College Admission Essay/Personal Statement

What is a college application essay or personal statement?

A college application essay—often called a personal essay or personal statement—is a short piece of writing that you submit as part of your college application. Its purpose is to help admissions officers understand who you are beyond your grades, test scores, and activities.

Why do you need a college application essay?

Many colleges require an essay or personal statement from each applicant. The essay is also a part of the Common Application, which is used by more than 1,000 colleges and universities. Although every college has its own admissions process, most schools and admissions officers take the college application essay into consideration in deciding which students to admit. Your college admission essay is your chance to use your voice and personalize your college application. It is an opportunity to share who you are beyond grades, test scores and school activities.  

What are colleges looking for in your application essay?

Colleges are looking for insight into who you are. A strong application essay helps them answer questions they can’t get from your GPA or activities list.

Common College Essay Prompts may include:

• An experience that has shaped who you are today
• A challenge or obstacle that you have overcome
• Demonstrating personal growth
• Sharing your passion for a topic or activity