best college essay help books

Essay Papers Writing Online

The best books to improve your essay writing skills.

Are you looking to enhance your essay writing abilities? Whether you are a student, professional writer, or simply striving to improve your writing skills, investing in the best books on essay writing can make a significant difference.

Discover expert tips, strategies, and techniques to craft compelling and impactful essays in various genres and styles. From mastering the art of brainstorming to refining your thesis statements, these recommended books will inspire and guide you on your writing journey.

Unlock your full potential as a writer with the help of these invaluable resources.

Explore the Best Books

Ready to take your essay writing skills to the next level? Dive into our curated selection of the best books for essay writing. These invaluable resources cover a wide range of topics and techniques to help you become a masterful essay writer.

• The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White : A timeless classic that provides practical guidance on grammar, style, and composition.
• On Writing Well by William Zinsser : Learn how to craft compelling essays with clarity and precision.
• They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing by Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein : Master the art of engaging with academic sources and constructing persuasive arguments.
• Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott : Gain insights on the creative process and overcome writer’s block.
• Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg : Unleash your creativity and develop a daily writing practice to refine your skills.

Explore these essential books to enhance your essay writing abilities and stand out as a confident and articulate writer. Happy reading and happy writing!

Discover Top Writers

Looking to be inspired by some of the best writers in the world? Our collection of top writers includes renowned authors like J.K. Rowling, George Orwell, Jane Austen, and more. Dive into their works to explore different writing styles, techniques, and storytelling methods.

Find your favorite authors and study their essays to learn how they captivate readers with their words. Whether you’re a novice writer or seasoned professional, exploring the works of top writers can help enhance your own writing skills and ignite your creativity.

Discover the magic of storytelling through the eyes of these esteemed writers and unlock the secrets to crafting compelling essays. With the guidance of top writers, you’ll be able to elevate your writing to new heights and create essays that leave a lasting impact on your readers.

Enhance Your Skills

Are you looking to take your essay writing skills to the next level? Our selection of the best books for essay writing will help you enhance your writing techniques and improve your overall writing proficiency. Whether you are a student looking to boost your academic performance or a professional seeking to refine your communication skills, these books offer valuable insights and practical tips to help you become a more effective writer.

Develop Your Style: Discover how to develop a unique writing style that reflects your personality and engages your readers. Learn how to effectively use language, tone, and structure to make your writing stand out.

Master Essay Structures: Explore different essay structures and formats to enhance the organization and clarity of your writing. From persuasive essays to analytical pieces, these books provide guidelines to help you structure your arguments effectively.

Refine Your Research Skills: Improve your research skills and learn how to gather, analyze, and incorporate evidence into your essays. Enhance the credibility and depth of your writing by conducting thorough research and citing reputable sources.

Invest in your writing skills today with the best books for essay writing and see a significant improvement in your writing proficiency!

Master Your Techniques

Deep Dive into Essay Writing

Essay writing is an essential skill that can greatly enhance your academic and professional success. By mastering the art of essay writing, you can effectively communicate your ideas, opinions, and arguments in a clear and concise manner.

Here are some key tips to help you excel in essay writing:

By implementing these strategies and practicing regularly, you can enhance your essay writing skills and become a more effective communicator. Explore the best books for essay writing to further refine your techniques and unlock your full potential.

Unlock Your Creativity

Unleash your imagination and expand your creative horizons with the best books for essay writing. Dive into a world of inspiration and learn how to express your thoughts and ideas in new and innovative ways.

Discover the power of storytelling and the art of persuasion as you explore the depths of your creativity. With the guidance of expert writers and teachers, you will develop your unique voice and style that will set you apart from the rest.

• Explore different writing techniques to enhance your essays
• Learn how to structure your ideas effectively
• Find inspiration in classic and contemporary works
• Master the art of critical thinking and analysis

Whether you are a student looking to improve your academic writing or a professional seeking to enhance your communication skills, these books will help you unlock your creativity and become a more confident and persuasive writer.

