📝 College Essay Checklist (Student Version)

Before You Start Writing

• Identify 2–3 moments or experiences that shaped you

• Decide what you want colleges to understand about you

• Ensure your topic is personal—not just descriptive

• Avoid trying to sound impressive or perfect

Drafting Your Essay

• Start with an engaging opening

• Use vivid details (show, don’t tell)

• Focus on ONE central theme

• Include at least one moment of reflection

• Answer the unspoken question: Why does this matter?

• Keep your voice natural and true to you

Revising

• Remove unnecessary background details

• Strengthen transitions between paragraphs

• Make sure each paragraph supports your theme

• Highlight growth, change, or insight

• Check that your ending connects to who you’re becoming

Final Review

• Is your voice clear and authentic?

• Does the essay reflect who you are today?

• Did you avoid cliché topics without reflection?

• Is the essay within the required word limit?

• Have one trusted adult or teacher read it

• Run a grammar check

• Read it out loud for flow