What to Include in Your College Resume

Most U.S. colleges have similar application processes. You'll usually need to submit official transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, personal essays, letters of recommendation, and a resume. 

Creating a college resume can be intimidating, especially if you don't have much professional experience. But not to worry — unlike a traditional resume, a college application resume focuses on your extracurricular activities, academic performance, volunteer work, hobbies, and awards. 

This guide will help you highlight your achievements and show off desirable qualities like determination and initiative, making the process less stressful.

How important is your college resume?

Not all college applications require a resume, but submitting one can be a great move if it's allowed. For example, the Common App only needs an activities list, but adding a resume can give a fuller picture of your achievements, interests, and hobbies. 

A resume gives admissions a detailed look at your academic achievements, work, and volunteer experiences, showing what you bring to the community beyond the classroom. It can also help your recommenders write stronger letters and be useful for scholarship applications.

What you should include in your college student resume?

Your contact information

When creating your college resume, start with your name and contact details to keep it professional and consistent. Here’s what to include:

• Full Name: Use the name that matches your college application. If you use a nickname, add it in parentheses and quotation marks (e.g., Elizabeth (“Liz”) Gilley).

• Professional Email: Create and use a professional email address that you check regularly, ideally your first and last name. Avoid using old or unprofessional addresses like ZendayaLover99.

• Cell Phone Number: Include your current cell phone number.

• Address: List your home address.

Organizing your contact information clearly at the top of your resume makes it easy for admissions officers to reach you and verify your details. This sets a professional tone for the rest of your resume.

Your education

For students or recent grads, prioritize your education over work experience on your resume. Highlight academic achievements and relevant projects first, as these often show your skills and enthusiasm better than limited work experience.

Your experiences

When putting together your college resume, highlight your experiences and skills to stand out. Go beyond just listing your responsibilities; focus on what you've actually accomplished and use numbers to add context.

• Responsibilities vs. Accomplishments: Instead of simply saying you hosted meetings or planned events, detail your achievements. For instance, if you were the editor of your school’s newspaper, mention how many issues you published, articles you contributed, meetings you led, and the size of your team. If you babysit, note how many kids you look after, their ages, and how often you babysit.

• Use Strong Active Verbs: Bring your experiences to life with dynamic past-tense verbs like led, managed, organized, created, and problem-solved. This not only makes your resume pop but also shows your active role in these experiences.

• Relevant Experience: If you don’t have much formal work experience, consider renaming this section to "Relevant Experience" and include internships, volunteer work, leadership roles, and extracurricular activities. Highlight experiences that showcase your skills and dedication.

• Skills Section: Add a skills section that lists both hard and soft skills. Hard skills are job-specific, like proficiency in technical software, while soft skills, such as problem-solving and time management, are valued in any field. Focus on skills that are in high demand and align with your goals.

Other things to consider

Be concise

Organize this information in a clear, easy-to-read format, keeping it concise and no longer than two pages (one page is preferred). This structured approach ensures your resume effectively showcases your strengths and readiness for college.

Formatting Tips:

• Make your resume easy to scan by dividing it into sections with clear headings, bulleted lists, and a consistent font.

• Organize information in reverse chronological order.

• Use a ready-made template to save time. Check out our college student resume template here. 

Be honest

• Be accurate in your descriptions. Colleges can verify information and will spot inconsistencies. Do not exaggerate your involvement or achievements.

• By following these guidelines, you can create a clear, concise, and compelling resume that effectively showcases your qualifications and readiness for college.

Write your college resume today

A well-crafted college resume is super valuable for the admissions process and beyond. It can help with applications for internships, scholarships, leadership positions, and jobs. While it takes some time to put together a great resume, it's definitely worth the effort. 

That said, Admissions Accelerator can help you save some time. Our downloadable college resume template for Word is pre-formatted and ready to customize with your information. Find it, and other valuable tools for your admissions journey, in our online shop. Good luck with your resume writing!

What's Next After US Universities Reinstate SATs

When the coronavirus pandemic hit, many colleges made admissions testing optional. This was supposed to be temporary, but now some schools are bringing back the SAT and ACT requirements. 

