should help make the application process go a lot more smoothly.

Make sure to have your parents with you when you fill out your FAFSA as you’ll have to report your parents’ federal income tax returns and other essential information.

#3: Stay Focused in School

Even though there’s a ton to do your senior year, it’s still important that you work hard to maintain your grades and do well in challenging (AP) courses during both semesters (even in the spring!). As a result, don't stop studying hard for midterms, finals, and AP tests.

Remember that colleges will want to see your mid-year report , which shows your most recent senior-year grades, so definitely avoid falling victim to senioritis!

#4: Stick With Your Extracurriculars

You’ll be extremely busy your senior year, yes, but you should still try your best to keep up your extracurricular activities and hobbies —at the very least, the ones that you are most invested in and that pertain to your major or professional endeavors.

It’s OK if you have to drop some activities or don’t do them as often during the fall; just make sure to keep them up in the spring when you’re free from the demands of college application season!

#5: Keep Applying for Scholarships

Yes, it’s a pain, but don’t stop applying for scholarships now! Many scholarship applications are due during or even right after your senior year , so don’t overlook these opportunities.

Check out this list of the best scholarships for high school seniors to help with your search.

#6: Compare Financial Aid Offers From Colleges You’ve Been Admitted To

By around March and April, you should start receiving admissions decisions from the colleges you applied to. As you get these letters, begin to compare the financial aid offers from the ones you’ve been accepted to.

With your parents, estimate overall cost s and how much money you’ll likely need for living expenses and food  (if you’re not commuting to college).

Take your time here — financial aid can seem overwhelming at first, but it’s definitely worth it to be sure you understand how much college costs and what you will actually pay in order to attend. It might also help to create a spreadsheet listing the total costs and aid offers you've gotten .

#7: Make Your College Decision

Once you’ve had time to go through your college acceptance letters (and emotionally process any rejections you might have gotten ), it’s time to make your final decision and pick the college you will attend that fall.

You’ll have to submit your decision, along with a nonrefundable deposit, to your school of choice by May 1.

You should also get working on officially declining any offers from schools you have decided not to attend; usually you’ll have to do this through an online portal. If you’ve been waitlisted at your first-choice school, read our guide to figure out what to do in this situation .

Here are some final steps to take the summer before college, when you've finally got a little bit of breathing room.

#1: Continue Applying for Scholarships

The summer before college often goes unutilized in terms of scholarship searches, so don't be one of those people — make the most of your time by applying for even more college scholarships .

Even if these scholarships won’t apply to your first year of college, it’s never too early to get started on finding potential funding sources for your sophomore year!

#2: Save Money by Getting a Part-Time Job (Optional)

While you might be tempted to take this summer to completely relax (and you certainly  do deserve a little rest!), consider using this time to save money for college by getting a part-time job .

It doesn’t have to be anything special or relevant to your interests — just something that allows you to grow your savings and prepare yourself for other expenses you might have your freshman year, such as going to concerts, eating out with your roommate, etc.

#3: Reach Out to Your Roommate

Once your college gives you your roommate info, it’s a great idea to reach out to them through social media and introduce yourself . You’re going to be living with this person the entire year, so it’s best to get started on a positive note and as early as you can in order to reduce any nerves that you (or your roommate!) might have on move-in day.

Doing all this should help to ease the transition from living at home with your parents to living with somebody else your age.

You can (and should) also talk to your roommate about what furniture and appliances you plan to bring so you can figure out who’s bringing what and what you’ll be sharing and not sharing.

#4: Go to Orientation

Your school’s orientation will take place at some point during the summer, so plan to meet other incoming students and get to know the campus and school as a whole better . You might also have the opportunity to meet professors in your major.

Make the most of your orientation: ask questions about living there and paying for school, get to know other students in your major, and start to memorize where things are on campus.

