How to Know if Your Common App Essay is Good (And Not Just “Good Enough”)
You’ve poured your heart and soul into your Common App essay. You’ve wrestled with the prompts, brainstormed until your brain felt like a soggy noodle, and written, rewritten, and rewritten again. But now you’re staring at the screen, wondering: Is it good enough?
The truth is, there’s no magic formula for judging the quality of your Common App essay. It’s more of a “gut feeling” thing, a blend of intuition and careful analysis. But fear not, dear reader, for I, your wise and slightly sarcastic guide to the world of college admissions, am here to help you navigate the treacherous waters of essay evaluation.
The Common App Essay: A Journey of Self-Discovery (and Maybe a Little Panic)
Let’s be real, the Common App essay is a beast. It’s not just about writing well – it’s about showcasing your personality, your passions, and your unique perspective in a way that makes you stand out from the mountain of other applicants. It’s a chance to tell your story, to reveal the human being behind the grades and test scores.
But let’s face it: the pressure to write a perfect essay is enough to make even the most confident student feel like a nervous freshman on their first day. So, how do you know if your essay is good enough to impress those all-knowing admissions officers?
Beyond the Checklist: Signs Your Common App Essay is Actually Good
Forget the tired old “show, don’t tell” advice. We’re going deeper here, diving into the nuanced world of essay analysis. Here’s what to look for:
1. You’ve Written Multiple Drafts (But Not Just for the Sake of Writing)
Yes, multiple drafts are a good sign. But don’t pat yourself on the back just because you’ve got a stack of crumpled paper taller than your textbooks. The key is whether those drafts actually reflect improvement.
- Ask yourself: Did you actually revise your essay, or did you just change a few words and call it a day? Did you experiment with different structures, explore different angles, or even try starting over entirely?
- If your drafts are a testament to genuine exploration and evolution, that’s a good sign. You’ve gone beyond simply writing and entered the realm of crafting.
2. You’ve Unleashed Your Inner Storyteller (With a Twist)
A good Common App essay doesn’t just tell your story – it shows it. Think of your essay as a mini-movie. Rather than summarizing the plot, you’re immersing the reader in the experience itself.
- Think about those moments that truly defined you. Maybe it was that time you stumbled and learned a valuable lesson, or that moment you discovered a hidden passion.
- Don’t be afraid to get personal, to reveal your vulnerabilities. It’s in those moments of raw honesty that your true voice shines through.
3. You’ve Found Your “Aha!” Moment (And It’s Not Just a Cliché)
Every good story has an “aha!” moment – the point where the protagonist learns a valuable lesson. In your essay, that moment should be more than just a generic insight.
- Ask yourself: What is the key takeaway from your story? What did you learn about yourself, about the world, about your place in it?
- Avoid generic lessons like “I learned the importance of hard work.” Dig deeper. What about hard work did you learn? What specific challenges did you face, and how did those challenges shape your understanding?
4. You’ve Mastered the Art of Showing, Not Telling (With a Touch of Flair)
Don’t just tell the admissions officers about your passion for music. Show them. Describe the feeling of the strings vibrating beneath your fingers, the surge of adrenaline when you hit the perfect note.
- Use vivid descriptions, powerful verbs, and sensory details to bring your story to life.
- Avoid clichés like “I was so nervous I could have died.” Instead, paint a picture with your words: “My heart pounded like a drum solo, and my palms were slick with sweat.”
5. You’ve Checked for Grammar and Spelling (But Not Just Because You’re Scared of the Red Underlines)
Yes, grammar and spelling matter. But good writing goes beyond the rules.
- Read your essay aloud, focusing on rhythm and flow. Does it sound natural, conversational, and engaging?
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with sentence structure and rhythm. A well-crafted essay is a symphony of words, not just a collection of facts.
The Common App Essay: It’s Not Just About the Words
Remember, the Common App essay isn’t just about getting the grammar right. It’s about showcasing your personality, your passions, and your potential.
- Be authentic. Be yourself. The admissions officers want to get to know you, not some idealized version of who they think you should be.
- Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable. It’s in those moments of honesty and self-reflection that your essay truly comes to life.
- Have fun! Writing should be an enjoyable process. Embrace the challenge, let your creativity flow, and don’t be afraid to let your personality shine.
Need More Help?
If you’re still struggling to evaluate your Common App essay, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our team of expert writers and editors are here to help you craft a powerful and compelling statement that will help you stand out from the crowd.
Because let’s be honest, the Common App essay is a bit like trying to catch a unicorn: Magical, elusive, and totally worth the effort.