How to Write a College Admission (Common App) Essay

It's essay season! I love this time of year because I learn so much about the future freshman class, class of 2026. Senior year of high school has begun for most students and if not, I know Labor Day is the unofficial end of summer. Labor Day also signals of period of pressure, stress and anxiety. However, it doesn't have to be that! Here are a few tips on writing Common App (or any admission essay):

Start with Reflection, Not Writing

Before you type a single word, spend time thinking. What experiences shaped you? What challenges helped you grow? What passions or values drive you? The best essays come from genuine reflection, not from trying to guess what admissions officers “want to hear.”

Tiff's tip: Jot down moments—big or small—that reveal your character. Sometimes an everyday story or growth experience says more about you than a grand achievement.

Focus on One Story

It’s tempting to list everything you’ve done, but the essay isn’t a résumé. Instead, pick a single story, event, or theme that shows growth, perspective, or resilience. By zooming in, you’ll give admissions officers a clear, memorable picture of who you are.

Show, Don’t Tell

Saying “I’m a hard worker” isn’t nearly as powerful as describing the nights you stayed up fixing a robotics design or the weekends you spent tutoring your little brother. Use specific details, dialogue, and sensory language to bring your story to life.

Keep Your Voice Authentic

Admissions officers read thousands of essays—they know when something sounds overly polished or written by someone else. Write the way you speak (but with cleaner grammar). Humor is fine if it’s natural, but avoid forcing it. The goal is to sound like you, not like a textbook or a thesaurus. Authenticity is personal and sometimes that challenging because it makes us vulnerable - that's exactly what essays should be!

Make It About Growth

The best essays aren’t about the obstacle itself, instead, the essay is about how you responded to it. Colleges want to see your capacity to reflect, adapt, and grow. Whether you’re writing about a failure, a success, or a quirky hobby, always connect it back to what it taught you or how it shaped you.

Edit Ruthlessly

First drafts are meant to be messy. Don’t be afraid to cut sentences, reorder paragraphs, or completely rewrite sections. Read your essay out loud to catch awkward phrasing, and ask someone you trust to give feedback. But remember—don’t let too many voices water down your writing!

Keep the Word Count in Mind

The Common App essay has a 650-word limit, but shorter isn’t necessarily weaker. Aim for clarity and impact, not length. Every sentence should serve a purpose. Avoid filler words like "that." If in doubt, read the sentence without the word and delete.

Final Thought

Your Common App/ college admission essay doesn’t need to be the story of your entire life. It just needs to reveal something meaningful about you so the admissions officers have a more well-rounded view of who you are - not just grades and accolades on a page! Be thoughtful, be specific, and most importantly—be yourself.

If you need assistance with your Common App or scholarship essays, please reach out here. I have a couple of openings in October to assist in essay reviews.

Are you ready??? College admissions season is in full swing...

In the upcoming weeks, many high school seniors will return to the classroom. Others return to school after Labor Day. With the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and test-optional requirements, a high GPA and solid test scores are no longer enough to guarantee admission into top schools—or even the right-fit schools.

As acceptance rates drop and competition increases, families are realizing they need more than academic credentials to help their student stand out. Volunteering in the community, serving on club or school governance, participating in athletics and many other activities not only help our next generation grow, these activities build well-rounded freshmen on college campuses.

I recently read Beyond the GPA: How to Give Your Student an Edge with College Admissions (2023) by Susie Watts and cannot recommend enough! For my rising senior families, snag a copy to peruse while your student is pulling application materials together.

The College Admission Essay

🧠 Strategic Insights - College admissions offices read thousands of applications. Watts reinforces what myself and other consultants saw with last year's admissions: essays need to be personal. Your main essay needs to tell a cohesive, compelling story about strengths, passions, and character, not in that order and definitely not all about academic achievements.

Authenticity Over AI

About one-third of applicants used generative AI (e.g. ChatGPT) on their essays in 2023–24. Speaking from first-hand experience reading essays, AI‑assisted essays are not authentic. They often feel sterile, overly generic, and lacking real identity.

• Be aware that admissions officers are increasingly scrutinizing essays, reviewing portfolios of past student writing with teacher feedback, and may require video/audio submissions to verify true voice. *Note: I have not experienced the latter, however, I'm certain this is coming...

• There are some ethical AI uses that ARE acceptable. Consider using ChatGPT or Co-Pilot for brainstorming, outlining, or proofreading; however, your written content should come directly from your own experience and using personal experience and reflection.

🌱 Holistic Admissions Approach - The majority of schools are looking beyond grades and test scores; colleges want to know who your student is. From extracurriculars and leadership roles to community service and character, present a well-rounded picture of your student for the team reviewing applications.