#5: Get Started on Your College Packing List

• Furniture and appliances
• Bedding, sheets, and pillows
• Clothes hangers
• Laundry basket
• Storage containers
• Kitchen essentials (e.g., silverware, cups, plates, microwave, etc.) 
• School supplies
• Electronics (e.g., laptop, cables, headphones, power strips, etc.)

As mentioned, it’s a good idea to consult your roommate about who will be bringing what.

Recap: How to Prepare for College in High School

As you can see, there are many steps you can (and should) take, even in 9th grade, to get started on preparing for college. Read through this list whenever you want to confirm you’re on track.

We also strongly advise printing out our preparing-for-college checklist , which you can tape to the wall in your bedroom and use as a reminder for what you'll need to get done in high school in order to give yourself your best shot at succeeding in college.

What’s Next?

Need some more help preparing your college applications? Then check out our guides on how to apply to college and how to build the most versatile college application possible .

A big part of getting into college is earning a high SAT/ACT score. Get expert tips in our guides on how to get a perfect 1600 on the SAT and a perfect 36 on the ACT , both written by a full scorer.

What looks really impressive on a college application? We list the seven most important things you should have on your college apps here .

Hannah received her MA in Japanese Studies from the University of Michigan and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel.

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How to Prepare for Your College Essay

Next to your test scores, extracurricular activities, and GPA, writing your college essay is one of the most significant parts of your application. Many students rush through this exercise as another task that needs to be accomplished but taking the time to create a thoughtful essay is something that can make or break a final decision about whether you are accepted to a school or not.

If your transcript is a little weak, a well-written essay may compensate for lower grades and act as a tipping point that helps you to gain entrance. It’s not a guarantee, of course, but when it is done right, it can offer you a distinct advantage over applicants who are not as conscientious.

Keep in mind, though, that if you have stellar grades but a poorly written essay, your accomplishments could be overlooked, and your application might easily be placed in the rejection pile.

College admissions officers have to read through hundreds of essays each year. Don’t squander the opportunity to make yours stand out. This is your chance to sell yourself and show the admissions committee who you really are and what makes you tick. It also affords you the opportunity to prove your writing and grammar skills too.

In this article, we will discuss what goes into a great college essay and how to set about creating one that is memorable and compelling.

What Is a College Essay?

Also called an application essay or personal statement, the college essay is a writing sample that highlights your fundamental communication skills. However, it also serves as a snapshot of who you are. It shines a light on your personal qualities, talents, and abilities and puts a face to the name on the application.

Grades, test scores, and awards only go so far when it comes to telling the story of you. In your essay, you have a shot at setting yourself apart from hundreds of other prospective students by sharing your passion and motivation with a captive audience, so make it count. 

When and How to Start Your College Essay

If writing is not your strong point, you will want to give yourself plenty of time to complete your essay. It’s not something that you should bang out in one afternoon. Instead, plan to work on it weeks ahead of your application deadline.

Make sure you review all of the requirements carefully. Find out the maximum or minimum word count and how the admissions office wants it formatted. Check to see if you can choose your own topic or if you need to follow specific essay prompts.

Once you are familiar with all the guidelines, it’s time to start brainstorming ideas for your essay. Take some time to mull over your experiences, relationships, and perspectives and write down some potential topics to write about.

If you are completely stuck and can’t think of a good topic, here are a few ideas to consider:

● What clubs or organizations have you been a part of?

● Do you play any sports?

● What kind of community service or volunteer work have you done?

● Have you done a lot of traveling? Where have you been, and what was it like?

● What are some accomplishments or abilities unique to you? Do you have remarkable guitar skills or speak several languages? Have you created a profitable blog or small business? These are notable things to write about.

A few topics to avoid:

● Never write about hot-button issues like politics or religion. This is not the time to share your opinions or viewpoints on polarizing issues.

● Avoid writing about death, sickness, and tragedy unless there is a happy ending.

● Don’t talk about your romantic relationships

● Stay away from talking about addiction, substance abuse, and illegal activities

● Don’t try to be too funny. A little dose of humor here and there is ok but don’t make the entire essay a comedy.