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5 Essential College Writing Books for Ambitious Students

by Suzanne Davis | Aug 19, 2021 | College and Graduate School

Buying books for college is expensive.

Like me, you may have spent an hour scouring the university bookstore, looking for the best-priced used textbooks to save some money. Then maybe you hunt online for more bargain textbooks. Even if you find “gently-used books,”  those dollars add up.  So it’s tough to decide what college writing books to invest in on top of your required texts. When I put together this list of must-have books, I wanted to make this list short. 

I also aimed to pick valuable college writing books that will help you beyond one class, one semester, or even one year of your university program.  The five books that follow are ones I used as a student and again as an instructor. I use them today with my tutoring students which is why they are piled on my bookcase my desk so I can grab them quickly.  

Note: This blog post has affiliate links for each of the images of book covers. 

Now,  let’s dive into these 5 excellent writing books!

5 Essential College Writing Books

The Top College Writing Books on my Bookcase

#1 The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White

The Elements of Style provides sound advice on how to make writing clear, concise, and strong.  The focus isn’t so much on grammar as using the language and developing a writing style. The chapters cover punctuation and parts of speech, guidelines for composition, form, and writing style.

The book has a unique history.  William Strunk Jr., a Cornell University English Professor, wrote the first edition. Strunk Jr. used it for courses where one student, Elwyn Brooks White (E.B. White), read and studied it.  Years later, Macmillian Publishing asked the author E.B. White to revise and edit the book for publication.  At this time, E.B. White wrote the fifth chapter, “An Approach to Style.”  He also edited other parts of the book.  

There are other versions of The Elements of Style with other authors instead of E.B. White, but I prefer the Strunk Jr. and White editions.  Most people prefer this edition, too, since it’s the number #1 Best-Selling Grammar Reference book on Amazon.

The Elements of Style has some biases and rules that differ from other writing and grammar books. Note:  The rule about using commas in a series differs depending on what type of English you write (American English, British English, etc.) and the writing style in your genre or field.  The debate about comma rules has gone on for decades.  Here is the viewpoint of Strunk Jr.

Strunk Jr. states a writer should place a comma after every item in a series except the last item before a conjunction ( and, nor, or , ).

• Example: The ice cream came in chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and coffee flavors .  Many writers follow this rule. 

Other writers (like me) use what is called the Oxford Comma .  An Oxford Comma is where you put a comma after every item in a list.

• Example: The ice cream came in chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and coffee flavors.

The comma controversy is one example, but there are other writing style issues writers debate too. However, even if you disagree with some of the authors’ views and advice, you should read the book and absorb the knowledge.  After all, E.B. White wrote the children’s classic Charlotte’s Web.  

Here is the link to purchase  Strunk and White’s The Elements of Style   on Amazon.

#2 Woe Is I: The Grammarphobe’s Guide to Better English in Plain English by Patricia T.O’Conner

I first read Woe is I when I was tutoring an academic writing course at Skidmore College.  I was always looking for a grammar book that was easy to understand and entertaining–this book is it.  O’Connor writes about grammar as one who deals with professional writing, which as a former New York Times Book Review editor, she did. 

This book will ease your fears of grammar.  It’s helpful as a reference because it covers punctuation, parts of speech, and aspects of writing style like clichés.  You’ll also find a handy list of contractions you can print and a list of contractions you should never use in writing like: Could’ve, How’d, That’d , etc. 

Note : When purchasing a grammar book of any kind, make sure you purchase the latest edition of it.  Grammar is a living, breathing thing that changes.  If you purchase Woe is I: Ther Grammarphobe’s Guide to Better English in Plain English, buy the (2019) fourth edition. 

Also, keep in mind this book applies to American English; other versions of English (Australian, British, Canadian) have slightly different rules.