For instance, in March 2022, MIT decided to require these tests again to better gauge students' academic readiness. Recently, Dartmouth, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin have done the same, while Yale is letting applicants submit AP or IB scores instead. 

This shift shows how top schools are using standardized tests to find talented students from all kinds of backgrounds. Learn more about the implications of reinstating the SATs in 2024 below and what it means for you as an applicant.

What is the SAT?

As some U.S. universities bring back SAT and ACT requirements, it’s important to understand how these tests fit into college admissions. The SAT is a three-hour, multiple-choice exam that covers reading, writing, and math. It’s designed to measure how ready you are for college. The College Board runs it, and it gives schools a standardized way to compare applicants.

While the SAT has always been a big deal in admissions, how much it matters can vary from school to school. A high score can boost your chances for college and scholarships. But keep in mind, that more than 80% of colleges are still test-optional, focusing more on your GPA, recommendations, extracurriculars, and essays.

The SAT is also changing, with a new digital format coming in 2024 that aims to be more accessible and less stressful. As you prepare, staying informed and flexible will help you navigate the evolving admissions process successfully.

Why did they remove SAT testing?

During the pandemic, many schools, like Cornell, waived standardized testing requirements, leading to a large experiment with test-optional and test-blind admissions. This change aimed to help students who often struggle with standardized tests, such as those whose first language isn't English, students from low-income families, and minority students.

Now, many colleges across the country have adopted ACT/SAT-optional or test-blind policies, which have greatly reduced the number of test-takers and changed the admissions landscape.

As of now, 1,835 U.S. colleges and universities have these policies in place. While the pandemic initially prompted these changes, they have become a lasting part of the admissions process. As universities continue to rethink the role of standardized tests, prospective students need to navigate this evolving landscape and figure out how best to showcase their academic achievements and personal strengths outside of test scores.

Why did they reinstate the SATs?

With the return of SAT and ACT requirements, the college admissions landscape is shifting again. Private schools with big endowments and public universities in conservative states are leading this change. Ivy League schools are also bringing back standardized tests to stick to traditional ideas of merit, while public schools are under political pressure. This shift also affects financial aid, as many scholarships still require test scores.

The return to standardized testing is controversial. Some experts noted that test-optional policies increased applications from first-generation and minority students, showing that standardized tests were a barrier for these groups. They also argue that going back to test requirements might not improve racial diversity, especially after the Supreme Court’s limits on affirmative action.

Harvard’s decision to require tests for the Class of 2029, reversing its test-optional policy, is part of this trend. Critics say this could disadvantage students who can't easily access testing facilities. However, Harvard will accept alternative scores like AP or IB exams in some cases.

As schools navigate these changes, prospective students need to adapt to meet the new requirements and stay competitive.

Why this matters

As U.S. universities bring back SAT and ACT requirements, the college admissions scene is changing. Some schools stress that test scores are just one part of their holistic review process and haven't stopped their diversity efforts. As mentioned above, they've actually seen more first-generation and minority students getting admitted. Wealthier applicants, who never stopped taking these tests, still have an edge by using their resources to shine in all areas of their applications.

With this, some experts suggest that students aim to exceed the minimum requirements for elite colleges. They highlight that standardized tests can be a straightforward way to stand out, even for those with fewer resources. These flexible policies are now becoming the norm, making college admissions more accessible. As things continue to change, prospective students should stay updated and adjust their strategies to meet the new requirements.

What students should expect

As U.S. universities bring back SAT and ACT requirements, you need to adapt your application strategies. Here are some steps to help you navigate this shift:

• Prepare for the Tests: Set aside time to study thoroughly for the standardized tests required by your target schools. Consider creating a summer study schedule and seek support from expert tutors.

• Use Test Prep Resources: Take advantage of online resources, practice exams, and tutoring services. Platforms like SoFlo Tutors and Khan Academy offer comprehensive materials to help you maximize your scores.

• Understand Score Policies: Research the average SAT scores accepted by your safety and reach schools. Get familiar with each school’s score policies, including score choice options and superscoring practices, to plan your study and testing approach effectively.

• Consider Test-Optional Alternatives: If standardized testing is a challenge, explore colleges that maintain test-optional policies. For example, the University of California system remains test-blind and does not require SAT or ACT scores.

