College Essay Dos and Don’ts for High-Achieving Students
You’ve spent years building your GPA, taking advanced classes, and pursuing extracurriculars — but when it comes to the college essay, even the most accomplished students can get stuck. That’s because a personal statement isn’t about proving how impressive you are. It’s about communicating something real to the people reading your file.
I’ve worked with hundreds of high-achieving students applying to selective schools, and I’ve seen the same patterns again and again — especially among Ivy League applicants. Fortunately, the strategies that actually work are just as consistent. Want to write a college essay that stands out? These five tips will help you avoid the most common pitfalls.
College Essay Tips for Writing Something That Stands Out
Want to know how to write a great college essay? These five tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and write something that truly stands out.
1. DON’T: Leave it to the last minute
It’s amazing how many students wait until a few days before the deadline to start their essays. As I often say: you’ve spent four years working on your GPA, building your extracurriculars list, and preparing for the SAT or ACT. What makes you think you can spend only a few days on your college essay?
DO: Think before you write
The hardest part of the college essay isn’t the writing — it’s coming up with a compelling idea. When you begin your essay, don’t rush straight to your laptop. Instead, take a deep breath, go for a walk, and reflect on what you’ve learned in your life so far. The time you spend thinking about your story will pay off.
2. DON’T: Read college essay examples
The whole point of the personal statement is to write something unique about yourself. If you read sample essays, not only will you get stressed, but you’ll inevitably start to imitate what others have written — and you’ll end up sounding like everyone else. Every year, people circulate essays that seem impressive, but the truth is that many of those students were already bound for top schools based on their stats alone.
DO: Talk to someone you trust about your experience
Instead of reading what other people have written, talk to someone who knows you well — a friend, a parent, a teacher, or a college essay coach. The goal isn’t to get feedback on your writing yet, but to explore your experiences out loud. This reflection is where real insight often begins.
3. DON’T: Just talk about your resume or extracurriculars
Many high-performing students make this mistake: they summarize their activities instead of telling a story. But admissions officers have already seen your activities list. The essay is your chance to go beyond it — to offer a glimpse of how you think and who you are.
DO: Read the prompt and answer the question
I’m amazed by how many students write entire essays without reading the Common App prompts. You don’t have to follow one exactly, but we don’t recommend winging it either. The prompts are there to help you reflect. Choose one, and do your best to answer it with clarity and purpose.
Here’s my guide to the Common App essay prompts, if you need help choosing one.
4. DON’T: Say what you think colleges want to hear
Students often try to guess what admissions officers want — and write to that imagined audience. A classic example: “I faced a challenge, it was hard, but it made me stronger.” When you fall into that trap, you reduce your life to a cliché. That’s exactly what you want to avoid.
DO: Be authentic about your experience
The only way to say something meaningful is to draw from something real. So write about an experience that mattered to you — and be honest about what it taught you. If you trust that your story is enough, and explain why it mattered, your essay will resonate.
5. DON’T: Underestimate the essay
The college essay is one of the most underestimated parts of the application. As I said earlier, students often assume they can write it in a few days — but that’s a mistake. The essay is evaluated just like the rest of your file. You won’t see a letter grade, but make no mistake: admissions officers are scoring your essay, whether formally or not.
DO: Revise, revise, revise
Once you’ve chosen your topic and written a first draft, your work isn’t done — it’s just beginning. The more you revise, the better your essay becomes, until eventually, you find yourself with something you’re proud to submit.
Writing a great college essay doesn’t require a dramatic story or brilliant turns of phrase — it requires honesty, thoughtfulness, and time. If you take these five dos and don’ts seriously, you’ll avoid the most common mistakes — and you’ll be ahead of most applicants. You’ll also be giving admissions officers what they’re really looking for: a glimpse of who you are beyond your resume.
If you’re still unsure how to move forward beyond these college essay tips — or you want guidance from someone who’s read hundreds of successful essays — you can learn more about working with me one-on-one.
College Essay FAQs for High-Achieving Students
I don’t recommend it. The best essays come from reflection, not imitation — and reading other people’s work can distract you or make you second-guess your voice. Talk to someone you trust instead, and start thinking through your own story.
You can, but it’s risky. Every now and then someone pulls it off, but most of the time your essay will feel rushed. Give yourself time to explore your topic and revise your work. The effort will show.
Specificity and honesty. It’s not about having a dramatic story — it’s about telling the truth about your experience, in a way that no one else could. That’s what admissions officers remember.
Yes — but don’t just write what you think you’re supposed to say. Find the part of the experience that surprised you, challenged you, or changed how you see the world. That’s where the story lives.
Important, but not everything. Admissions officers are human — they’re looking for insight, not perfection. That said, a clean, well-edited essay is easier to read and shows you care.
If you’re stuck, unsure what to write, or second-guessing yourself, it can be a game-changer to work with someone who knows what admissions officers are looking for — and who can help you tell your story clearly. If you’re thinking about it, here’s how to decide.
You’ve worked hard on everything else. Don’t leave the essay to chance.
If you’re aiming for top schools, the essay is your opportunity to rise above the crowd. I help high-achieving students craft personal statements that admissions officers actually remember.
More Resources on College Essays
Want to dive deeper into my approach? Below are some of the most-read articles I’ve written on what makes a great college essay — and how to avoid the common traps.
My approach to coaching isn’t gimmicky — it’s thoughtful, honest, and built around helping you sound like yourself (at your best).
A no-nonsense guide to what admissions officers actually value — and why generic advice about “what colleges want” often backfires.
Not sure if you need coaching? This article helps you figure out what kind of support (if any) is right for you.
Tips for writing compelling UC PIQ responses that sound like you — not like everyone else applying.
Most high-achieving students approach the college essay the wrong way. Here’s why that strategy backfires — and what to do instead.
As Seen In