#3 Your Subject Area’s Style and Reference Guide

Yes, websites like the Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) cover many elements of APA, Chicago Style, and MLA.  And there are citation programs like Chegg’s citation machine where you can add source information, and those programs give you the correct citation and reference format.  

But, those resources and tools do not include everything you need to know about your field’s reference style.

You’ll find that information about writing style (special rules for hyphens, when to use italics, translating a title from one language to another) is hard to find online. 

If you have your field’s reference and style handbook, you can answer those questions in a few minutes and have a clear explanation about those rules.

You’ll also learn about writing style and formatting in a reference book.  The most common reference style in English 101 classes is MLA. The English, languages, literature, history, and other humanities use MLA reference style.

However, many fields like business, technology, and the sciences use The American Psychological Association (APA) Reference Style.

Here’s a list of the most common reference style guides you can find on Amazon:

• T he MLA Handbook Ninth Edition by the Modern Language Association of America. 
• The Publication Manual for the American Psychological Association (APA) Seventh Edition by the American Psychological Association
• The Chicago Manual of Style Seventeenth Edition

#4 They Say, I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing by Gerald Graff and Kathy Birkenstein

You’ll learn different ways to quote, summarize,  disagree with another scholar, and connect ideas.  It is excellent for people new to academic language and writing and will help you write words and phrases in almost every aspect of writing.  

There are lists of verbs for different ways of summarizing and quoting to help you decide how to introduce another person’s point of view. They have verbs for:

• Making a claim
• Expressing Agreement
• Questioning of Disagreeing
• Making Recommendations (Graff and Birkenstein 40-41).

The problem some people have with the book is that it includes templates for different skills. The writer in me agrees that this book can cause “template writing.”   Yet, for my students who were unsure what phrases to use in Academic English, these templates helped them.  However, the templates don’t foster original writing.  It’s ideal for some students who need to learn more academic language.  

If you are familiar with the academic language, you may want to skim the chapters and avoid the templates.   

# 5 Writing Down The Bones: Freeing the Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg

No, an academic writing book.  Yes, Natalie Goldberg focuses on the process of writing and activities to help readers become “writers.”  It’s not about grammar, references, or academic language. 

So, why did it make my list of college writing books?

Goldberg’s book is a classic writing book from a time when people used typewriters instead of computers. But as it was then and still is now, Writing Down The Bones is like a mini writing class from a fantastic (and cool) teacher.  You’ll learn how to make your writing concrete, clear and striking.  The chapters cover the habits and practice of writing, writing topics, and how to add detail to your writing.

One of the best things I learned from this book was freewriting.  Freewriting is where you write whatever is on your mind for a set amount of time without censoring it, changing it, or correcting it.  I do this with all my students because those who freewrite 3-5 times per week become better writers (and academic writers) faster than those who don’t or won’t do it. 

Read and use Writing Down the Bones to develop your writing skills—just gloss over the references about smoking.  Learn more about Natalie Goldberg and this book at https://nataliegoldberg.com/books/writing-down-the-bones/.

  If you want to learn about one of the best writing activities in Writin g Down The Bones check out my blog post, “Three Fabulous Freewriting Techniques for the Uninspired Writer.”  https://www.academicwritingsuccess.com/3-fabulous-freewriting-techniques/

Which College Writing Books Should You Get?

I understand how expensive textbooks are. Your textbooks can cost around $200 dollars a semester. So can you forego these writing books?   The truth is sloppy and shoddy writing costs you.  It costs you good grades.  Invest in learning how to write well through classes, books, resources, and tools. 

Each of these college writing books helps you become a better writer.  But, if you cannot afford all 5, start with the first 3 books: The Elements of Style, Woe is I: The Grammarphobe’s Guide to Better English in Plain English,  and your major’s reference style handbook.   

Add Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within after that, and if you struggle with academic language, definitely buy  They Say, I Say: The Moves that Matter in Academic Writing.  Don’t just rely on websites to answer your writing questions, use books! They are the most credible references you can have at your fingertips. 

