College Essay Writing Tips for High School Juniors
by:
Guest Blogger
May 8, 2024
Content written by guest blogger, Andrea Scampini, College Counselor at Strive to Learn.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of writing your college application essays, you’re far from alone! Sure, it’s a very important part of the process, but you can do it! Just read through these tips to learn valuable tips on writing your college essays–then get ready for all those acceptance letters!
Meet the 3 Main Types of College Essays
Personal Statement
The personal statement is how you introduce yourself to prospective schools. It should be approached as creative nonfiction — sharing true details from your life but with the use of creative writing techniques. It is required for colleges using the Common App, Coalition App, Apply Texas, and some additional university-specific applications. See below for the fast facts about the Common App and Coalition App personal statement.
Common App
650 words max
Seven prompts from which to choose, but the writing process should not be prompt-driven.
Coalition App
500-550 words max (depending on the school)
Five prompts from which to choose, but also should not be prompt-driven.
UC Personal Insight Questions (PIQs)
The PIQs are used by the University of California application only, and the same essays and responses go to each UC campus. These essays should only be campus-specific if a student is applying to only one campus. A student can still use writing techniques to show craft, but these should generally be more prompt-driven and provide specific examples from life to support responses. Here’s a tip: Connect responses to the admissions factors used by UC campuses (a.k.a. The 13 Factor Comprehensive Review).
UC PIQs
350 words max
Eight prompts from which to choose; must write responses to four of them.
Supplemental Essays
The supplemental essays offer additional prompts that may be required for specific college applications. These should be taken as seriously as the personal statement and PIQs — a good supplemental essay shows effort devoted to demonstrating specific interest in that school, unlike the personal statement that is submitted to multiple schools. A college may ask you why you want to attend their institution, or why a certain major speaks to you. More common prompts include discussing a valued extracurricular activity, divulging leadership experience, recalling personal contributions to create a diverse/inclusive community, what stimulates you intellectually, or what makes you different from other applicants.
Common Topics
Unique Topics
The Most Widely Read Essay Is the…Personal Statement
250-650 words & choose between seven prompts
What are admissions officers looking for?
How to Start Writing Your Personal Statement
Brainstorm…
Be specific, use active voice, show- don’t tell
Instead of this…
- I scanned the cafeteria, feeling left out and sad, and then found an empty table to sit at.
- Going climbing with my grandpa, I was often afraid to fall, but I knew I could
trust him to hold me tight. - This project was built with my own hands.
Write this…
- As I scanned the cafeteria, I realized: “I am all alone in this crowd.“ A sense of loneliness engulfed me as I found a hidden spot in a corner on my own.
- As my grandpa pulled me tight, I yelled many a time, “You got me?“, fear of falling pooling in a puddle at the bottom of my stomach, but I always knew he had me tight on the rope.
- Blisters peeled from my palms as I surveyed what I’d built: I felt so proud of how my hard work had come together.
What NOT to Do in Your Personal Statement
Admissions officers have MANY essays to read, so make sure yours stands out and is well written!
DON’T write an activities list
They already have your resume, so instead dig deep with an experience that changed you, altered your perspective, or contributed to your worldview. An experience they otherwise wouldn’t know about.
DON’T retell your sports highlight reel
If you choose a common topic, then find an UNCOMMON way to tell the story that is unique to you by connecting unexpected values to your topic (avoid: sports taught me teamwork; embrace: sports are like my art).
DON’T use cliches
Avoid phrases like “every cloud has a silver lining” or being overly creative of going too outside of the box. Instead, stick with the format and writing about you and your own unique insights.
DON’T forget to spell- and grammar-check!
Colleges value good writing, so have someone else proofread your essay before submitting it. However, beware of too many cooks in the kitchen!
How to Use Your Summer for College Essay Writing
Summer Timeline
- June-July: Write your personal statement
- July-August: Write PIQs
- August-September: Update your resume
- September: Write supplemental essays
- September-October: Fill out applications
Essay Writing Resources
For more essay writing support, visit the Strive to Learn website where you can listen to our Podcasts and various educational Articles.
Need Help?
Strive to Learn‘s college admissions counselors are available for individual essay revision sessions. Schedule a time to chat with one of their counselors for a free one hour consultation about essay topics and revisions as well as assistance with college applications and scholarships. Call/text 949.873.6807 to schedule a free consultation, or email [email protected].
About the Author: Andrea Scampini is an experienced college consultant who makes the college application process easy and fun because she loves mentoring her students. Andrea understands that each student has their own unique learning style, interests, and motivations, and her passion is finding that spark that the student may not even be aware of and fostering it to empower them to take the next step toward life after high school. Andrea also loves guiding her students to reflect on their experiences in unique ways, helping them write stand-out college essays.
Andrea lived in Boston for 20 years but grew up in Southern California, so she is familiar with schools across the country. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with her son and daughter, running marathons, and playing with her dogs Boston and Cali. Most importantly, Andrea is a caregiver at heart and clearly cares for the outcome of each student and their families. Anyone who’d like to work with Andrea directly in their college application journey can reach out to her at [email protected] or (949) 873-6807.