{"id":62685,"date":"2021-05-17T16:11:01","date_gmt":"2021-05-17T20:11:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/prepmaven.com\/blog\/?p=62685"},"modified":"2026-09-15T14:36:10","modified_gmt":"2026-09-15T18:36:10","slug":"how-to-write-college-essay-10-steps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/prepmaven.com\/blog\/preparing\/how-to-write-college-essay-10-steps\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Write a College Essay That Stands Out in 10 Steps"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Write a College Essay That Stands Out in 10 Steps<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bonus Material:<\/strong> <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" data-sumome-listbuilder-id=\"629331eb-9237-4f8c-970f-40b24221daf8\">40 College Essays That Worked<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/prepmaven.com\/blog\/applying\/what-is-the-college-essay\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">The college essay<\/span><\/a> is your opportunity to show colleges who you are outside of your grades, resume, and test scores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There\u2019s a lot of pressure to get this part of your application right! So how do you go about writing a stand-out college essay?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We\u2019ve helped students navigate all aspects of college admissions for 20+ years, so we\u2019ve learned a fair number of things about the college essay. We\u2019ve seen the common challenges students face in writing the essay and discovered fail proof ways to overcome these.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every college essay writing journey is <em>individual<\/em>, because your story is <em>individual<\/em>. But following these steps can help you get closer to a stand-out college essay in an organized fashion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can also get a head start on the process by downloading 40 College Essays That Worked\u2014you\u2019ll get access to 40 personal statements that earned their writers acceptance into Ivy League schools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #ffffff;\" data-sumome-listbuilder-id=\"629331eb-9237-4f8c-970f-40b24221daf8\"><button class=\"btn\" style=\"background-color: orange;\">Download 40 College Essays That Worked<\/button><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s what we cover in this post:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#how\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">How to Write a Stand-Out College Essay in 10 Steps<\/span><\/a>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#1\"><strong>Step 1:<\/strong> <span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Know What You\u2019re Up Against<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#2\"><strong>Step 2:<\/strong> <span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Establish Your Timeline<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#3\"><strong>Step 3:<\/strong> <span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Gather Your Materials<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#4\"><strong>Step 4:<\/strong> <span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Brainstorm Like There\u2019s No Tomorrow<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#5\"><strong>Step 5:<\/strong> <span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Choose Your Topic<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#6\"><strong>Step 6:<\/strong> <span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Free-Write<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#7\"><strong>Step 7:<\/strong> <span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Choose Your Structure and Build an Outline<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#8\"><strong>Step 8:<\/strong> <span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Draft, Draft, Draft<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#9\"><strong>Step 9:<\/strong> <span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Polish and Selectively Crowdsource<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#10\"><strong>Step 10:<\/strong> <span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Don\u2019t Forget About Supplemental Essays<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#help\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">How Do I Know If I Need College Essay Help?<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#bonus\"><strong>Bonus:<\/strong> <span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">40 College Essays That Worked<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"how\"><\/a><span class=\"has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color\">How to Write a College Essay That Works in 10 Steps<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"1\"><\/a>Step #1: Know What You\u2019re Up Against<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What is the college essay? We\u2019ve written <a href=\"https:\/\/prepmaven.com\/blog\/applying\/what-is-the-college-essay-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">an entire post that answers this question<\/span><\/a>. Why? The college essay is <em>very different<\/em> from essays most high school students are accustomed to writing in class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We define the college essay as a deeply personal essay, written in 650 words or fewer, that gives readers insight into your character, perspectives, identity, values, and\/or worldview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"680\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/prepmaven.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/What-is-the-College-Essay_YourCompleteGuide_PrepMaven.png\" alt=\"What-is-the-College-Essay_YourCompleteGuide_PrepMaven\" class=\"wp-image-62559\" srcset=\"https:\/\/prepmaven.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/What-is-the-College-Essay_YourCompleteGuide_PrepMaven.png 680w, https:\/\/prepmaven.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/What-is-the-College-Essay_YourCompleteGuide_PrepMaven-300x132.