At Remitly, we recognize that living abroad is an education in itself. And if you’re applying to study in the United States, there’s a good chance you’ll need to submit a personal essay as part of your application.
Your college essay is your chance to share your personal story with admissions officers—and with the right guidance, anyone can write a compelling one. In this article, we will explain what a college admissions essay is, why it matters, and how to write one from scratch. You’ll also learn what mistakes to avoid and how to let your voice shine. So, let’s kick writer’s block to the curb and craft an essay that reflects your journey, your values, and your goals.
What is a college application essay?
A college application essay—often called a personal statement—is a short, written piece that gives admissions officers insight into who you are beyond your grades and test scores. Most U.S. colleges and universities ask for at least one personal essay as part of the application process.
If you’re applying through the Common Application (also known as the Common App), you’ll write one college personal statement that’s sent to every school you apply to on the platform. This essay must be between 250 and 650 words and respond to one of several open-ended prompts designed to help you tell your story.
The college application essay is your chance to share something meaningful about your life, like a challenge you’ve overcome, a part of your identity, or an experience that shaped your future goals. As more U.S. colleges adopt test-optional policies, your essay plays an even more important role in helping admissions teams understand your voice, values, and potential.
The seven Common App essay prompts for the 2025-2026 school year are listed below:
- Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
- The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
- Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
- Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
- Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
- Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
- Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.
What admissions officers are looking for
Where do you start when the essay prompts feel so open-ended? It helps to first understand what college admissions officers are actually looking for—that insight can guide what kind of story you choose to tell.
Authentic voice and clear storytelling
Your college essay is, first and foremost, a reflection of who you are. It should feel genuine and authentic—like a polished version of how you speak to your friends or family. Aim to write fluidly and tell a clear and meaningful story.
One way to test if your essay sounds like you is to read it out loud. While it may feel awkward, consider recording yourself and listening back. Pay attention to spots where you stumble or things that sound overly formal. How could you revise those parts to sound more natural? Many writing guides recommend experimenting with structure and tone to find what fits your voice best.
As you think about storytelling, reflect on the stories you love—whether from books, podcasts, movies, or personal conversations. What draws you in? Is it the use of dialogue, a flashback, or an emotional hook (something that grabs your attention right away)? Try weaving some of those narrative elements into your own essay to make it more engaging and reflective of your voice.
Personal growth, challenges, or lessons learned
Colleges love to see clear evidence of growth. This often means reflecting on a challenge or setback—and showing how it shaped you into who you are today. Whether it was a personal struggle, failure, or a difficult decision, what matters most is how you responded and what you learned from the experience.
Don’t shy away from tough or imperfect moments. You might assume schools don’t want to hear about the time you failed a class, broke a rule, failed to understand a new culture or language, or made a choice you later regretted. But when approached with honesty—and without trying to excuse your actions—these experiences can be some of the most powerful parts of your story.
Why you’re a good fit for the college’s values and culture
Admissions officers appreciate when you take the time to understand their school’s mission and values. Start by exploring each college’s website to gain a sense of the student community and how your goals and experiences align.
Some U.S. institutions emphasize innovation and social impact, while others may value tradition, academic exploration, or community service. Look for common themes across the schools on your list, and consider how your essay can reflect those shared values.
Step-by-step guide to writing your essay
Feeling unsure of where to begin is completely normal, but writing your college essay doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Here’s a step-by-step process to help you move from a blank page to a confident first draft.
1. Brainstorm ideas
Don’t start writing your essay straight away—take some time to brainstorm. The best college essays are focused and intentional, and 650 words can go by fast. Once you have a clear direction, the writing will come more naturally.
As you brainstorm, think about themes like identity, family, challenges, hobbies, or major turning points in your life. These are often where your most meaningful stories live, especially if you’ve grown up navigating multiple cultures or helping your family adjust to life in a new country.
Here are some questions to help spark ideas:
- What are the top 10 adjectives you’d use to define your identity?
- What makes your family unlike anyone else’s?
- How do you like to spend your free time?
- What beliefs shape how you see the world?
- What is your dream job?
- When you die, how do you want to be remembered?
- What’s a childhood story your loved ones always tell?
- Who are the top five most important people in your life that you’re not related to?
2. Write a story, not a résumé
One of the most common mistakes students make is forgetting that their essay should be engaging. Think of it like a conversation, not a formal report. Admissions officers read hundreds of essays, so a strong one stands out by telling a real story that captures their attention.Avoid repeating information already found in your application, such as your GPA, test scores, or a list of extracurriculars. Instead, focus on one specific moment, experience, or insight that reveals something new about you—something that doesn’t show up on a transcript.
A single well-told story can say more about your character and values than a list of achievements ever could.
