How to Write About Yourself in a College Essay 

One of the biggest challenges when writing a college essay is figuring out how to write about yourself. Balancing sharing your accomplishments and qualities is difficult without sounding like you’re bragging. Plus, you want to avoid oversharing or coming across as cliché.

An insightful college application essay requires deep self-reflection, authenticity, and a balance between confidence and vulnerability. When writing about your achievements and qualities, use specific stories to illustrate them rather than simply listing them off. Don’t be afraid to discuss challenges you’ve faced or mistakes you’ve made, as this shows personal growth and helps create a well-rounded portrait of who you are. In fact, successful college essays often focus on personal experiences that lead to meaningful realizations.

Start with self-reflection

Before you start writing your college essay or personal statement, take time to self-reflect. This is a crucial step in the admission process, far more important than simply listing test scores or extracurriculars.

Think about the experiences, challenges, and accomplishments that have shaped who you are today. This reflection will help you respond authentically to the college essay prompts, whether for the Common App or a specific college’s supplemental essay.

As you write, your goal is to convey your unique perspective and experiences, going beyond what admissions officers can glean from your grades. This self-reflection is key to writing an essay that stands out among thousands of students applying each year.Ask yourself questions like:

• What are my core values and beliefs?
• How have I grown and changed over the years?
• What makes me unique?
• What am I most proud of?

Note down your thoughts and see if any themes or patterns emerge. This will give you a solid foundation to build your essay.

How to write about challenges and mistakes

Be thoughtful about the details you choose to share. Focus on how challenges contributed to your personal development and growth. Aim to showcase what you’ve learned, which will show your maturity and resilience to the admissions committee.

Be vulnerable

When writing your college admissions essay, you don’t need to have experienced a life-altering tragedy or reveal your deepest secrets to capture the reader’s attention. Instead, focus on openly sharing your genuine thoughts, feelings, and experiences to evoke an emotional response and connection with the reader.  

Bad example

I was a total slacker and nearly failed all my classes freshman year. It was a dark time for me.

This example is too vague and doesn’t show any growth or learning.

Good example

Freshman year, I struggled to adapt to the rigors of high school coursework. After nearly failing several classes, I realized I needed to change. I started going to tutoring, improved my time management skills, and learned to ask for help when I needed it. While challenging, overcoming those obstacles taught me the importance of resilience and seeking support.

See the difference? The excellent example acknowledges the struggle but focuses on the steps taken to overcome it and the lessons learned.

Don’t overshare

Conversely, you don’t want to overshare or include unnecessary details about your challenges.

Bad example

Growing up, my parents had a toxic relationship. They constantly fought, and it was so hard to watch. I struggled with depression and anxiety as a result.

While this situation is challenging, it’s too heavy for a college essay. You don’t want to make the admissions officers uncomfortable or distract them from your main points.

Good example

Growing up in a household with a lot of conflict, I learned the importance of self-care and setting boundaries. I sought support through therapy and learned healthy coping mechanisms. These experiences have made me a more empathetic and resilient person.

This example addresses the challenge without going into unnecessary detail. It focuses on the positive outcomes and personal growth.

Share what you have learned

Whenever you write about a challenge or mistake, always tie it back to what you learned from the experience.

Example: Reflecting on a lesson learned

Learning pottery in my high school ceramics class taught me a profound life lesson about the delicate balance between control and surrender. I approached the potter’s wheel with force, trying to bend the clay to my will, but this only led to frustration and failure. Through my teacher’s patient guidance, I discovered the key: guiding the clay with a gentle yet firm hand, allowing it to take shape organically rather than trying to control every aspect.

This lesson resonated deeply with me as I recognized how my tendency to seek control in my personal life often led to similar struggles. Through the metaphor of centering clay, I learned the value of embracing imperfections, surrendering to the process, and finding mastery through flexibility and patience rather than force. As I move forward, I carry this wisdom with me, striving to approach challenges with a centered, adaptable mindset – a perspective that will serve me well in all aspects of my life.

This reflection shows insight and growth, exactly what college admissions officers want to see!

How to write about your achievements and qualities

When highlighting your strengths in your college essay, balance between showcasing your accomplishments and maintaining a humble tone. Rather than simply listing your extracurricular activities, achievements, or personal qualities, weave them into your narrative.

This approach helps you avoid arrogance and creates a more engaging and memorable essay that reveals your unique qualities through compelling examples rather than mere assertions.

Brag indirectly

First, you want to brag indirectly. What do I mean by that? Well, instead of just stating your achievements outright, you want to weave them into your story in a natural and authentic way.

Bad example

I have a 4.0 GPA, am a debate team captain, and volunteer at the local animal shelter. I’m also a National Merit Scholar and have won numerous awards for my writing.

While these are all impressive accomplishments, listing them like this feels boastful and impersonal.

Good example

Through my involvement in the debate team, I’ve honed my research and public speaking skills, ultimately earning the position of captain. I’ve also discovered a passion for writing, pouring my heart into stories and essays recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program. But some of my most meaningful experiences have been volunteering at the local animal shelter, where I’ve developed a deep sense of empathy and responsibility.