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This type of essay is very challenging to write for the following reasons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Word count<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unfamiliar genre<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The weight it carries in admissions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Its requirements for introspection<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That\u2019s why we recommend that students check out examples of essays that worked&#8211;personal statements that earned writers acceptance into top-tier schools. You can download 40 of these essays right now, for free!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #ffffff;\" data-sumome-listbuilder-id=\"629331eb-9237-4f8c-970f-40b24221daf8\"><button class=\"btn\" style=\"background-color: orange;\">Download 40 College Essays That Worked<\/button><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"2\"><\/a>Step #2: Establish Your Timeline<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One thing students often underestimate is how much time it takes to write a college essay. It takes even <em>more <\/em>time to write a stand-out one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So when should you actually start thinking about your college essay? How long does it take to write an excellent one?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We recommend that students allot as much time as possible for the college essay writing process. This typically means starting <strong>towards the end of junior year and definitely at the start of senior summer<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re applying early to any school on your list, this is particularly important. That November 1st deadline can sneak up very quickly, especially if you have a full senior fall schedule in the mix! Many schools also require students to respond to supplemental essay prompts, which require additional effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The good news is that some English teachers have students start drafting personal statements as assignments during their junior year (typically spring). If your teacher does this, don\u2019t miss out on this opportunity to work on your essay in class, and receive valuable feedback from your peers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When building your timeline, make sure to think about the following things:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Application deadlines (are you applying early? Regular? Both?)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Supplemental essay requirements <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ACT\/SAT testing (determine <a href=\"https:\/\/prepmaven.com\/blog\/test-prep\/when-should-you-take-sat-act\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">when you\u2019ll be testing, and how many times<\/span><\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Other application requirements (like portfolios, resumes, etc.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your <a href=\"https:\/\/prepmaven.com\/blog\/preparing\/what-are-extracurricular-activities\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">extracurricular obligations<\/span><\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The college essay is not something that can be rushed, so plan for it early!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"3\"><\/a>Step #3: Gather Your Materials<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are a few things we recommend students gather before they start brainstorming.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>College essay prompts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Examples of essays that have worked<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Any drafts you\u2019ve already written, if applicable<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>College list<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Application deadlines<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Writing system<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We\u2019ve put together the college essay prompts for 2026-2027 for both <a href=\"https:\/\/www.commonapp.org\/apply\/essay-prompts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">the Common App<\/span><\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coalitionforcollegeaccess.org\/essays\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Coalition<\/span><\/a> here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">College Essay Prompts 2026-2027<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>The Common App<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Coalition<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">What interests or excites you? How does it shape who you are now or who you might become in the future?<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Describe a time when you had a positive impact on others. What were the challenges? What were the rewards?<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Has there been a time when an idea or belief of yours was questioned? How did you respond? What did you learn?<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">What success have you achieved or obstacle have you faced? What advice would you give a sibling or friend going through a similar experience?<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Submit an essay on a topic of your choice.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you&#8217;ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can also download <span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">40 examples of college essays that worked right now<\/span>. This is a great resource for any student curious about the full range of possibilities out there when crafting personal statements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some high school English teachers give their students opportunities to write college essay drafts in class. This material is important, even if you end up taking an entirely different direction with your essay! Bring it to the brainstorming table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We also encourage students to have a rough idea of the colleges they\u2019re applying to before writing their essays, as well as their anticipated application deadlines. This is critical for building a timeline and planning for any supplemental essays.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"680\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/prepmaven.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/How-to-Write-a-College-Essay-in-10-Steps_PrepMaven-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-62736\" srcset=\"https:\/\/prepmaven.