When you have three or four subjects you have settled on, create a brief outline for each topic with some of the main points and critical details to see if you have enough information to craft a whole essay. By narrowing it down this way, the final decision on what to write about will come easier.

Writing Your First Draft

It’s time to write your first draft. You don’t need to worry about perfection yet, as you will be rewriting the essay later. For now, get the words out of your head and onto paper.

Everyone has a different process for writing. You should do what is most comfortable for you. Some people prefer to write an entire rough draft from start to finish while others work on it bit by bit, jumping around as they go along. There is no “right approach” so long as you start. Here are a few tips that might help:

Work on a Compelling Introduction

As was stated earlier, college admissions officials have hundreds of essays to pore over each year, and many of them are horribly dull. Make yours stand out by writing an engaging introduction that pulls the reader in.

Don’t Worry About Length

When you are writing your first draft, don’t worry about the word count yet. Just focus on writing every detail you can recall about your topic at first. It’s far better to have too many words and whittle down your essay than to not have enough content to work with. If you find yourself struggling to make it long enough, that is a good indicator that maybe you need to choose a different topic.

Don’t Let Yourself Get Overwhelmed

As long as you have given yourself enough time, there is no reason to be overwhelmed. Even if you can only write a sentence or two at a time without getting frustrated, that’s ok. Take frequent breaks and go at a comfortable pace.

Avoid Falling Into the Trap of Perfectionism

As we mentioned above, you don’t need to aim for perfection on your first pass. Even the best writers in the world don’t do it perfectly. It will take many revisions and edits to create the ideal essay, and it might change many times during the process. Don’t worry about misplaced commas, spelling, and other grammatical errors. There will be plenty of chances to fix things later on.

Work on Your Final Draft

From your rough draft, begin to craft a final draft by proofreading for errors and polishing each sentence carefully. You can use an online tool like Grammarly to help you check for grammar, punctuation, and spelling mistakes. Incorporate each of the changes until you are satisfied that you have a draft you are comfortable letting someone else read.

This is not your final essay; this polished draft is what you will use to gain some human input. Ask your school counselor, teacher, or parent to read through your draft and give you feedback. It helps so much to have another perspective. Incorporate their tips and any corrections they offer into your final essay.

After you are satisfied with the final draft, conduct two or three more proofreading sessions to make sure it is entirely error-free. Online editing software often misses things on the first pass, so you might want to run it through your tool of choice a few times to get it just right. Remember that schools are looking not only for an engaging essay, but they want to gauge your ability to write, making sure you are ready for the challenge that college-level courses will bring. 

Once you have your final draft completed, you can submit the essay with your college application.

A word about reusing your essay for multiple college applications:

The idea of writing new content for each college you apply to might be daunting. The good news is that in some cases, reusing one you have previously written is ok, provided you keep in mind a couple of points:

•Even when reusing an essay for another application, you will want to be sure it is personalized for the requirements of that specific college. Make sure the length is correct and tailor the content to that particular school or location.

•Sometimes a college will provide a completely different writing prompt. In that case, you will need to start from scratch, although it should be a bit easier now that you have one under your belt.

Final Thoughts

Your college essay gives you an opening to show the admissions committee what you are made of. It provides a tangible way to display what makes you a unique individual and why you would make a good match for their institution.

The more information admissions officials can determine about you, the easier it will be for them to see you as part of the overall student body at their school. Although it is only one part of the application process, it is one of the most valuable and should be taken on with as much motivation and skill as you can master.

How to Prepare for College

• How To Make Your College Application Stand Out
• How to Prepare for a College Interview
• How to Prepare for College Admissions
• How to Prepare for College Applications
• How to Prepare for College Entrance Exams
• How to Prepare for College Financially
• How to Prepare for College in High School
• How to Prepare for College in Your Junior Year
• How to Prepare for College Placement Exams
• How To Prepare For College Rejection
• Preparing for College Visits

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How to Prepare For College in 2024: 10 Essential Tips

Learn how you can prepare for college now to help ease the transition and get ready to thrive as you prepare for college in 2024.