• Put Extra Effort Into Your Admissions Essays: When two students have similar test scores, the personal statement can become a deciding factor in who gets admitted. Be sure to polish your personal statement, as it could help set you apart against another candidate with the same test score as you. 

Final thoughts

With schools like Harvard, Dartmouth, Yale, and Brown bringing back SAT/ACT requirements, it’s important to stay informed and get ready for these tests. Get Admissions Accelerator’s assistance for your other university admission requirements’ needs.

Master's vs. PhD: Which Should You Choose?

Graduate degrees are becoming more popular, with 19 percent of U.S. job openings in 2018 requiring one. Jobs needing a master’s degree are expected to grow by 17 percent, and those needing a PhD by 13 percent by 2026, way above the 7 percent average for all jobs.

Choosing between a master’s and a PhD depends on what you want for your career, what your industry requires, and your personal goals. Both degrees offer advanced knowledge and expertise, but they vary in length, depth, and the opportunities they provide. Understanding these differences will help you decide which path is the best fit for your goals and dreams.

What is a master’s degree?

A master's degree is an advanced educational qualification that builds on your undergraduate studies to deepen your knowledge and enhance your professional skills. It comes in various formats, including coursework-only, fully research-focused, or a mix of both. Pursuing a master's degree can open up broader career options and potentially lead to higher starting salaries.

To enroll in a master’s program, you need to have a bachelor's degree. The curriculum includes advanced courses and seminars, and, depending on the degree type, the program may require a thesis or culminate in final projects and exams. 

What is a PhD?

A PhD, or doctor of philosophy degree, is a type of advanced degree that focuses on research and academic knowledge. It's ideal for those who want to create new knowledge through research or gain deep teaching expertise. People often pursue a PhD if they're aiming to become professors or researchers, but this degree can also open doors in nonprofits, government, and businesses.

Doctorate programs, which include professional degrees like the MD (medical doctor) and JD (juris doctor), vary in length but can take up to eight years to complete. The duration depends on several factors, such as whether you start with a master’s degree or straight from an undergraduate program and how long it takes to finish your dissertation.

PhDs and other doctoral degrees each serve unique academic and professional needs, with neither being superior to the other. Each type of degree is designed to provide thorough training and specialized knowledge for specific career paths and areas of interest.

Master’s Degree vs. PhD

Length of time required

In the United States, how long it takes to complete a graduate degree varies widely depending on the type of program, the school's requirements, and your own situation. Typically, a master’s degree takes about two years of full-time study to complete. If you're studying part-time because of other responsibilities like work or family, it might take closer to four years.

PhD programs usually start with about two years of coursework, similar to a master’s degree, followed by another three to four years of focused research. This stage of a PhD involves in-depth exploration of a particular topic, which includes publishing research findings, presenting at conferences, and finally defending your dissertation. It’s worth noting that the financial support or stipends provided may not cover the entire duration of a PhD, so having a plan for additional financial resources is important.

If you're thinking about pursuing a master's or PhD, consider how the length of the program fits with your career goals and personal life, especially for longer commitments like a PhD. The community and environment of the school are also key factors, as you'll be spending a significant amount of time there. Additionally, think about the financial impact of potentially having a limited income while you study.

Career prospects

A master's degree typically takes one to three years to complete and offers a versatile educational pathway that acts as a professional stepping-stone. There are different types of master's degrees tailored to various career goals. 

Terminal degrees, like the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) and Master of Library Science (MLS), represent the highest achievement in fields where further academic progression isn't typical, and they prepare graduates for professional careers outside academia. 

Professional master’s degrees, such as the Master of Public Health (MPH) and Master of Business Administration (MBA), provide students with practical skills and specialized knowledge needed in specific industries. 

Research master’s degrees, including the Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Science (MS), usually require a thesis and are often a gateway to doctoral studies.

In contrast, a PhD is a more research-intensive degree aimed at preparing students for academic careers and other research roles in areas like government, non-profits, and the private sector. While many PhD graduates aim for academic positions, the competitive nature of academia means many also pursue alternative careers where their advanced research skills are in demand.