🎯 Test-Optional - Most U.S. colleges (80%+) were still test‑optional or test‑blind for the Fall 2025 cycle

At least ~2,015 institutions are test‑optional and another 85+ are test‑free, meaning they do not consider scores at all

• Nearly two-thirds have made test‑optional policies permanent, while many others remain optional through 2025 or longer

Check your school's website to verify admission requirements, speak to an admissions rep or high school counselor...OR, send me a message and I am happy to check for you!

Final Thoughts?

Start writing early! The sooner you have a draft and final copy written, the more relaxed you'll feel about sending applications in early. I am highly recommending early submissions to snag any early admits. With all of the uncertainty surrounding federal funding, Department of Education guidelines and state funding...get those apps in early to receive your finanicial package. Then, you'll have plenty of time to compare offers.

Need help with your college essays or navigating the admissions process? Please contact me! I am booking appointments for September and October 2025 to assist with graduating seniors and rising juniors (class of 2027).

🎓 What Parents Should Know About the Upcoming College Application Year (2025–2026)

As the 2025–2026 college admissions cycle begins, many families are already feeling the pressure. For parents of rising high school seniors, this is a pivotal year—and understanding the changing landscape of college applications is key to helping your student succeed without being overwhelmed.

Here’s a breakdown of what parents need to know to stay informed, organized, and supportive throughout this process.

🗓️ Important Dates and Deadlines

Mark your calendars—these milestones matter:

• Common App Opens: August 1, 2025

• FAFSA Opens: Expected in October 2025 (official date still pending)

• Early Action/Early Decision Deadlines: October–November 2025

• Regular Decision Deadlines: January 1–15, 2026

• Financial Aid Priority Deadlines: Usually between December 2025 and February 2026

• College Decision Day: May 1, 2026

Tip: Start gathering documents (transcripts, test scores, letters of recommend, and tax returns) early so you’re not scrambling when deadlines hit.

🧪 The SAT/ACT Landscape Is Still Shifting

Test-optional policies remain widespread, but the trend may be reversing at selective institutions. Schools like MIT and Dartmouth have reinstated testing requirements, citing predictive value in student success.

What this means for your student:

• Don’t assume tests aren’t needed. Check every college’s policy.

• Encourage testing in summer or early fall of senior year (if not already done).

• Consider superscoring policies, which let colleges use the best section scores from multiple test dates.

  
  

🧾 FAFSA Changes: What You Should Know

Last year’s FAFSA overhaul brought new terminology and unexpected delays. The updated Student Aid Index (SAI) replaces the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), and families now submit fewer questions—but must link IRS data directly.

For 2025:

• FAFSA is expected in October, but stay alert—delays could return and there are significant changes expected at the Department of Education.

• Use colleges’ Net Price Calculators to estimate costs early.

• Stay in touch with financial aid offices as preferred institutions - they are on the front lines of navigating federal and state funding and they want your student....

  
  

✍️ Essays in the Age of AI

With ChatGPT and other AI tools widely available, colleges are looking for authentic student voices more than ever. Many institutions are adding questions or using software to flag AI-generated content.

Encourage your student to:

• Start early and write their own drafts

• Reflect deeply on personal experiences and growth

• Use AI only for brainstorming—not full writing

• Present a personal perspective

📊 The Application Boom Continues

Application numbers are up nationwide, which makes it harder to predict outcomes, but that doesn’t mean your student is out of luck. Applications are also up for scholarships which private options are dwindling. Start early, apply to everything even remotely related to preferred school, program or degree.

• Build a balanced college list with reach, match, and likely options

• Focus on fit, not just rankings

• Highlight unique strengths in essays and activities

• Keep an eye on "free application opportunities" and apply to as many schools as you are likely to attend - you never know how financial aid packages will shake out

  
  

💰 Financial Planning Tips for Families

College affordability is often the biggest concern.

Be proactive:

• Discuss budget and financial boundaries before applications are sent

• Research merit scholarships, which often require separate applications - institutional money will likely require a FAFSA on file!

• Submit FAFSA + CSS Profile (if required) early to maximize aid opportunities

Some schools award aid on a first-come, first-served basis—so time matters.

✅ A Parent’s Checklist for the Year Ahead

Here’s how to stay supportive without taking over:

• Track application deadlines using a shared calendar

• Support test prep or test-free strategy, based on college list

• Review financial documents in advance of FAFSA season

• Visit campuses (in-person or virtually)

• Encourage independence—this is your student’s journey

• Stay grounded—college is just the beginning, not the end goal

Can I help with your essays and applications? Feel free to reach out for a consult - August is nearly here and booked!