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/How-to-Write-a-College-Essay-in-10-Steps_PrepMaven-1.png 680w, https:\/\/prepmaven.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/How-to-Write-a-College-Essay-in-10-Steps_PrepMaven-1-300x132.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lastly, choose a writing system that works for you and <strong>gets you organized<\/strong>. Some students use a series of unique Google Docs, for example, when brainstorming, free-writing, and drafting. Others might prefer handwriting when brainstorming or recording voice memos of stream-of-consciousness reflection. Whatever works for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"4\"><\/a>Step #4: Brainstorming Time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You know what you\u2019re up against. You\u2019ve established your timeline and assembled your materials. Now it\u2019s time to brainstorm!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This might feel like a challenging step to execute, which is why we\u2019ve written <a href=\"https:\/\/prepmaven.com\/blog\/applying\/college-essay-brainstorming\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">an entire post on brainstorming for the college essay<\/span><\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After checking that out, <span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/prepmaven.com\/blog\/applying\/applying-essay-brainstorming-prompts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ask yourself these 30 questions<\/a><\/span><\/span>. For each of these, write as much as possible. It doesn\u2019t have to be perfect. It can be in shorthand and incomplete sentences&#8211;as long as you write down <em>everything<\/em> you know in response to each question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In some cases, you\u2019ll find that one question makes you think of another question or idea of your own. Great! Write those down as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We also encourage students to think about their responses in terms of introspection. See how much you can use the pronoun \u201cI\u201d in your brainstorming! Think about emotions, lessons learned, beliefs, perspectives, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"5\"><\/a>Step #5: Choose Your Topic<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At this point, you should have a lot of material in front of you. Now what? How do you parse through all of those experiences and introspective thoughts and choose the right topic for your college essay?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once again, we\u2019ve written a post on <a href=\"https:\/\/prepmaven.com\/blog\/applying\/choosing-winning-college-essay-topic\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">choosing the right college essay topic<\/span><\/a>. Check out those 6 steps now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re short on time, though, here are the nutshell facts of that post:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The &#8220;right&#8221; essay topic is the one most likely to result in a piece that will add significant value to your application, among other things.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It\u2019s also likely to be <strong>exciting to you personally<\/strong> and have a lot of storytelling potential.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The \u201cright\u201d essay topic will set you up to write a successful college essay, one that is meaningful, engaging, introspective, and distinct.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"680\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/prepmaven.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/How-to-Write-a-College-Essay-in-10-Steps_PrepMaven-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-62737\" srcset=\"https:\/\/prepmaven.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/How-to-Write-a-College-Essay-in-10-Steps_PrepMaven-2.png 680w, https:\/\/prepmaven.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/How-to-Write-a-College-Essay-in-10-Steps_PrepMaven-2-300x132.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Remember: Hold on to all of that brainstorming material after you\u2019ve chosen your topic. You\u2019ll want it on hand for answering supplemental essay questions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"6\"><\/a>Step #6: Free-Write<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After choosing your college essay topic, it\u2019s time to pull as much material out of that topic as possible! Spend some serious time free-writing&#8211;writing down <em>everything<\/em> that you know about that topic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, let\u2019s say that your topic is your enthusiasm for collecting rocks. A free-write for this one might list out all the types of rocks in your collection, their visual descriptions, and their personal associations. It might also include specific stories and anecdotes related to this collection, what you feel your collection says about you, and a timeline of your collection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This free-write doesn\u2019t have to be perfect! It can consist of the same shorthand and scribbles from your brainstorms. The key part is to have it down on paper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"7\"><\/a>Step #7: Choose Your Structure and Build an Outline<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now that you have your free-writes in front of you, it\u2019s time to shape them into an outline that tells a story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Remember: your job as a college essay writer is to tell a specific story in an engaging fashion (and 650 words or fewer).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are many ways to structure your college essay. The important thing is to give the right amount of airtime to the important parts of your story!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"680\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/prepmaven.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/How-to-Write-a-College-Essay-in-10-Steps_PrepMaven-3.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-62739\" srcset=\"https:\/\/prepmaven.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/How-to-Write-a-College-Essay-in-10-Steps_PrepMaven-3.png 680w, https:\/\/prepmaven.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/How-to-Write-a-College-Essay-in-10-Steps_PrepMaven-3-300x132.