Attending college for the first time is an exciting next step in life, and being prepared can make it all that more fulfilling. From honing your skills, like time management and empathy, to challenging yourself with advanced classes and extracurricular activities, you'll discover numerous ways to ensure you're mentally and emotionally ready for some of your life's most unique and exciting years. 

This guide contains tips on how to prepare for college in 2024. Let’s explore some of the things you can do now to prepare for your adventures. 

How to prepare for college   

College is a critical time in a learner’s life. For many people, it's your first adult experience. It's the time when you choose a career, build knowledge, gain skills, and set goals for your professional future. Preparing helps you navigate all the changes for a smoother transition. Start planning now with these 10 tips.

1. Learn how to study properly.

Many students go to college and find that they need to learn how to study correctly or that the way they studied in high school doesn't exactly work in postsecondary education. The sooner you change your study habits, the more ready you’ll be to face college requirements. Changing your study habits in high school may even help improve your academic performance so that you can get into the college of your choice.

Spread it out rather than trying to do it all in one night: Cramming doesn't help you retain material. Spread your study sessions throughout the semester rather than the night before a big test.

Form a study group: Working together with other students in your classes means you can quiz each other and help each other out when necessary.

Take breaks: You can only learn so much at once. Overdoing it can be counterproductive and increase your stress levels. Make time to rest between study sessions.   

Practice active studying: Simply reading your textbook or notes is ineffective. Active studying means creating a study guide, explaining the material as if you were teaching the class, or continuously working out problems until you understand exactly why the answer is what it is.

Break away from distractions: Where you study is arguably equally important as how you study. Locate a comfortable spot free of distractions to maximize your ability to focus on the material. 

Set a goal and follow through with it: When you start your courses, set a studying goal. It might be something like, "I will study every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 5 p.m. until 6:30 p.m." 

Treat yourself: When you do meet those goals, reward yourself. For example, if you're in the middle of binge-watching a great show, allow yourself to watch an episode if you meet your study goals for the day.  

2. Participate in extracurricular activities.

Universities, colleges, and other learning institutions appreciate seeing extracurricular activities on your application. However, you should choose the ones that truly interest you. Pursue your passions and interests. Get involved with sports or clubs at your school. Volunteer in your community. If you have a hobby or talent that you'd like to explore more, like art, writing, or playing a musical instrument, sign up for classes outside of school or take time to improve upon what you can already do. By choosing the ones you're passionate about, you're likely to stick with them, and they can help build your confidence.

You will also likely build important human skills needed to succeed in college and beyond. For example, you might learn time management skills as you attempt to juggle your academic schedule with your sports practices. Participating in activities can be fun to build communication, collaboration, leadership, and organizational skills. Conducting volunteer work can also help you develop your empathy skills.  

3. Start early.  

Giving yourself ample time by preparing sooner rather than later helps ease the transition ahead. Some students make the mistake of thinking they have to wait until their final year of high school. In reality, you can start as a first-year learner and spend the next four years making sure you are actively preparing for college.

Early on, start thinking about what you want to study and the schools you want to attend. Doing so can help you determine which classes to take in high school. It can also help motivate you to improve your grades or take more challenging courses as you work toward your goals.

If you're still deciding on the school you want to attend, research all available options. You may prefer an in-state public school or a private school across the country. You may want to major in a unique subject that only a select few schools offer. You or your parents may have a specific budget in mind. Find out which schools meet your needs and visit their campuses to see if they're a good fit.

4. Focus on your organization and time management skills.

Two critical human skills you'll need for college are organization and time management skills. Perfecting them before you begin your postsecondary education may help you improve your courses and prevent stress and burnout.

