Struggling to end your college admissions essay? You’re not alone. Learn how to craft a confident, authentic conclusion—with real examples that actually work.

The most unforgettable college essays aren’t about extraordinary achievements—they’re about ordinary moments made meaningful. From fixing a broken vending machine to folding laundry with a grandparent, surprising essays stand out because they reveal curiosity, reflection, and a voice that feels unmistakably real. When students stop performing and start noticing the small stories that shape who they are, their essays truly resonate.

College application essays shouldn't be cliché! Stop writing about "The Big Game" and "The Mission Trip." Discover the 5 exhausted topics admissions officers are sick of—and get the 5 fresh, unique angles that will actually make your story stand out. Ditch the generic. Write your acceptance.

Writing about sensitive failures—like a GPA drop, disciplinary issue, or time lost to a mental health crisis—requires a careful admissions strategy. These challenges don’t just show resilience; they reveal your stability, self-advocacy, and emotional maturity. Use structure and framing to turn setbacks into clear evidence of growth.

The "Why Us?" essay is the college admissions office's ultimate litmus test. They want to know if you'll actually enroll, thrive, and contribute. But too many students fall into the same trap: writing a glowing, generic summary of the college's website. If you just copy-paste facts about a beautiful campus or a high ranking, you sound like a robot reading a Wikipedia entry.

Frustrated parent discovering supplemental essay requirements. As a parent, I thought we had crossed the finish line in the marathon that...

The Common Application essay is a crucial component of your college application. It is your chance to express who you are beyond your...

Research shows that admissions officers often read hundreds of essays, so a great hook makes all the difference. It can be the dividing line between a quickly forgotten essay and one that stands out vividly in the minds of the admissions committee.

The Common Application essay is one of the most critical components of the college application process. It gives students a unique...

Choosing a topic that feels authentic to you is crucial. Admissions officers want to hear your voice and understand your thoughts and feelings.

AI. It used to be the stuff of science fiction movies, but it has finally made it into mainstream American culture. How many of you have...

Student writing an essay. As college admissions consultants, we read countless essays. Many of them are amazing. Others contain mistakes...