Both paths demand careful planning to match your career goals, given the substantial time and effort they require. For those considering a PhD, it’s wise to investigate the career trajectories of program alumni, as job prospects can vary greatly by discipline. Although master's degrees usually take less time to complete, they still offer significant professional growth and flexibility in various fields.

Costs and future earning power

When deciding between a master's degree and a PhD, it's important to consider the costs, time commitment, and potential salary benefits. Master’s degrees often require out-of-pocket tuition, though some students receive stipends for roles like teaching or research assistants. They allow for quicker entry into the workforce, which can mean earning a salary sooner. In contrast, PhD programs often come with full funding, including tuition waivers and stipends for living expenses, in exchange for teaching or research duties.

The cost of a master's degree in the United States ranges from $30,000 to $120,000, influenced by factors such as the type of institution and the program's reputation. Meanwhile, PhD costs are generally offset by funding packages, but they come with the opportunity cost of not earning a full-time salary during this period. Students pursuing PhDs may also be eligible for fellowships that provide additional financial support.

Both degrees offer a wage premium—23 percent for master’s graduates and 26 percent for PhDs, which is a modest difference considering the additional time investment for a PhD. This suggests that while a PhD may enhance expertise and open doors to academic careers, the financial return compared to a master’s can be less pronounced, especially in fields outside of high-demand sectors like technology and business.

Ultimately, the choice between pursuing a master’s or a PhD should align with your career goals, financial situation, and personal circumstances. Universities typically provide career and salary outcome data, which can be crucial in making an informed decision. If considering a PhD, assess the commitment involved and the real-world application of the degree in your chosen field.

Application process

The application processes for master’s and PhD programs in the U.S. share some similarities but also have distinct differences tailored to the specific requirements of each degree. Both programs typically require applicants to submit an application essay, such as a personal statement or statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, a resume or CV, academic transcripts, and results from standardized tests.

For master’s programs, applicants may need to address specific essay prompts that reflect on both their academic background and personal aspirations. Letters of recommendation should come from former professors or research supervisors if the focus is on a research-intensive master’s, or from current work supervisors for professional degrees like business school. Additionally, some fields require specific tests, such as the LSAT for law school or the GRE/GMAT for business school.

PhD applications, reflecting the degree’s focus on research, require a more research-oriented submission. The statement of purpose should detail previous research experiences and outline future research plans. Recommendations should ideally be from academics who can attest to the applicant’s research potential, preferably those who hold a PhD themselves. The resume should highlight any publications, presentations, or significant research contributions.

Both types of applications might also require proof of English proficiency, such as TOEFL or IELTS scores, particularly for international students whose first language is not English. This structured approach ensures that potential candidates are evaluated fairly and are prepared for the academic rigor of their chosen programs.

Should I choose a master’s or a PhD?

Choosing between a master’s and a PhD depends on what you want to achieve in your career. Both degrees offer unique opportunities to advance. If you’re still unsure how to start writing your application to meet the school’s requirements, check out options like Admission Accelerator’s graduate school application templates to jumpstart your academic journey.

What Is a Good MCAT Score?

Are your MCAT scores good enough to get you into the medical school program of your choice? A "good" MCAT score is one that meets or exceeds the average for students admitted to your target schools. 

In this guide, we’ll explore what constitutes a good MCAT score, why it matters, and how it impacts your medical school admissions. Understanding these elements can help you gauge your readiness and plan your med school applications strategically.

The MCAT

The Medical College Admission Test®, known as the MCAT, is a key part of the medical school admissions process. It’s used by all U.S. medical schools and many in Canada to evaluate applicants. This standardized, multiple-choice, computer-based test is designed to assess your problem-solving, critical thinking, and understanding of important scientific concepts necessary for a career in medicine. Created by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the MCAT has played an essential role in medical education for over 90 years, capturing the skills and knowledge medical professionals consider vital for success in medical school and beyond.

The MCAT, updated to its present format in April 2015, consists of four sections:

1. Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems

2. Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems

3. Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior

4. Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills

This exam is offered multiple times a year from late January to September at various global locations. Scoring well on the MCAT is important—it greatly affects your medical school application by giving admissions committees a standardized way to measure your academic abilities and preparedness for the challenges of medical education.