3. Create an outline
Before you start writing away, map out a basic structure for your essay. This doesn’t need to be formal—but having a plan helps you stay focused and makes the writing process much smoother.
A strong college essay often follows this structure:
- Introduction: Open with a hook—something that draws readers in. This could be a bold statement, a surprising detail, or a short moment of dialogue.
- Body: Focus on one meaningful experience and share what happened, how it made you feel, and what you learned.
- Conclusion: Reflect on how this moment connects to who you are today and the kind of student or person you hope to become.
Even a loose outline like this gives your essay direction and purpose, especially when space is limited.
4. Write with heart and clarity
Once you have your outline, give yourself permission to write freely. Set a timer if it helps—aim for a focused, one-hour session to get your initial thoughts down. Don’t worry about being perfect; your goal is to get the story out there and on paper.
Write the way you speak, while being honest and clear. There’s no need to use fancy vocabulary or complicated phrases. Admissions are looking for your voice, not a dictionary. The best essays feel natural, personal, and emotionally real—so don’t stress if you don’t think you have a good grasp on the English language.If you’re writing about an experience shaped by your background, culture, or language—especially as an immigrant—let that shine through. It’s what makes your story uniquely yours.
5. Revise and get feedback
Your first draft is just the beginning. Once you’ve written it, take a break—and then come back and read it with fresh eyes. Check for grammar and spelling, but also ask yourself: Does this sound like me? Does the story flow clearly from beginning to end?
Reading your essay out loud is one of the best ways to catch awkward phrasing or moments that don’t feel true to your voice.
Then, get feedback. Ask a trusted teacher, counselor, mentor, or family member to read your essay and share their honest impressions. Choose someone who knows you well and will focus on helping your story come through—not someone who is just fixing your commas.
Finally, consider writing a second version. You don’t need to compare yourself to sample essays online—instead, compare two of your own ideas. You might be surprised by which one feels stronger or more natural. Sometimes, the second try is when your story emerges.
Common mistakes to avoid
As you write and revise, keep an eye out for a few common mistakes that can weaken your essay:
- Avoid clichés. Phrases like “never give up” or “actions speak louder than words” are so familiar that they don’t say anything specific about you. Instead, explain your ideas in your own words—and show what they mean through a real example from your life.
- Don’t try to guess the “right” answer. There isn’t one. College essay prompts are intentionally open-ended because schools want to hear your perspective—not what you think they want to hear. Focus on what’s true for you.
- Be specific, not overly formal. The best essays sound like real people. Use clear, everyday language that reflects how you think and speak. You don’t need to impress anyone with big words—just be yourself.
- Write it yourself. Originality matters. Many colleges, including via the Common App, use plagiarism detection tools, and policies treat copied essays seriously. Avoid using AI or hiring someone else to write it—your story is enough.
Special advice for first-gen and immigrant students
If you’re a first-generation college applicant, an immigrant, or the child of immigrants, your perspective is not just valid—it’s valuable. The experiences that shaped you, from navigating a new culture to supporting your family, can be a powerful part of your college essay.U.S. colleges often look for students who bring different viewpoints and lived experiences to campus. If your journey includes language barriers, family responsibilities, or other challenges, don’t be afraid to share them. These aren’t weaknesses—they’re strengths that show resilience, adaptability, and heart.
Let’s get writing
Your college essay isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being real. This is your chance to share who you are, where you’ve come from, and where you hope to go next. Don’t worry about sounding impressive. Focus on being honest, reflective, and proud of the journey that’s brought you here.
At Remitly, we understand that pursuing opportunities abroad takes courage, commitment, and belief in your future. Writing your college essay is part of that path—and your story matters.
So grab a notebook, write from the heart, and take that first step towards your college dreams.
FAQs
How long should my college essay be?
If you’re applying through the Common App, your personal statement should be between 250 and 650 words. Try to stay close to the upper limit—within about 50 words—so you have enough space to develop your story.
If your essay is much shorter than the word count, make sure there’s a clear reason. For instance, if you’re writing in an unconventional format (like a poem), it should still convey depth, insight, and authenticity.
Can I write about my family or immigration story?
Absolutely. Your essay can cover any topic that reflects who you are, including your family, background, or immigration journey. Just make sure it ties back to the prompt and shows what matters to you.
Should I get help editing my essay?
Yes, getting feedback is a smart move. Ask a trusted teacher, mentor, or family member to read your essay. One person who knows you well can check if it reflects your voice, and someone less familiar can tell you if it’s clear and compelling.
Avoid using AI tools or hiring someone to write it for you—colleges want to hear from you and only you.
What makes a college essay “stand out”?
A standout essay tells you a personal story with honesty and heart. It doesn’t have to be dramatic—what matters is how you see the experience. Even everyday moments can be powerful if you share them in your own voice and with clear reflection.