Posted 4 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024
College admissions staff offer tips to help your application essay stand out
As the college application season ramps up, crafting a standout admissions essay can help you set yourself apart from the crowd of other applicants. The UW-La Crosse admissions team has compiled a list of key strategies to help you write an essay that captures your personality and qualities while reflecting what you will bring to UWL’s vibrant campus community.
1. Start strong.
Create a captivating introductory paragraph — one that immediately grabs attention. Your opening lines should hook the reader, providing a glimpse into the direction your essay will take. Aim for an engaging start that draws admissions staff in, compelling them to read more.
2. Show. Don't just tell.
Instead of merely stating your achievements or challenges, illustrate them through short anecdotes. For example, if you struggled with grades in a particular area, describe the journey and the personal growth that followed. If a challenge inspired a career goal, describe the moments that led to new self-discovery. Think of examples of challenges that will separate you from the pack and allow readers to see your determination, leadership, empathy or other qualities. Authentic, original stories that reveal your character will resonate more deeply with admissions staff.
3. Keep your essay forward looking.
While it’s crucial to discuss past experiences, don’t dwell on them. Focus on how these experiences have shaped you and prepared you for the future. Highlight the lessons learned and how you intend to apply them during your college journey. Admissions staff are interested in seeing how you’ll grow and contribute moving forward.
4. Structure your essay for clarity.
Break your essay into clear, well-defined paragraphs. A single, unbroken block of text can be overwhelming and obscure your message. Well-organized paragraphs make your essay more readable and help convey your points effectively.
5. Let your personality shine through.
While it’s important to maintain a professional tone, don’t shy away from letting your personality come through. Write in a way that feels natural to you, showing your unique voice and perspective.
6. Avoid abbreviations or slang.
Stick to formal language in your essay. Phrases like “LOL” and “OMG” might be common in casual communication but have no place in a college essay. Use clear, concise language.
7. Highlight what's not already in your application.
Your essay is an opportunity to present aspects of yourself that aren’t covered elsewhere in your application. Avoid rehashing your academic achievements or listing extracurricular activities. Instead, focus on personal stories and qualities that reveal more about who you are. If you are unsure what to highlight, ask friends and family to spark ideas. Then, explain how you’ve grown and developed those qualities. If you devoted considerable time to a specific group, go beyond listing your title with the organization. Explain what you accomplished and why you were involved.
8. Proofread.
Your writing should be free from common grammatical and spelling mistakes. Your ability to write will likely be factored into the college admissions decision. Watch out for common errors such as these below.
- Confusing there, their and they’re
- Confusing too and to
- Confusing it’s and its
- Confusing then and than
- Confusing affect and effect
- Confusing peek, peak and pique
- Writing run-on sentences
- Confusing past and present tense
- Forgetting to use document spell check to catch misspelled words
9. Be clear and concise.
If no specific word count is provided, aim for about 350-400 words. This length allows you to convey your main points clearly without overwhelming the reader. Stay focused on your message and keep your writing concise.
10. Check formatting.
To avoid formatting errors, write and edit your essay on a desktop computer rather than a mobile device. Ensure that your formatting is consistent and that no odd spacing or font changes have been introduced.
11. Personalize your essay.
Tailor your essay to the specific college you’re applying to. Accidentally using the wrong school name when submitting multiple applications is more common than you think. Ensure you use the correct school name and reference any particular programs or opportunities offered by the institution. Demonstrating familiarity with the school shows genuine interest and effort. Also, schools typically release essay prompts. They will be looking for answers to those specific questions.
12. Supplement. Don't link.
Avoid including links to external websites or videos in your essay. Admissions staff may not be able to access these links. If you want to reference additional material, describe it in your essay and include it as a separate supplement if necessary.
13. Contribute to the community.
Address how you plan to engage with and contribute to the campus community. Whether through clubs, organizations, or other activities, showing that you’re eager to get involved and make a positive impact reflects well on your application.
14. Seek feedback.
Once your essay is complete, ask someone else to review it. This could be a teacher, counselor, or peer. They can provide valuable feedback on both content and clarity, helping to polish your essay before submission.
For more information on applying to UW-La Crosse visit the Admissions website.