Your MCAT score report

The score

Your raw score, based on correct answers, is converted into a scaled score. For example, getting 35 to 37 questions right might score you a 123. The total scaled score is the sum of all section scores. The average MCAT score is around 500, and scores typically range between 498 and 502 for most pre-med students.

Understanding how the MCAT is scored and structured can really help you prep better and aim for the highest score possible.

The percentile

Percentile ranks on the MCAT help you understand how your scores stack up against other test takers. These ranks show the percentage of test takers who scored the same as or lower than you. Each year on May 1st, these ranks are updated using data from the past three years. This update makes sure the percentile ranks reflect real changes in scores rather than just small fluctuations, following standard practices in the field.

For instance, if you score 509, it means you did better than 79% of the people who took the test. Percentile ranks are key for figuring out where you stand, as they're adjusted annually to provide accurate comparisons among candidates. 

Each section of the MCAT also gets a percentile rank. For example, if you score 127 in the Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems, you're doing better than 77% of your peers.

The confidence bands

Confidence bands on MCAT scores are an important tool for understanding the accuracy of your results. These bands represent an MCAT score range that indicates where your true score likely falls, as standardized tests can't measure your abilities with perfect precision. Every MCAT score report includes these confidence bands to highlight that small variations can occur due to factors like test anxiety or conditions on the test day.

For example, if you receive a total score of 501, your confidence band might range from 499 to 503. This suggests that your actual abilities might be slightly higher or lower than what your score shows. Similarly, a section score like Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) of 127 might have a confidence band of 126 to 128, indicating your true proficiency might be within this range.

The main reason for these bands is to prevent making too many small differences in scores. For instance, if one student scores 128 and another scores 126 on the CARS section, both would be within the same confidence band of 126 to 128. This method helps medical schools understand that slight score differences don't necessarily indicate big differences in abilities.

The use of confidence bands reflects the AAMC’s goal to provide medical schools with a clearer picture of an applicant’s performance, acknowledging the limits of a single test score. It ensures that admissions committees view the scores in context, rather than as absolute indicators of an applicant's potential. This system not only aids in fairer assessments but also benefits applicants by accounting for minor variations in test performance that may not truly reflect their capabilities or knowledge.

Score profile

Score profiles on the MCAT are super useful because they break down how you did in each of the four sections of the test. This detailed feedback is key for spotting both your strong points and the areas where you could use a bit more work, especially if you're thinking about taking the exam again. These profiles help you zero in on the parts you need to brush up on before your next attempt.

The four sections of the MCAT now have more questions than they used to. This not only makes the scoring more reliable but also gives you clearer insight into how well you're doing in each specific area, allowing for better comparisons.

You can pair your MCAT score profiles with your academic records, like your grades, to get a full picture of where you excel and where you might need to focus more. This comprehensive view is perfect for tailoring your study plan to the specific skills each section tests.

The best MCAT score range

"Good" MCAT scores for medical schools are typically at or above the average score of newly admitted medical students, which for the 2023–2024 application cycle was between 511 and 512, according to the AAMC. Scoring within this range—or higher—greatly improves your chances of getting into medical school. The highest possible score on the MCAT is 528, with scores ranging from 511 to 528 considered competitive.

Additionally, it's important not just to aim for a high overall score but also to ensure that you perform well across all test sections. Each section of the MCAT should ideally be 127 or higher to present a balanced, competitive profile.

Remember, "good" is a relative term when it comes to MCAT scores. What qualifies as a good score can vary depending on the medical schools you're targeting and their specific average scores. There is no official passing score for the MCAT, so understanding where your score falls within various percentile ranges and how it relates to the programs you are applying to is key. This deeper insight will help you set realistic goals and refine your application strategy.

What MCAT score medical schools are looking for 

When applying to medical school, understanding how your MCAT score and GPA affect your options for MD (Doctor of Medicine) and DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) programs is key. Here's a straightforward guide for applicants with a solid GPA (3.5 or higher):

• MCAT score of 511 or higher: Aim exclusively for MD programs.

• MCAT scores between 506–510: Consider applying to about 75% MD programs and 25% DO programs.

• MCAT scores from 500–505: A balanced approach with 25–50% MD programs and 50–75% DO programs might work well.

• MCAT scores below 500: Focus mainly on DO programs, with up to 25% of your applications going to MD programs, depending on your exact score.