You may improve your organization and time management skills by:

Writing down important dates and deadlines

Creating and sticking to a routine

Setting daily or weekly goals

Asking for help from others when necessary

Making use of productivity apps   

Removing unnecessary distractions from your life

Making checklists

Keeping separate folders for each class 

Taking breaks and finding balance to avoid stress and burnout

5. Come up with a financial plan.   

College is expensive. In addition to tuition, you'll need books and other materials, and unless you're staying home with your parents, you'll need a place to stay, food, transportation, and more. Start looking into scholarships or financial aid. Knowing how you'll pay for it before you actually enroll is a good way to prepare for college.

In addition, understanding how to manage money is essential for entering adult life. Consider taking a money management course or a class that teaches you how to read a bank statement. If possible, get a part-time job while you're in high school. You'll learn more about finances, and you can start saving for your college career. It may also look good on your college application.

6. Consider what you want to do with your life.  

You don't have to know what you want to do with your life in high school or even in college, but if you have an idea of a major or career that interests you, this can help you prepare. If your school offers career planning resources, take advantage of them. When choosing your high school classes, take those that may help prepare you for a particular major or career.

For example, if you want to become a nurse or doctor, take as many science classes as possible. If you want to be an engineer, add some additional math classes to your curriculum. Even if you are still deciding on a career, diversifying your high school course load can also help prepare you. You may even discover a new subject that interests you.

7. Get to know your school counselor.

Your high school counselor is usually an excellent source for all things college-related. They know what schools want from applicants and can help you plan ahead. They can guide you regarding which classes you should take, how to improve your academic performance, and which college or postsecondary option suits your needs and goals. Harvard University suggests scheduling a meeting with your counselor during your sophomore year to discuss your options [ 1 ].

8. Challenge yourself.

Colleges look at the type of classes you took in high school as much as they do the grades you made in those classes. Taking and doing well in advanced placement (AP), honors classes, and challenging electives can impress an admissions committee. Taking these more challenging courses can also help prepare you for the more rigorous nature of many college courses. 

9. Search for mentors.  

Reach out and ask for help from people who have been there before and want to help you succeed. Admissions counselors, guidance counselors, alumni from the school you wish to attend, people who work in your chosen career field, teachers, and coaches—many of these people can provide you with some guidance and tips for preparing for and applying to college and ensuring your college career flourishes. They may even be able to provide you with letters of recommendation that you can use as part of your application. 

10.  Prepare for standardized testing. 

For many college students, your SAT or ACT scores are an important deciding factor for admissions committees. You'll typically take these standardized tests during your junior year, but you can start preparing for them even sooner. Taking advantage of opportunities like the PSAT can help you better understand how you'll do on the test. 

Try the following tips to prepare for the SAT or ACT: 

Take an SAT or ACT prep class

Make sure you fully understand the test format

Follow a study schedule

Enhance your vocabulary

Read regularly to improve your comprehension skills 

P ractice writing essays

Take practice tests 

Focus on your weaker topics when you study

Set a target score based on your college's preferred range

Getting started with Coursera 

In addition to what your high school offers, consider taking college preparatory classes online. On Coursera, you'll find many options from highly-regarded educational institutions across various subjects. For example, you can sharpen your communication and academic skills with English and Academic Preparation—Pre-Collegiate , offered by Rice University. Or you can get more study tips and hone your abilities with Study Skills for University Success from the University of California, Irvine.  

Article sources

Harvard Summer School. " How to Prepare for College in High School , https://summer.harvard.edu/blog/how-to-prepare-for-college-in-high-school/." Accessed February 26, 2024.  

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How To Prepare For An English Essay Exam? 10 Must-Know Tips

As students, we often find ourselves at the crossroads of preparing for exams, each bringing its unique set of challenges and expectations. Among the diverse array of assessments, English essay exams stand out as a test of not just our knowledge but also our ability to convey it articulately and persuasively. Mastering the art of preparing for these exams is an invaluable skill, and in this blog, we’re going to delve into the comprehensive guide that can help you get an answer to – How To Prepare For An English Essay Exam?

