How to Write a Winning Common App Essay

Writing a winning Common App essay is no easy task. With the help of this guide, you'll be able to craft a compelling essay that will stand out and make your application stand out. Whether you're applying to college, a graduate school, or a post-graduate program, this guide will help you craft an essay to help you get accepted.

Know the Common App Essay Requirements

Before you start writing your essay, it's important to know exactly what the Common App requires. Generally, the Common App requires an essay of at least 250 words in length, with a minimum of four paragraphs. Your essay should also include a title, and it should be focused on a topic that is related to your educational and professional goals.

When writing your essay, make sure to use clear and concise language. Avoid using overly complex words or phrases, and make sure to proofread your essay for any errors. Additionally, make sure to include relevant examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points. This will help to make your essay more engaging and memorable.

Brainstorm Ideas for Your Essay

Once you know the Common App requirements for your essay, it's time to brainstorm some ideas for the topic. It's important to pick a topic that is both relevant and interesting. Think about what aspects of your background, academic achievements, and experiences make you unique. Brainstorming your ideas can help you narrow down which topics you want to focus on in your essay.

When brainstorming, it's helpful to make a list of ideas and then narrow them down to the most important ones. Consider the experiences that have shaped your life and the values that are important to you. Think about how you can use your unique perspective to write an essay that will stand out from the crowd. Additionally, it's important to consider the tone and style of your essay. Make sure that your essay reflects your personality and is written in a way that is engaging and interesting.

Outline Your Essay

Once you have your topic and ideas in place, it's time to start outlining your essay. Creating an outline for your essay helps you organize your thoughts and ensures that you don't miss any key points that you want to make. Outlining also makes it easier to provide supporting details throughout your essay.

When outlining your essay, it's important to consider the structure of your essay. Think about how you want to introduce your topic, what points you want to make, and how you want to conclude your essay. Additionally, consider how you want to transition between different sections of your essay. This will help you create a cohesive essay that flows well.

Write a Compelling Introduction

Your introduction should grab the attention of the reader and provide an overview of the main points that you'll touch upon in your essay. Start with an engaging story or an anecdote, then provide a thesis statement that outlines the main points of your essay. You should also include any relevant background information that can help provide context for your essay.

When writing your introduction, make sure to keep it concise and to the point. Avoid using overly complex language or long-winded sentences. Instead, focus on providing a clear and concise overview of the main points that you will be discussing in your essay. Additionally, make sure to include a call to action at the end of your introduction to encourage the reader to continue reading.

Develop Your Main Points

Your main points should be the foundation of your essay, and it's important to develop them in a thoughtful, engaging way. Use examples from your own life to illustrate your points and provide evidence for why you think the points are important. If you can, try to incorporate facts and statistics into your essay as well.

When developing your main points, it's important to be organized and logical. Start by outlining your essay and breaking down your main points into smaller, more manageable chunks. This will help you stay on track and ensure that your essay flows in a logical way. Additionally, make sure to include transitions between your points to help the reader follow your argument.

Craft Engaging Supporting Details

Your main points need to be supported by additional details, such as examples from other sources or quotes from experts. Carefully select the supporting details that you use, as they should be relevant and reflective of the main points of your essay. Your supporting details should also be compelling and engaging, so they draw in the reader.

When selecting supporting details, it is important to consider the audience. If you are writing for a more general audience, you may want to use examples that are more relatable and easier to understand. If you are writing for a more specialized audience, you may want to use more technical examples or quotes from experts in the field. Additionally, you should make sure that the supporting details you use are accurate and up-to-date. This will help to ensure that your essay is credible and trustworthy.

Use Appropriate Language and Tone

When writing your Common App essay, it's important to use language that is appropriate for an academic setting. Avoid using slang and jargon, as well as colloquial language. Instead, use formal language that is appropriate for an academic setting. Additionally, make sure to use an appropriate tone throughout your essay – you want to maintain a professional, respectful tone.

It is also important to use language that is clear and concise. Avoid using overly complex words or phrases that may confuse the reader. Additionally, make sure to proofread your essay for any spelling or grammar errors. This will help ensure that your essay is professional and well-written.

Edit and Revise Your Essay

After you've written your first draft, it's time to edit and revise it. Make sure to proofread for grammar and spelling errors, as well as any typos or formatting issues. Additionally, look at the structure of your essay and make sure that it flows logically. Take time to revise and refine each sentence, so they are clear and concise.

When revising your essay, consider the tone and voice you are using. Make sure that it is appropriate for the audience and purpose of your essay. Additionally, look for any areas where you can add more detail or examples to support your points. Finally, make sure to double-check any facts or figures you have included in your essay.

Submit Your Essay with Confidence

After you've spent time editing and revising your essay, you can submit it with confidence. Make sure to double-check all the details before submitting – such as the necessary forms, payment information, and any required documents – then submit it for review. With this guide and some hard work, you can write a winning Common App essay!