Colleges use admissions essays to try to get a better understanding of who you are and what your personality is like. It’s a way for the admissions officer to find out whether you would be a good fit for the college.
Different colleges put different weights on each part of the application, but the essay is something that you have complete control over. You can use your essay to show your creativity, your compassion, your dedication, whatever you want.
Brainstorm topics for your essay in advance, so you have plenty of time to write and edit your essay. If you're not sure where to start, we have some ideas to get you started.
The best essays come from high school students being themselves, with all the depth, wit, charm, and quirkiness that comes along with daily life. But there are some guidelines about what to show and what to avoid in a college admission essay.
Follow our admission essay editing tips to avoid the top mistakes students make.
If it makes sense to use one essay for multiple applications, do it.
Choose a 
Prep for 
Apply to 
Cost of 
Adjust to College 