Whether you’re in high school, or college, or pursuing an advanced degree, the tips and strategies you’ll discover here will empower you to approach English essay exams with confidence and competence. And, if you’re seeking additional support and guidance, remember that Ignite Training Institute offers the very best tutoring for English , helping you unlock your full potential.

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How To Prepare For An English Essay Exam? 10 Tips

5 accidental errors to avoid in your essay writing, what to include/exclude in essay writing, ignite training institute: best english tutors in dubai.

Preparing for an English essay exam demands a well-structured approach to effectively convey your thoughts and knowledge. Here are essential pointers to guide your preparation and ensure your success:

1. Understand Exam Structure

Begin by thoroughly understanding the exam format. This includes the number of questions you’ll be required to answer, the types of essays you’ll need to write, and any time constraints imposed. This foundational knowledge will help you plan your study and exam strategies more effectively.

2. Review Comprehensive Material

Revisit your class notes, textbooks, and any relevant reading materials. This comprehensive review ensures that you have a firm grasp of the topics and concepts that might be included in the exam. A deep understanding of the material will allow you to provide more insightful and well-supported responses.

3. Create A Study Schedule

Planning your study schedule is crucial. Allocate dedicated time for each topic or subject matter, ensuring you can cover all relevant material before the exam. Sticking to your schedule will help manage your time efficiently.

4. Practice Writing Essays

Practice makes perfect. Regularly write sample essays on a range of topics to enhance your writing skills. This practice not only helps you become more comfortable with the essay format but also sharpens your ability to express your ideas clearly and concisely.

5. Analyse Essay Prompts

Carefully dissect the essay prompts or questions you might encounter. Pay special attention to keywords like ‘analyze,’ ‘compare,’ or ‘discuss.’ Understanding these prompts thoroughly will help you tailor your responses to meet the specific requirements of each question.

6. Develop An Effective Outline

Before diving into your essays, create a structured outline. This should include sections for the introduction, main points or arguments, and a conclusion. A well-structured outline serves as a roadmap, helping you maintain a logical flow and coherence in your essays

7. Enhance Vocabulary

Broaden your lexicon by acquiring new words and idiomatic expressions. Incorporating these into your essays not only adds depth and richness to your writing but also showcases your command of the language, which can positively influence your exam results.

8. Proofread & Edit

After writing your essays, don’t overlook the importance of proofreading and editing. Conduct a comprehensive review of your work to pinpoint any grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Effective editing ensures that your essays are clear, and error-free, and convey your ideas effectively.

9. Seek Feedback

Share your practice essays with teachers, peers, or online writing communities. Constructive feedback can provide valuable insights into areas where you can improve, helping you refine your writing skills.

10. Master Time Management

During the exam, time management is crucial. Allocate a specific amount of time to each essay, but always reserve some time for reviewing and making any necessary revisions. Effective time management ensures that you can complete all essay questions within the allotted time frame and maintain the quality of your responses.

Related: 10 Tips On How To Prepare For English Board Exam Class 10

It’s essential to navigate the path of precision and clarity carefully. To ensure your writing shines, steer clear of these five accidental errors that can impact the quality and impact of your essays.

1. Grammatical & Spelling Mistakes

One of the most common errors in essay writing is grammatical and spelling mistakes. These errors can distract your readers and undermine the credibility of your writing. Always proofread your work carefully, and consider using grammar and spell-check tools to catch these errors.

2. Run-On Sentences & Sentence Fragments

Avoid overly long sentences that can make your writing confusing. At the same time, steer clear of sentence fragments that lack a subject or verb, as they disrupt the flow of your essay. Clear and effective communication relies on proper sentence structure.