Which college writing books will you read? Please comment and share your favorite ones!

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Ultimate Guide to Writing Your College Essay

Tips for writing an effective college essay.

College admissions essays are an important part of your college application and gives you the chance to show colleges and universities your character and experiences. This guide will give you tips to write an effective college essay.

Want free help with your college essay?

UPchieve connects you with knowledgeable and friendly college advisors—online, 24/7, and completely free. Get 1:1 help brainstorming topics, outlining your essay, revising a draft, or editing grammar.

Writing a strong college admissions essay

Learn about the elements of a solid admissions essay.

Avoiding common admissions essay mistakes

Learn some of the most common mistakes made on college essays

Brainstorming tips for your college essay

Stuck on what to write your college essay about? Here are some exercises to help you get started.

How formal should the tone of your college essay be?

Learn how formal your college essay should be and get tips on how to bring out your natural voice.

Taking your college essay to the next level

Hear an admissions expert discuss the appropriate level of depth necessary in your college essay.

Student Stories

Student Story: Admissions essay about a formative experience

Get the perspective of a current college student on how he approached the admissions essay.

Student Story: Admissions essay about personal identity

Get the perspective of a current college student on how she approached the admissions essay.

Student Story: Admissions essay about community impact

Student story: admissions essay about a past mistake, how to write a college application essay, tips for writing an effective application essay, sample college essay 1 with feedback, sample college essay 2 with feedback.

This content is licensed by Khan Academy and is available for free at www.khanacademy.org.

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5 Tips for Writing a College Essay

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The Common App to apply to PLU is officially open for the Class of 2025—so it’s time to start thinking about your college essay. Your essay is your moment to show colleges what makes you unique. Ready to get started? Here are five tips to help you write a standout college essay that truly reflects who you are. Let’s dive in!

Be Yourself

Colleges want to know you , not just your grades. Share your story in a way that’s authentic and true to who you are. Whether it’s a unique hobby or a personal challenge, let your personality shine through.

Show, Don’t Tell

Instead of saying “I’m a hard worker,” share a story that shows how you’ve worked hard. Use specific examples and details to paint a picture of your experiences. Even if you’re writing about a tough experience, focus on how you’ve grown or what you’ve learned. End on a high note—show how you’ve turned challenges into opportunities.

Don’t write what you think admissions officers want to hear. Write what matters to you. Authenticity is way more impressive than trying to fit a mold. Don’t feel like one prompt is better than another. Choose the writing prompt that you connect with. FYI, some essay topics are overdone (like sports victories or mission trips). If you choose one of these, make sure you bring a fresh perspective or unique angle.

Revise, Revise, Revise

Your first draft isn’t your final draft. After writing, step away from your essay for a bit, then come back with fresh eyes. Edit for clarity, grammar, and impact. Get feedback from someone you trust. Also, typos happen, but too many can distract from your message. Proofread carefully, but don’t obsess over perfection. Your voice and story are what matter most.

Be Proud of Your Work

Once you’ve put in the effort, be proud of what you’ve created. Your essay is a reflection of you—own it with confidence!

With these tips, you’ll be ready to craft an essay that truly represents who you are. Good luck, and remember, you’ve got this!

160 College Essay Topic Ideas for an Outstanding Paper

Writing a standout college essay can be one of the most important aspects of your college application.  However, selecting the right topic can often be a daunting task. With countless possibilities, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of  160 best college essay topic ideas  to inspire your writing.

Then, with an essay topic idea, just start your writing. You can check our ChatGPT Prompts for Essay Writing for more writing tips with the help of AI writing tool .

