What Makes a Great College Essay
Forget the myth that you need a dramatically tragic story to write a compelling essay. Every student has a unique narrative waiting to be told.
Mark Clynes shared a powerful example that illustrates this perfectly. A student was struggling with the college essay topic, unsure of what to write about. Clynes noticed the student's application was filled with dance-related activities and asked, "Do you have a passion for dance?" When the student confirmed, Clynes encouraged them to write about their dance journey.
"Three days later, the student submitted a phenomenal essay," he remembers. The essay traced the student's journey from a two-year-old beginner to competing in a world dance competition.
Your Essay's Secret Sauce:
- Originality: Tell your genuine story.
- Passion: Highlight what truly excites you.
- Reflection: Show how experiences have shaped you.
Unexpected essay topics that work:
- Your love for Legos
- A memorable summer vacation
- A hobby that defines you
- An influential person in your life
- A challenge you've overcome
"Everyone has a story," Clynes emphasizes. Your essay doesn't need to be earth-shattering—it just needs to be uniquely yours.
Pro tip: Don't stress about creating a Hollywood-worthy narrative. Focus on moments that reveal your character, your growth, or your passions.
This story was produced by Study.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
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