Adjust these strategies based on your GPA; if it's higher (3.7+), you might lean more toward MD programs. If your GPA is below 3.4, DO programs might be more suitable. For context, the average MCAT score for students getting into DO programs is around 504.6, while it's higher for MD programs due to their generally greater competitiveness.

These recommendations should be tailored to include other factors such as your state residency, ethnicity, and any unique qualities you bring as an applicant. For example, if your MCAT score is between 506 and 509, applying to state medical schools and a mix of MD and DO programs could be a good strategy. For those scoring 514 or above, consider applying to state schools and around 25 selective MD programs.

When deciding where to apply, look beyond just scores and GPAs. Explore each school’s curriculum, teaching methods, research opportunities, and location to find the best fit for your medical education and career aspirations. Always check the latest information directly from the medical schools' websites to ensure your application plans are up-to-date.

Get the best MCAT score possible for you

While the MCAT is just one part of your application, a good score can open doors to your target medical schools. What constitutes a "good" score depends on your goals and the specific requirements of the schools you're applying to. Remember, success also hinges on other factors like letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and personal statements. 

Thinking about applying for medical school?  Admissions Accelerator offers workbooks, application trackers, and other great resources to help take the stress out of the application process. Best of luck as you take the next steps in your med school journey!

Avoid These Mistakes When Writing Your Admission Essays

For many students, writing their college application essay is one of the most daunting parts of the university admission process. Despite available guidance, students often fall into common traps that can undermine their chances of success. Issues such as handling stress poorly, choosing inappropriate topics, or over-polishing the essay to the point of losing authenticity are frequent stumbling blocks.

Understanding these mistakes can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your essay. Before you begin drafting, it's important to recognize these problems that could jeopardize your application to your dream school. Below, we’ll talk about some of the most common mistakes students make when crafting their personal statements and offer tips on how to avoid these pitfalls.

Having no depth to your essay

When writing a personal essay for U.S. college admissions, you should aim to reveal aspects of your personality and life experiences that go beyond the academic achievements listed elsewhere in your application and avoid cliche college essay topics. Simply reiterating a list of accomplishments is a bad college essay example and doesn't showcase your unique character.

Often, the most effective essays are rooted in ordinary experiences that may seem trivial at first, such as repairing a bathroom cabinet as a child. Such stories can highlight appealing qualities like determination and resourcefulness. The key to crafting a memorable essay lies in exploring these experiences below the surface to expose the deep and lasting impact they have had on your personal growth and development.

Not having a voice

When writing your college application essay, it's key to use a writing style that truly reflects who you are, just like how you come across in a real conversation. Imagine your essay as your introduction to the admissions officers, where your word choice and personal flair let them see and hear the real you, beyond your grades. Steer clear of clichés and overly polished phrases that feel like you’re just saying what they want to hear. Instead, use “I” statements to share your unique viewpoint, and pick words that show off your vocabulary naturally without seeming artificial.

Your writing should bring your personality to life as vividly as if you were chatting with the admissions officers in person. This personal touch is crucial because top colleges aren’t just looking for straight-A students—they already have plenty of those. They want to build a diverse community, and your essay is your chance to show how you'd fit into that mix. By being yourself and steering clear of generalizations, your essay will capture their attention, showcasing what makes you a unique and valuable addition to their school.

Not having original ideas

When crafting your college essay, always remember that while your experiences are deeply personal, they may not always seem original in the admissions process. Many first-generation Americans, for example, share similar stories about their heritage. These stories are significant, but they might not stand out among similar narratives. Similarly, essays about influential figures, like a hardworking grandmother, are common and often focus more on the role model than on the applicant.

Just because experiences are common doesn’t mean you have to avoid them. Your experiences may be generic on the surface, but you can make them original by providing specific, concrete details and by reflecting on your experiences, showing how they impacted you emotionally and led you to where you are today. If you’re a musician, don’t just tell us about taking the stage for a performance; put us in the moment by describing it with sensory details and revealing your inner world. How did it feel? How did it affect you and prepare you for college? The goal is to make sure your essay highlights your individuality. Admissions officers are eager to discover your unique voice and perspective, so be sure to present these elements clearly in your writing.