Also read: Top 10 Research Topics for Students [2024 Ultimate Guide]

Table of Contents

How to Pick the Perfect College Essay Topic

• Reflect on Personal Growth : Choose a topic that highlights a significant personal experience that showcases your development and resilience. Consider challenges you’ve overcome and the lessons learned.
• Identify Passion and Values : Write about a subject that genuinely interests you or reflects your core values. This can be an issue you are passionate about, a unique hobby, or a defining moment that illustrates who you are.
• Seek Uniqueness : Consider less conventional topics that may not be commonly explored by other applicants. This could be an unusual interest or a distinctive family tradition that provides insight into your character.
• Consider Future Aspirations : Connect your topic to your future goals. An essay that explains how your experiences align with your intended field of study can demonstrate motivation and clarity.
• Ensure Authenticity : Above all, select a topic that feels true to who you are. Authenticity resonates deeply with admissions committees and can make your essay more impactful.

By focusing on these elements, you can choose a compelling essay topic that effectively communicates your unique story and qualifications to college admissions officers.

Funny College Essay Topic Ideas

• My Most Epic Fail: Why I Should Never Attempt DIY Projects
• Confessions of a Caffeine Addict: A Day in the Life of My Coffee Dependence
• How I Accidentally Joined a Cult (Sort of)
• Lessons Learned from My Cat: The True Master of Napping
• The Day I Tried to Be Cool and Ended Up in a Tree
• Why I Should Have Listened to My GPS (And Other Tech Disasters)
• My Journey to Becoming a (Terrible) Influencer
• The Great Sibling Showdown: Who Can Make Mom Laugh More?
• My Attempt at Going Vegan: The Hilarious Results
• The Worst Date Ever: A Comedy of Errors
• Why My Family Should Be on Reality TV: A Series of Unfortunate Events
• A Love Letter to My Favorite Sweatpants
• Why I Will Never Be an Instagram Model (And What I Learned)
• The Day I Became the Family Chef (And Why We’re Back to Takeout)
• Lessons from Losing a Monopoly Game: A Study in Betrayal
• How I Accidentally Ruined Thanksgiving Dinner
• The Time I Tried to Help My Friend Move and Ended Up in the Hospital
• My Life as a Professional Napper: The Untold Story
• The Misadventures of My Last Haircut: A Comedy of Errors
• Why I Will Never Make a TikTok Dance Video Again

Argumentative College Essay Topic Ideas

• The role of government in regulating internet content.
• Should higher education be a right or a privilege?
• The ethical implications of gene editing in humans.
• Are standardized tests an accurate measure of student intelligence?
• The impact of social media on youth and society.
• Should college athletes be paid for playing sports?
• The viability of a four-day workweek.
• Is a gap year beneficial before starting college?
• The influence of advertising on consumer behavior.
• Privacy vs. security: How much surveillance is too much?

Persuasive College Essay Topic Ideas

• The importance of arts education in schools.
• Why volunteering should be part of the college curriculum.
• The benefits of bilingual education.
• The necessity of making public transport free.
• Why we must invest in renewable energy sources.
• The case for banning single-use plastics.
• Should voting be mandatory?
• The importance of preserving historical monuments.
• Why we need stricter regulations on animal testing.
• The need for more progressive tax systems.

Compare and Contrast College Essay Topic Ideas

• Living on campus vs. commuting: Which is better for college students?
• Online classes vs. traditional classes: A comparison of effectiveness.
• The pros and cons of private vs. public universities.
• Western vs. Eastern philosophies of education.
• Fast food vs. home-cooked meals: Implications on health.
• Traditional vs. alternative medicine: A comparative study.
• The leadership styles of two prominent figures in history.
• Book adaptations: When the book or the movie is better?
• Comparing two different approaches to environmental conservation.
• The impact of different parenting styles on child development.

Cause and Effect College Essay Topic Ideas

• The effects of social networking sites on communication.
• How does consumerism affect the global economy?
• The impact of college debt on future life choices of students.
• The effects of global warming on polar ice caps.
• The causes and effects of insomnia during exam periods.
• How does stress affect health and well-being?
• The influence of diet on cognitive functions.
• The effects of music on mood and productivity.
• The impact of technology on the job market.
• Causes and effects of cultural appropriation.