3. Inconsistent Verb Tense

Maintain consistent verb tense throughout your essay. Shifting between past, present, and future tense can confuse your readers and disrupt the coherence of your writing. Choose a tense that suits your narrative and stick to it.

4. Misused Words & Homophones

Be vigilant about using the correct words and avoiding homophones (words that sound the same but have different meanings). Common examples include “there” and “their,” “your” and “you’re,” or “its” and “it’s.” Misusing these words can lead to misunderstandings.

5. Lack Of Clarity & Conciseness

Ensure your writing is clear and concise. Avoid unnecessary jargon, overly complex sentences, or vague language. Be direct and to the point, using words that convey your message effectively.

Related: 10 Tips On How To Get Full Marks In Class 9 Maths Exam

The following steps outline what to include and exclude in essay writing, ensuring clarity, relevance, and conciseness in your work.

Include This In Essay:

1. Clear Thesis Statement: Your essay should begin with a clear and concise thesis statement that presents the main argument or purpose of your essay.

2. Relevant Evidence: Support your thesis with appropriate and credible evidence, such as facts, statistics, examples, or expert quotations.

3. Structured Organisation: Organise your essay into well-structured paragraphs, each addressing a single idea or point. Ensure a logical flow from one paragraph to the next.

4. Transitions: Use transitional phrases and words to guide your readers through your essay seamlessly, maintaining coherence and clarity.

5. Analysis: Go beyond presenting facts by analyzing and interpreting them. Explain the significance of your evidence and how it supports your thesis.

Exclude This In Essay:

1. Irrelevant Information: Stay on topic and avoid including information that doesn’t directly relate to your thesis or purpose.

2. Plagiarism: Never use someone else’s work without proper citation. Engaging in plagiarism is morally wrong and may lead to severe repercussions.

3. Personal Opinions Without Support: While personal opinions are acceptable, they should be supported by evidence and analysis. Avoid unsupported assertions.

4. Complex Language Unnecessarily: Avoid using complex words or jargon for the sake of it. Make sure your writing is easily understandable for your target readers.

5. Redundancy: Do not repeat the same information or ideas throughout your essay. Aim for brevity and lucidity in your writing.

Related: AP Exam Test Dates 2024: A Student’s Guide To Strategize

Ignite Training Institute is a leading destination for English tutoring in Dubai. With a team of highly qualified and experienced English tutors, they provide top-notch language instruction that caters to various proficiency levels and objectives.

Whether you’re looking to improve your conversational skills, prepare for exams, or enhance your professional communication, Ignite Training Institute offers tailored programs to meet your specific needs. Their commitment to delivering results is backed by a track record of student success, making them the go-to choice for anyone seeking the best English tutoring services in Dubai.

1. How Can I Write An English Essay Fast? 

To write an English essay quickly, plan your essay structure, focus on your main points, and avoid perfectionism during the initial draft, reserving time for revisions and editing afterward.

2. How Can I Get Good Marks In Exam Essays?

To earn good marks in an exam essay, understand the essay prompt thoroughly, create a clear and structured outline, provide strong evidence, and ensure your writing is well-organized and error-free.

3. How Can I Write A Good English Essay?

To write a good English essay, clearly express a strong thesis, support it with well-researched evidence, and ensure your writing is coherent, well-structured, and free from grammatical and spelling errors.

In conclusion, preparing for an English essay exam is a journey that requires careful planning, practice, and a solid strategy. By understanding the exam format, reviewing the material diligently, practicing your writing skills, and managing your time effectively, you can boost your confidence and increase your chances of success. 

Remember, preparation is not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about developing the ability to articulate your thoughts coherently and persuasively. So, embrace the process, stay focused, and with dedication, you can navigate your English essay exams with skill and assurance, achieving the results you aspire to. Good luck with your exams!

Related: Top 5 Easiest AP Exams: A Guide to Achieving Success

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Motherhood & More Podcast, Episode 6: Older Kids and Empty Nesting Motherhood and More - The Podcast

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