Your essay is your voice in written form. It’s not about perfection—it’s about connection. Be honest, be yourself, and write with courage. You never know whose heart or memory your story will stay with.

Read your essay out loud. It helps you catch awkward phrasing, repetition, or sentences that don’t sound like you.
Check your word count—and stay within the limit. Word and character limits are non-negotiable for applications, scholarships, and future college assignments. Even going over by a few words can result in your essay being cut off or rejected. Practicing this skill now will help you succeed later.
Ask one or two trusted people (a teacher, counselor, mentor, or reach out to us!) to review your essay.
Listen to feedback, but keep your voice. Make changes that feel true to you.
Save your drafts so you can see your progress and restore earlier versions if needed.

Tip: Avoid using AI or editing tools that rewrite your words completely. Colleges want your story, not a “perfect” essay written by a bot.

The story you tell today might just be the reason someone believes in your potential tomorrow.

Essay Structure Tips

If you’re unsure where to start, this simple structure works for most essays:

Opening Hook: Start with a vivid moment or thought that draws the reader in.
Body Paragraphs: Describe your story—what happened, what you felt, what you learned.
Reflection: End with insight. How did this experience shape your goals, perspective, or plans for college?