Not being humble enough

When writing your college application essays, it's important to balance showing off your achievements, such as top SAT scores, a high GPA, and various awards, with demonstrating humility. Acknowledge that, despite your accomplishments, there are others who excel in different areas.

Instead of merely boasting about your successes, use your essay to express gratitude and respect for those who have supported your journey—teachers, mentors, family, and friends. This recognition not only shows maturity but also signals to admissions counselors that you are prepared to positively contribute to the academic community at your prospective university.

Be mindful of your tone; focusing too much on personal triumphs can seem conceited and is is one of the bad college essay examples. Showing humility by acknowledging the contributions of others and the opportunity to learn from more talented peers at the university can significantly enhance your appeal to admissions committees.

But there’s no need to worry if you make these mistakes…

Sometimes, it's wise to acknowledge when you've given your all to writing your university admissions essays and still feel stuck. If you've reached that point, consider getting in touch with Admissions Accelerator. We have the expertise and tools to help you secure a spot at the university of your choice. Our services are designed to help you refine and perfect your college application essays, giving you the best chance to impress the admissions committees.

What to Prepare for Your College Admissions Essay

Students face massive competition every year during the university admission process. That means the college essay has become more important than ever, especially if you want to stand out among the crowd. Your essay serves as a vital tool to distinguish yourself in a pool of thousands of applicants.

A compelling essay reveals your unique personality and convictions, helping admissions committees see you as more than just grades and scores. In fact, a thoughtful essay is essential to your success. It provides a snapshot of your readiness for college and your potential to succeed beyond the classroom. Here's what you should do to ensure that your essay brings out the best in you.

How important is your college essay?

In the competitive world of U.S. college admissions, the personal essay, better known as the personal statement, can be a deciding factor that distinguishes one applicant from another.

While U.S. universities consider various parts of an application, such as GPA and recommendation letters, they face many candidates with similar academic records and test scores. This is where the personal essay comes into play. It provides a unique platform for applicants to share their individual stories, values, and goals, helping them stand out.

This factor is especially important at private and highly selective colleges, where the high number of qualified candidates makes standout personal essays crucial. Therefore, crafting a compelling and thoughtful personal essay for college can be vital in gaining admission to a top U.S. university. The problem is that many students don’t know how to write a college essay.

How long should your essay be?

Effective college essays stand out through their clarity and conciseness. When writing personal statements, students might risk losing the reader's attention with too many words. It's key for applicants to remember that they only have a few hundred words to make an impactful impression.

For example, the Common App limits essays to between 250 and 650 words. Usually, any additional essays required by this system should be around 250 words.

Similarly, essays for the Coalition Application should be between 500 and 650 words. This length constraint helps students get to the point quickly and effectively, which is essential for grabbing the attention of admissions committees at competitive U.S. colleges.

Example of Good Essay Topics

When choosing a topic for your college essay, aim for one that allows you to write clearly, openly, and powerfully. A great personal statement should help you stand out from other applicants by including engaging stories and details that create a clear image of who you are.

Be mindful when discussing tough experiences or personal challenges. Your essay should present you in the best possible light, and dwelling on negative aspects could distract from your strengths.

For some good ideas, you might look at good essay examples for college or ask your family and friends what they see as your strengths and unique traits. Their perspectives can help you pinpoint what makes you a perfect fit for your chosen major or field of study. This approach can really make your application shine.

Here are some excellent topics for college personal statements that work with Common App and other admissions methods:

1. A Defining Moment or Realization: Describe an experience that dramatically shifted your viewpoint or a belief you once held that has since changed.

2. Influential People in Your Life: Discuss a key mentor or someone whose influence has positively altered your life trajectory.

3. Aspects of Your Identity: Share a crucial part of your identity that you wish more people understood or your most admirable trait.

4. Your Greatest Passion: Explore a cause you are deeply committed to or how your passion has helped shape your identity.

5. Overcoming Challenges: Narrate how you tackled a significant obstacle or describe a creative solution you devised that had a tangible impact.

6. A Unique Hobby: Tell the story of your most cherished hobby or a lesson learned through this activity that has proved invaluable.

Curious to see some essay examples for college? Visit our products page and check out our college essay writing workbook, which includes some great sample essays. 

