5 Real Tips for Stronger College Essays
Not sure where to start with your essays? We broke it down in our last blog, The Basic of College Essays, where we explained the difference between the personal statement and supplemental essays—and how to find them. If you’re just getting oriented, it’s a great place to begin.
But if you’re already staring at a blinking cursor wondering what am I supposed to say—this guide is for you.
Admissions essays are your one shot to speak directly to the people deciding your future. Stats get you into the pile. The essay gets you remembered.
Here are five essentials we encourage every student to keep in mind:
1. Be true to yourself. (Seriously.)
You’ve probably heard this a dozen times. That’s because it matters.
Every applicant to top schools has strong grades, rigorous classes, and polished resumes. What admissions officers are looking for is dimension. They want to understand how you think, what you value, and how you make decisions. The best way to show that? A story only you can tell.
Start with what feels real—not what you think they want to hear. A quiet moment. A tough decision. A small failure. A strange passion. If it matters to you, it can matter to the reader.
2. Start early (and then walk away from it).
Your first draft isn’t supposed to be perfect—it’s supposed to exist. Once it’s out of your head, set it aside. Come back a few days later with fresh eyes. Then revise. (Then revise again.)
When you reread it, ask yourself:
Would I want to keep reading this if it weren’t mine?
Does it sound like something only I could write?
Is the writing specific and visual—or a little too vague?
Give your ideas space to grow. And don’t be afraid to delete.
3. Do your homework on the schools.
This one’s for the supplements.
If a school asks “Why us?”, they don’t want to read that you love their “strong academics and diverse student body.” They want to know why you, in particular, belong there.
That means digging deeper.
Which research centers or professors interest you? What about a club, tradition, or program lines up with your goals? Have you met alumni or current students whose experiences resonated?
Colleges can tell when you’re copying and pasting. The more tailored your answer, the more sincere—and competitive—it becomes.
4. Share one insight. Not five.
There’s no way to cram everything important about you into a 650-word essay. Don’t try.
Instead, choose one story, one lens, one core idea—and build around that. Focused essays are clearer, more engaging, and way more memorable. It’s easier to follow one through-line than a greatest-hits reel of your resume.
And yes, use vivid language. You don’t need to be a poet—but you do want your reader to see and feel what you’re sharing.
5. Polish like it counts. Because it does.
It’s not just about catching typos. It’s about rhythm, clarity, and making sure your voice comes through.
Once your draft feels solid, read it out loud. You’ll catch awkward phrasing and pacing issues you’d miss on screen. Trim the fluff. Tighten the language. Ask someone you trust if it sounds like you. Then run a final grammar check (or two).
Admissions officers are reading fast—and often on screens. Clean writing shows you care. Sloppy writing? It just makes them move on faster.
Need a sharper draft—or just a smarter approach?
At Ivy Link, our advisors and writing coaches—including former Ivy League admissions readers—help students at every stage, from first idea to final review. If you’re looking for real insight from people who’ve sat on the other side of the table, we’re ready when you are. Schedule a consultation to get started.
