Applying to college is already stressful—but when it comes to writing the dreaded personal essay, students often freeze. What do you say? What should you avoid? And how can you stand out without sounding like everyone else?
In a recent College Coaches webinar, essay specialists Greg Schneider and Maddie Sparrow shared candid, practical advice to help students craft authentic and effective college application essays. Here are the biggest takeaways.
🎯 Start Writing Now (Seriously!)
Whether you’re a rising senior or currently knee-deep in fall classes, the best time to write your Common App essay is now. Waiting until your fall schedule is packed with extracurriculars and AP classes is a recipe for stress.
Tip: If you’re a junior, plan to write your essay in the summer before senior year. It will free you up to focus on academics and applications later.
🖊️ Make It Personal—and Make It Yours
College essays are not academic papers. They should reflect your voice, your story, and your unique perspective. Avoid letting too many people edit your draft. As Greg wisely put it: “Don’t let others dilute your voice.”
Essay Logistics:
650-word limit
Avoid clichés, overused stories, and academic tone
Humor can work—if it’s naturally your style
🚫 Topics to Avoid (Yes, Really)
Certain topics are so overdone that they make admissions officers tune out immediately. Here are the top offenders:
The Comeback Sports Injury: Torn ACL? Great resilience? Sadly, overused and not unique.
One-Week Service Trip: A summer of “eye-opening” experiences abroad rarely comes off as genuine.
Essays About Grandma (or Anyone Else): They’re lovely—but this essay is about you.
Political/Religious Rants: Even if you’re passionate, remember you don’t know who’s reading.
🧠 Brainstorming Tips That Actually Work
Write fast. Don’t overthink at first—just get ideas down.
Try the “Talking Draft” method: Have a conversation about your ideas and transcribe it.
Look at old photos or scroll through your camera roll for memory sparks.
Think about your values, identity, and defining moments—even small ones.
Some prompts to explore:
What object means the most to you?
How do you spend your free time with no responsibilities?
What failure or challenge changed you?
🏛️ Don’t Sleep on Supplemental Essays
Many students focus on the Common App essay and forget about supplements. Big mistake.
Why Supplements Matter:
They show why you want to attend a specific school
- Chance to show value you will bring as a student
They test your authentic interest
Writing Tips:
Group similar prompts (like “What are you passionate about?”) to reuse content smartly.
Be specific: Mention professors, clubs, classes—but only if they relate to YOU.
Optional essays? Not really optional. Show that you care.
💡 Final Thoughts from the Experts
Start with action: Use dialogue or begin in the middle of a scene.
Keep paragraphs short and writing punchy.
Do your research and connect it to your personal interests.
Use the essay to humanize your application—not just repeat your résumé.
🎬 Ready to Write?
Whether you’re just brainstorming or polishing your final draft, the College Coaches are here to help. From Common App essays to supplements, from editing to strategy, we offer personalized, hourly support to guide you through the full admissions process.
Learn more at: thecollegecoaches.com