Tips on How to Make Your Essay Better

Be authentic

When choosing a topic for your college application essay, prioritize authenticity. U.S. college admissions committees highly value sincerity and can usually tell when applicants aren’t being genuine.

Essays that lack authenticity often use pretentious language or dwell on superficial topics, failing to offer meaningful insights about the applicant. It’s important to write in your natural voice and style, incorporating your own sense of humor if appropriate.

Ultimately, your essay should serve as a window into your personality, values, and worldview. This glimpse into who you are helps you stand out among many qualified candidates, and students should be familiar with these if they want to know how to write a college essay.

Focus on deeper themes

Many applicants believe that loading their essays with facts, figures, and descriptions of activities will impress admissions committees. However, simply listing achievements like sports victories or volunteer work doesn’t fulfill the true purpose of the college essay.

Instead of just stating that you won a soccer game, explore how that experience helped you grow personally. Did it teach you about teamwork, resilience, or leadership? And rather than just counting your hours at a soup kitchen, reflect on how that volunteering has influenced your views and motivated your academic and career ambitions. What did you learn about yourself and your role in the community?

Your essay should integrate your achievements into a story that uncovers your character and goals, offering admissions committees a compelling look at what makes you a unique and suitable candidate for their program.

Show, don’t tell

When writing your college essay, it's essential to adopt the principle of "show, don't tell." This method elevates your writing from a simple list of achievements to an engaging narrative that captures the reader’s interest.

Rather than cataloging your activities and accomplishments, focus on illustrating your experiences through vivid storytelling. Create scenes, depict interactions, and share anecdotes that reveal the emotions and insights gained from your experiences. This approach animates your personal journey, allowing admissions officers to witness the development of your character and values.

For instance, instead of just saying you were a leader, describe a specific moment when you faced a tough decision or needed to inspire your team. Let the reader experience your initial uncertainty and the fulfillment that came from overcoming challenges. This storytelling technique not only makes your essay more engaging but also highlights your personal growth and emotional depth, which are crucial qualities that admissions officers seek in prospective students.

Try doing something different

To ensure your college essay stands out, try taking a unique approach to a familiar theme or veer away from the usual admission essay format. For example, instead of focusing solely on triumphs, consider exploring the valuable lessons learned from failures. This perspective offers fresh insight and shows your resilience and ability to grow from challenges.

If you have strong writing skills, you might also consider incorporating an element of surprise. Crafting an essay that builds toward a revelation or delivers an unexpected twist in the final sentence can captivate your reader and leave a lasting impression. This strategy can make your essay more memorable, helping you stand out in the admission process.

Write with the reader in mind

When writing your college essay, your main objective is to engage the admissions committee by constructing a clear and coherent argument, where ideas seamlessly flow from one to the next.

Using effective transitions is crucial for maintaining the continuity of your essay. These links between paragraphs help ensure that your narrative progresses smoothly, which enhances readability and keeps the reader's interest.

As you refine your essay, assess whether there is any vital information missing that could further elucidate your points. At the same time, critically examine your admission essay format to remove any content that doesn't support your central theme or might detract from your main message. This approach will help you present a polished and focused essay that makes a strong impression.

To ensure your essay is impactful and effective, check for the following:

• Clarity: Does your essay present a logical and understandable argument?

• Organization: Is the structure of your essay coherent, with a clear beginning, middle, and end?

• Engagement: Does the opening sentence capture the reader's interest?

• Conclusion: Does your essay conclude with a strong and memorable statement?

• Completeness: Have you included all necessary background information to support your points?

• Conciseness: Have you avoided unnecessary verbosity to keep your essay crisp and to the point?

Addressing these considerations will help you craft a compelling and persuasive essay that stands out to U.S. university admissions committees.

Are you ready to write your college admissions essay?

Once you've gathered all the prerequisites for your college admissions essay, it's time to find a quiet corner in your room and start writing. However, many students find this step challenging. Despite their best efforts, they struggle to produce content for their essays.

This is where the Admissions Accelerator can help. We have a range of products and services that make crafting your essays easier than ever. Whether you need support with brainstorming, drafting, or final editing, we're here to lend a hand and ensure your essay stands out.