Writing a Standout College Essay: Tips that Really Work (Updated for 2025)
Originally published in 2023, this post was updated in October 2025 to include the latest insights on college essays and the changing admissions landscape.
College application season is officially here, whether you’re ready or not. Between managing deadlines, researching schools, and estimating costs, there’s a lot to juggle. (If you’re still finalizing your list, check out this post.) But one of the biggest parts of the process? The college essay.
As more schools move away from test-optional policies and the landscape continues to evolve after the Supreme Court’s ruling on Affirmative Action, the essay has never been more important. It’s your student’s chance to show who they really are beyond grades and test scores.
In this post, we’ll walk through why the essay matters so much and share practical tips to help your teen stand out.
Why the College Essay Matters More Than Ever
It’s the personal side of the application
The college essay is your teen’s chance to show who they really are. It’s the personal side of the application, and maybe that’s why the Common App calls it a “personal essay.” It’s written in their own voice, about something that actually matters to them. The rest of the application is all data: grades, test scores, activities, and background information. The essay is where your teen gets to sound like themselves on paper.
It’s one area students can fully control
The Common App gives seven prompts, including the open-ended “topic of your choice.” That means your teen can write about something meaningful, not just something that fits a question.
It shows real writing ability
Colleges want to see that your teen can write clearly and thoughtfully in their own voice. The essay is a sample of their writing ability, not anyone else’s. It’s fine to review it together or offer gentle feedback, but resist the urge to polish it too much (yes, even with AI tools). Admissions officers can instantly tell when a parent or professional has taken over the pen.
It’s required (almost everywhere)
Most colleges require at least one essay, even if test scores are optional. Check the Writing section of each school on the Common App to see what’s needed. Some may also include supplemental essays for more specific prompts.
It’s more important with fewer test scores
With many schools going test-optional and the SAT essay and subject tests gone, admissions teams rely more on the qualitative pieces like essays to understand applicants’ strengths, values, and potential contributions to campus life.
College Essay Do’s and Don’ts
✅ Do: Encourage “show, don’t tell”
If your teen says, “I like meeting new people,” ask them to describe a moment that shows it instead. Details and real examples help admissions readers step into the story and understand who they are.
✅ Do: Make sure they answer the full question
Every prompt has layers. Encourage your teen to think about what the question is really asking and how it connects to who they are or what they’ve learned.
✅ Do: Help them get specific
Specific details make an essay memorable. The story doesn’t have to be dramatic or life-changing, it just needs to be theirs. A small, everyday moment told honestly can reveal more about a student than a major accomplishment ever could.
✅ Do: Remind them to proofread
Once their college essay feels “done,” have them read it out loud or print it out. Fresh eyes always help. They can ask one or two trusted people to review it, but too much feedback can water down their voice.
❌ Don’t: Turn it into a soap opera or a sports movie
The best essays aren’t about how big the story is, they’re about how real it feels. A small story told authentically will always resonate more than an exaggerated one.
❌ Don’t: Force the humor
If your teen is naturally funny, great! Let that come through. If not, it’s okay for the essay to be heartfelt instead.
❌ Don’t: Borrow ideas or examples online
Plagiarism is an instant deal-breaker. Your teen’s story is unique because it’s theirs, and that’s exactly what colleges want to see.
❌ Don’t: Repeat the resume
The essay isn’t the place to restate grades, awards, or activities. Admissions officers already see all that. This is their moment to share something new that the admissions reader doesn’t know. They want to know who the student is behind all those achievements.
Essay Length Guidelines
The Common App essay must be between 250 and 650 words, and the system will literally cut it off if it goes over the limit. Most strong essays land closer to the upper end after a few rounds of editing. It often starts long, and students trim it down as they refine their story. Think of it as a short, meaningful snapshot of who they are, not their entire autobiography.
A Final Word
Writing the college essay takes time, and that’s okay. It’s meant to be a process. Encourage your teen to start early, write a few drafts, and be honest about who they are. The goal isn’t a perfect essay; it’s an authentic one that sounds like them.
And once the essay is off their plate, it’s worth double-checking that every school on their list still makes sense financially and academically. The college essay shows who they are but the college list should reflect what your family can afford.
👉 Use MyCAP to compare real college costs and find schools that are the right fit all around.