Creative College Essay Topic Ideas

• Imagine a day in the life of your favorite book character.
• If you could invent something, what would it be and why?
• The adventures of living in a parallel universe.
• Writing a eulogy for a historical villain.
• A world without smartphones: Chaos or calm?
• If you could converse with an artist from the past, who would it be?
• The experience of time travel to your most and least favorite historical periods.
• What if you were the president for a week?
• If animals could form their own society, how would it look?
• A letter to a future generation about life in the 21st century.
• A conversation with yourself from the past.
• What would life be like on a rogue planet?
• If you were an ancient conqueror.
• A children’s fairy tale.
• What if there is no money in the world?
• A new perspective on a famous story.
• If you lived in another era.
• What are animals thinking?
• A perfect world as you see it.
• A horror story in the style of Kafka.

College Essay Topic Ideas about Life Goals

• How your career goals have evolved over time.
• The influence of a family business on your professional aspirations.
• The importance of role models in shaping your future ambitions.
• A major life goal and the steps you’re taking to achieve it.
• How overcoming a significant challenge has refocused your life goals.
• The impact of travel on your personal and professional objectives.
• The importance of lifelong learning in your career path.
• The role of mentorship in achieving success.
• How do you plan to give back to your community in your future career?
• The pursuit of happiness: Defining and achieving your life’s goals.

Informative College Essay Topic Ideas

• The history and impact of the feminist movement.
• The process of neural network development in artificial intelligence.
• Exploring the causes of economic recessions.
• The role of genetics in determining personality.
• The significance of the Green Revolution in agriculture.
• The evolution of space exploration technology.
• The impact of colonialism on modern-day global relations.
• The fundamentals of quantum computing.
• Understanding the human impact on ocean life.
• The rise of virtual reality and its potential applications.
• What your hometown is like.
• What you dislike about the Internet.
• If emotions were personified.
• How you experience art.
• Holiday season and nostalgia.
• Your personal teaching experience.
• How regular workout makes you feel.
• The impact of music on your body.
• National holidays in different countries.
• Traditions you observed around the world.

Read also: 350 Expository Essay Topics & Tips for Academic Success

Research College Essay Topic Ideas

• Analyzing the efficacy of the current educational model in fostering innovation.
• The role of social media influencers in shaping youth culture.
• The effects of urbanization on biodiversity.
• The relationship between mental health and modern work culture.
• The impact of cryptocurrencies on global finance.
• The evolution of gender roles over the past century.
• The influence of climate change policies on international relations.
• The effects of diet trends on public health.
• The future of genetic engineering in medicine.
• The role of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of employment.

Narrative College Essay Topic Ideas

• The moment you overcame a profound fear.
• An encounter that changed your perspective on life.
• The experience of losing something or someone important.
• A moment of failure that turned into a lesson of success.
• Your first day at college and how it met your expectations.
• A journey that was more than just travel.
• A significant memory that defines your childhood.
• The challenge of adapting to a new culture.
• An act of kindness that left a lasting impact on you.
• A situation where you had to stand up for what you believed in.
• The life of Socrates.
• Nero and the Roman Empire.
• Everyday life of Puritans.
• Events of Mexican-American War.
• Life during the Great Depression.
• Women in Trojan War.
• The start of the Nuclear Age.
• Heroes of the Space Race.
• Pearl Harbor through the eyes of a witness.
• The fall of the Sumer civilization.

Personal College Essay Topic Ideas

• Your perfect date.
• Settling an argument.
• What’s usually in your bag.
• Your most memorable purchase.
• What your upbringing was like.
• One quote that inspired you the most.
• What you do to make the world better.
• Where you want to spend your life.
• When the effort was worth the result.
• An unusual feeling you’ve experienced.
• How has a book or movie influenced your understanding of the world?
• The role of a particular extracurricular activity in shaping who you are.
• A personal philosophy or mantra that guides your life.
• The journey of self-discovery during your teenage years.
• Overcoming a personal struggle to achieve a goal.
• A cultural tradition that holds significant meaning for you.
• The impact of a mentor or teacher on your life.
• A pivotal moment of realization about your identity.
• How do you cope with stress and maintain mental well-being?
• The importance of a work-life balance in your personal vision.