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">How do you do that? We\u2019ve analyzed countless essays of successful applicants and come up with 5 winning college essay structures designed to tell a story in a concise, engaging fashion&#8211;and give you ample room to include those juicy introspective details admissions officers really love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Choose one of these structures and build a rough outline of your essay, relying heavily on your free-writes. Feel free to go through several rounds of your outline, because organization is <em>key <\/em>to a successful essay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"8\"><\/a>Step #8: Draft, Draft, Draft<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first draft you write is likely to be the first of many! Go into it with this mindset, and don\u2019t be shy about making it a <em>very<\/em> rough draft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">How many drafts can you expect to write of your college essay?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The answer to this question depends. We\u2019ve worked with students who have drafted anywhere from five to twenty college essay drafts (and that\u2019s a very approximate number).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It all hinges on what you\u2019ve brainstormed, the topic you\u2019ve chosen, your timeline, and your familiarity with the genre of creative personal essay writing&#8211;among other things!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A great way to assess individual drafts for further revision is to hold them up to the <a href=\"https:\/\/prepmaven.com\/blog\/applying\/qualities-successful-college-essay\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">7 qualities of a successful essay<\/span><\/a>. Is your draft:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Full of your voice?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Honest?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Introspective and reflective?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Descriptive and engaging?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Distinct?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Well-written?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Meaningful?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s also to think about word count when you\u2019re drafting. Many students end up needing to cut extra verbiage between drafts to fit their essays into that 650-word limit. The good news is that you can use the 7 qualities above to help with this, too!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"9\"><\/a>Step #9: Polish and Selectively Crowdsource<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you\u2019re close to a final draft of your college essay, it\u2019s time to apply some serious polish. Now is a great time to ensure that your essay is free of grammatical errors, for example, and that it expresses <em>exactly <\/em>what you wish to express.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We put together <a href=\"https:\/\/prepmaven.com\/blog\/applying\/9-ways-to-quickly-improve-your-college-essay\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">9 tips to quickly improve your college essay<\/span><\/a> that can help with this polishing step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Otherwise, we also encourage students to send final drafts of their essays to specific readers. It\u2019s always good to have a pair of eyes on your work at this stage! But we want to stress that you should choose your readers wisely at this stage.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"680\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/prepmaven.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/How-to-Write-a-College-Essay-in-10-Steps_PrepMaven-4.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-62741\" srcset=\"https:\/\/prepmaven.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/How-to-Write-a-College-Essay-in-10-Steps_PrepMaven-4.png 680w, https:\/\/prepmaven.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/How-to-Write-a-College-Essay-in-10-Steps_PrepMaven-4-300x132.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s important to have readers who aren\u2019t emotionally invested in where you end up going to college, such as an English teacher, a mentor, or a guidance counselor. That way they can read your essay objectively and provide feedback on things like grammar, flow, and writing style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For readers who <em>are <\/em>emotionally invested, ask them to <em>specifically<\/em> read your essay for voice. Ask them: How much of me is on the page here? What is powerful to you? What do you want <em>more <\/em>of?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is not a time to drastically change your essay. If anything, this crowdsourcing stage should be a validating experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"10\"><\/a>Step #10: Supplemental Essays<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ve finalized your college essay&#8211;congratulations! But you might not be completely finished with essays for your college application. Don\u2019t forget that many colleges, especially more selective ones, now require applicants to submit additional essay responses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These can range from 50-650 word essays, and some colleges have more than one. <a href=\"https:\/\/prepmaven.com\/blog\/applying\/princeton-supplemental-essay\/\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Princeton, for example, has six<\/span><\/a>. Here&#8217;s an example: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Princeton has a longstanding commitment to understanding our responsibility to society through service and civic engagement. How does your own story intersect with these ideals?<\/em>&nbsp;(250 words)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We encouraged you to think about supplementals in step #2, establishing your timeline, so hopefully by the time you get to this step they won\u2019t come as a surprise!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can find <a href=\"https:\/\/prepmaven.com\/blog\/preparing\/supplemental-essays\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">8 great tips for writing stellar supplemental essays here<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"help\"><\/a><span class=\"has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color\">How Do I Know if I Need College Essay Help?