See how this example weaves the achievements into a narrative. It feels more authentic and engaging.

Use stories to prove your qualities

Another effective strategy is to use stories and examples to illustrate your positive qualities rather than just stating them outright.

Bad example

I am a natural leader and always take initiative in group projects.

This statement tells us about your leadership skills but needs to show us.

Good example

In my AP Biology class, we were assigned a group project to create a model of a cell. I took the initiative to organize our team, delegate tasks, and keep everyone on track. Through my leadership, we completed the project ahead of schedule and received praise from our teacher for our creativity and attention to detail.

This example proves your leadership skills through a concrete story. It’s much more engaging and memorable than just stating the quality outright.

How to write about a cliché experience

When writing about a cliché experience in your college essay, remember that your topic doesn’t need to be revolutionary or groundbreaking. Infuse your writing with unexpected personal details and an authentic voice to make your essay stand out.

To find an original angle on a well-worn topic, try focusing on a specific moment and use vivid sensory details to transport the reader into that scene. Mentioning objects that hold special significance can also add depth and personality to your writing. Incorporate a surprising twist or insight that subverts the reader’s expectations.

When read aloud, your essay should sound like you – as if you’re conversing with the reader. 

Bad example

Volunteering at the homeless shelter was an eye-opening experience. It made me realize how fortunate I am and inspired me to give back to my community.

While this sentiment is nice, it’s generic and tells us nothing unique about you.

Good example

As a high school student, I’ve lost count of how often I’ve been asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” It’s a question that always felt like a trap until I stumbled upon debate club during my sophomore year. Walking into my first meeting, I was a bundle of nerves, but as I watched the team members argue their points with confidence and poise, something sparked inside me. Over the next few months, I threw myself into debate with a passion I had never known before, spending long hours researching topics, crafting arguments, and practicing my delivery.

The debate gave me more than just a boost of confidence; it taught me how to think critically, see both sides of an issue, and articulate my thoughts clearly and persuasively. It showed me that my voice mattered and that I had the power to make a difference. Looking back, I realize that debate didn’t just change my high school experience – it changed me. It helped me discover a passion for advocacy and a desire to positively impact the world. And while I may not know exactly what I want to be when I grow up, the debate has given me the skills and the confidence to pursue whatever path I choose. So, to all the adults who ask me that dreaded question, I say this: I may not have it all figured out yet, but I know I have the power to shape my future.

The example demonstrates how a student can make a cliché volunteer experience unique by focusing on a specific interaction and the resulting action. By doing so, the student showcases their initiative, compassion, and creativity – qualities that admissions officers value. This approach allows the student to avoid generalizations and clichés, instead highlighting their personal growth and impact on the community, making the essay more engaging and memorable.

Tips for Writing College about yourself

• Don’t tell, show: Use detailed examples instead of just stating your accomplishments. For instance, instead of saying “I am a great leader,” you could describe a moment in high school when you took charge of a group project.
• Write in your own voice: A personal, authentic tone helps your essay stand out. Yourfriends should be able to recognize you in the essay.
• Answer ‘Why’: Explain why you want to attend your dream school and how you see yourself contributing to their community.
• Read your essay aloud: Reading your essay out loud can help you catch awkward phrasing or unclear ideas. This is one of the toptips for writing a clear, engaging essay.

How to End an Essay About Yourself Example

When you end your essay, it’s essential to wrap it up by reflecting on your personal growth, connecting your past experiences to your future aspirations, and leaving a lasting impression on the reader. Here’s an example:

Example: “As I prepare for my journey to attend college, I realize that each experience has been a stepping stone toward discovering my passion. Whether it was spending every day after school doing volunteer work or learning from my host family during summer school abroad, I’ve learned that resilience, curiosity, and empathy are the qualities I carry with me. These traits will guide me as I continue my education at my dream school. I am excited to pursue hands-on experiences that will allow me to make an impact on my community.”

How to End an Essay About Yourself

To end your college essay, consider these tips:

• Reflect on personal growth: Summarize how your experiences have shaped you.
• Look to the future: Mention what you plan to achieve as you move forward in your college journey, perhaps referencing the impact of your volunteer work or your desire to attendtop universities.
• Keep it punchy and positive: End with a confident statement about your readiness for the future.

What to Include in Your Body Paragraphs

In the body paragraphs of your college admissions essay, focus on telling your personal story through well-organized and specific examples. Here’s what to include:

• Personal experiences and lessons learned: Share stories such as volunteer work or memorable moments with your host family that shaped your character. These experiences should be a part of your application process and reflect personal growth.
• Challenges and achievements: Talk about overcoming obstacles. For example, you might say, “Though I had never participated in debate before high school, I found it was a great way to show leadership and grow my confidence.” This type of reflection helps the reader understand your personality and resilience.
• Specific examples: Instead of listing accomplishments, tell a story. Sample essays from top universities often include vivid stories that engage the reader, such as how a hands-on experience led to personal growth. This is a great way to bring your experiences to life for admissions officers who read your essay.
• Connect to the future: Explain how the lessons you’ve learned have prepared you for college. For example, “My volunteer work helped me understand the value of community, a quality I hope to bring to the campus.”