Topics for Different College Essay Types

Below you’ll find writing prompts for problem solution, cause and effect, and definition essays. There’s also a section with personal statement essay topics. Check them out!

• In a problem-solution essay , you need to introduce an issue and suggest several ways to fight it. Usually, each body paragraph describes a different solution. This essay aims to convince the audience that these scenarios are the best ways to eliminate the problem.
• In a cause and effect essay , you need to discuss a problem, its reasons, and possible consequences. It’s better to pay attention to topics that involve multiple studies of the issue
• In a definition essay , you need to explain a term, concept, or idea. Sometimes a definition is only a part of a more extensive research paper. It’s crucial to study the topic from different perspectives to provide an extended definition. Before you start working on your essay, make sure that the meaning of the word you’ve chosen is not too simple.
• In a personal statement , you write about yourself. Writing a personal statement or a transfer essay is crucial when applying to college. How do you make it a winning paper? Read our thesis statement guide .

Steps to Write a College Essay

Writing a college essay can be a rewarding yet challenging endeavor. Here’s a structured approach to help you craft a compelling essay:

Understand the Promp t

• Carefully read the essay prompt and make sure you understand what is being asked.
• Highlight keywords and themes that you need to address.

Brainstorm Ideas

• Reflect on your experiences, values, and interests that relate to the prompt.
• Jot down stories or moments that illustrate your perspective and character.

Create an Outline

Organize your thoughts into an outline. A typical structure includes:

• Introduction : Hook the reader with an engaging opening that introduces your main theme or story.
• Body Paragraphs : Develop your narrative or argument, incorporating specific examples and reflections.
• Conclusion : Summarize your main points and reflect on their significance. Consider how this ties to your future aspirations.

Write a Strong Introduction

• Start with a compelling hook—an intriguing question, a striking fact, or a vivid anecdote.
• Set the tone for the essay and introduce the main topic.

Develop Body Paragraphs

• Use clear and concise language. Each paragraph should focus on a specific idea or experience.
• Provide concrete examples that illustrate your points.

Craft a Thoughtful Conclusion

• Reinforce your main message.
• Discuss the importance of your experiences and how they relate to your future goals.
• Leave the reader with a lasting impression.

Revise and Edit

• After completing your draft, take a break before revising. Look for clarity, coherence, and conciseness. Ensure your voice remains authentic.
• Check for grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors.

Seek Feedback

• Share your essay with trusted peers, teachers, or mentors.
• Constructive feedback can help you refine your essay.

Tips for Success

• Be authentic: Write in your voice and stay true to your experiences.
• Keep the audience in mind: Tailor your content to the values and expectations of the college you’re applying to.
• Stay within word limits: Be concise, and choose your words carefully.

By following these steps, you can write a reflective and engaging college essay that showcases your personality and sets you apart in the admissions process.

Choosing the right topic for your college essay is crucial for presenting your authentic self to admissions committees. With 160 best college essay topic ideas , you now have a wealth of options at your fingertips, ranging from lighthearted reflections to profound personal insights.

With the help of our AI writing tool , you can streamline the writing process and craft a standout college essay with confidence.

A good subject for a college essay is one that reflects your unique experiences, values, and personality while addressing the specific prompts provided by institutions. Consider writing about a significant personal challenge you overcame, as this can demonstrate resilience and growth. Reflecting on a transformative experience, whether it relates to a hobby, travel, or a pivotal moment in your life, can also provide depth and insight into your character.

Reflect on your experiences, values, and interests that relate to the prompt. Jot down stories or moments that illustrate your perspective and character.

