Many students get stuck when starting their college essays, convinced their lives are too “boring” or lacking in dramatic experiences to be worth reading about.
But college essays aren’t about trauma—they’re about insight.
Admissions officers seek understanding of the person—perspective, motivations, and the meaning of one’s experience. And those experiences don’t need to be earth-shattering. In fact, the most ordinary moments—like cooking with your parents or learning to be okay with making mistakes—can be meaningful when told with candor and self-awareness.
Thus, students can, but don’t have to share personal tragedy to write a compelling essay. The choice is entirely up to the student. Discovering one’s own voice during the writing process, then students produce a distinguishing essay, which any admissions readers can understand.
So if stuck, try asking:
“What’s a moment I keep coming back to—and why does it matter to me?”
Or just start writing—venting, ranting, rambling—about being stuck. (That alone can spark an honest, powerful story. I’ve seen it happen.)
Start where you are. Give yourself permission to write messy, “terrible” first drafts (and second, and third). Just write. The story will take shape in the telling.
Thank you to Anne Lamott for her encouragement to embrace “Shitty First Drafts” in Bird by Bird.
Jill Yoshikawa, Ed.M. is a Harvard-trained educator and experienced editor who has spent over two decades guiding families through the college admissions process. With a sharp eye for detail, Jill specializes in helping students craft essays that are authentic, knowing every applicant has a story worth telling—just needing the right guidance can bring it to life.
Contact Jill today to learn how her expertise can support your student at the most critical moment.