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You don\u2019t have to navigate the college essay journey alone! It is possible to work with a mentor throughout all stages of the writing process, from brainstorming to polishing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">How do you know if you need college essay help?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We recommend that students work with a mentor if any of the following scenarios apply:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Creative writing is difficult for you or just doesn\u2019t come naturally<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You struggle to stay on task or follow a specific timeline<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You\u2019re applying to colleges with a lot of supplemental essays<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You really need help choosing the \u201cright\u201d college essay topic<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You want to write a statement that has the <a href=\"https:\/\/prepmaven.com\/blog\/applying\/qualities-successful-college-essay\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">7 qualities of a successful college essay<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At PrepMaven, we offer a <a href=\"https:\/\/prepmaven.com\/college-essay-workshop\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Summer College Essay Workshop<\/span><\/a> <em>and <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/prepmaven.com\/college-essay\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">one-on-one college essay help<\/span><\/a> to help you write an amazing essay on an efficient timeline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"bonus\"><\/a><span class=\"has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color\">Download 40 College Essays That Worked<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the best places to start when writing your college essay is to check out examples of essays that worked! These can be hard to find on the internet, and colleges aren\u2019t always forthcoming about releasing them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That\u2019s why we assembled 40 college essays that earned their writers acceptance into top-tier U.S. colleges and universities, including Princeton.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can grab these for free right now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #ffffff;\" data-sumome-listbuilder-id=\"629331eb-9237-4f8c-970f-40b24221daf8\"><button class=\"btn\" style=\"background-color: orange;\">Download 40 College Essays That Worked<\/button><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Top College Essay Posts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.prepmaven.com\/blog\/applying\/best-college-essay-service\/\">15 Best College Essay Services for 2026 &#8211; 2027 (40+ Services Reviewed)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/prepmaven.com\/blog\/applying\/college-supplemental-essays\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Ultimate Guide to College Supplemental Essays<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.prepmaven.com\/blog\/applying\/college-essay-examples\/\">15 College Essays That Worked<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/prepmaven.com\/blog\/applying\/uc-personal-insight-questions\/\">How to Answer the UC Personal Insight Questions<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/prepmaven.com\/blog\/applying\/how-colleges-read-your-application-a-4-step-process\/\">How Colleges Read your College Applications (A 4-Step Process)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/prepmaven.com\/blog\/applying\/princeton-supplemental-essay\/\">How to Write the Princeton Supplemental Essays<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/prepmaven.com\/blog\/applying\/college-essay-diamond-strategy\/\">The Diamond Strategy: How We Help Students Write College Essays that Get Them Into Princeton (And Other Ivy League Schools)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.prepmaven.com\/blog\/applying\/what-is-the-college-essay\/\">What is the College Essay? Your Complete Guide<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.prepmaven.com\/blog\/applying\/college-essay-brainstorming\/\">College Essay Brainstorming: Where to Start<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/prepmaven.com\/blog\/applying\/harvard-supplemental-essay\/\">How to Write the Harvard Supplemental Essays<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/prepmaven.com\/blog\/applying\/how-to-format-college-essay\/\">How to Format Your College Essay<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-60421 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/prepmaven.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Kevin-Greg_200x200-1-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/prepmaven.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Kevin-Greg_200x200-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/prepmaven.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Kevin-Greg_200x200-1.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/> Greg &amp; Kevin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Greg and Kevin are brothers and the co-founders of PrepMaven and Princeton Tutoring. They are Princeton engineering graduates with over 20 years of education experience. They apply their data and research-backed problem-solving skills to the test prep and college preparation process. Their unique approach places a heavy emphasis on personal development, character, and service as key components of college admissions success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The college essay is one of the most important parts of your application. An expert shows how to write a college essay in 10 easy steps!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":62735,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[95,96,107,116,118],"class_list":["post-62685","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-preparing","tag-preparing","tag-college-admissions","tag-college-essay","tag-applying","tag-college"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Write a College Essay That Stands Out in 10 Steps - PrepMaven<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The college essay is one of the most important parts of your application. 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