Some of the most common college essay topics include: Overcoming Challenges : Discussing personal obstacles and how they shaped you. Personal Growth : Reflecting on significant experiences that influenced your development. A Meaningful Accomplishment : Writing about achievements that matter to you. Passions and Interests : Sharing hobbies or activities that define your identity. Influential People : Describing someone who has greatly impacted your life. Cultural Background : Exploring how your heritage has shaped your perspective. Future Goals : Outlining your aspirations and how college fits into your plans. These topics allow applicants to showcase their individuality and experiences.

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College Admission and Essay Essentials Book Set: College Application Resources for Teens Paperback – September 29, 2020

You can get into the perfect school! Let the College Essay Guy take the stress out of writing your college admission essay and give you direction on every part of the admissions process.

College Essay Essentials Packed with brainstorming activities, college personal statement samples and more, this book provides a clear, stress-free roadmap to writing your best admission essay.

Writing a college admission essay doesn't have to be stressful. College counselor Ethan Sawyer (aka The College Essay Guy) will show you that there are only four (really, four!) types of college admission essays. And all you have to do to figure out which type is best for you is answer two simple questions:

• Have you experienced significant challenges in your life?
• Do you know what you want to be or do in the future?

With these questions providing the building blocks for your essay, Sawyer guides you through the rest of the process, from choosing a structure to revising your essay, and answers the big questions that have probably been keeping you up at night: How do I brag in a way that doesn't sound like bragging? and How do I make my essay, like, deep?

College Essay Essentials will help you with:

• The best brainstorming exercises
• Choosing an essay structure
• The all-important editing and revisions
• Exercises and tools to help you get started or get unstuck
• College admission essay examples

Inside College Admission Essentials you'll find: - Advice and insight from a team of counselors, advisors, and deans of admission - Interactive exercises that quickly and easily provide the best content for your application - Access to a massive database of online resources, including organizational tools and in-depth guides - Guidance for veterans, students with learning differences, LGBTQ+ students, students interested in women's colleges or HBCUs, and more

Ethan Sawyer (the College Essay Guy), along with dozens of top admission experts, will help you stand out by showing colleges and universities how your values and your drive will change you, your alma mater, and the world.

Packed with tips, tricks, exercises, and sample essays from real students who got into their dream schools, College Essay Essentials is the only college essay guide to make this complicated process logical, simple, and (dare we say it?) a little bit fun. And College Admission Essentials will walk you through every step of the process of getting into your top picks. The perfect companion to The Fiske Guide To Colleges 2020/2021 . For high school counselors and college admission coaches, this is an essential book to help walk your students through writing a stellar, authentic college essay.

• Language English
• Publisher Sourcebooks
• Publication date September 29, 2020
• Dimensions 6 x 1.5 x 9 inches
• ISBN-10 172824000X
• ISBN-13 978-1728240008
• See all details

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About the author, product details.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Sourcebooks (September 29, 2020)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 172824000X
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1728240008
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.8 pounds
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1.5 x 9 inches
• #14 in Teen & Young Adult College Entrance Aids
• #187 in College Guides (Books)
• #263 in College Entrance Test Guides (Books)

About the author

Ethan sawyer.

Ethan Sawyer is a nationally recognized college essay expert and sought-after speaker. Each year he helps thousands of students and counselors through his online courses, workshops, articles, and books, and works privately with a small number of students.

Raised in Spain, Ecuador, and Colombia, Ethan has studied at seventeen different schools and has worked as a teacher, curriculum writer, voice actor, motivational speaker, community organizer, and truck driver. He is a certified Myers-Briggs® specialist, and his type (ENFJ) will tell you that he will show up on time, that he'll be excited to meet you, and that, more than anything, he is committed to—and an expert in—helping you realize your potential.

A graduate of Northwestern University, Ethan holds an MFA from UC Irvine and two counseling certificates. He lives in Los Angeles with his beautiful wife and their amazing daughter.

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