Perhaps the most noteworthy part of the college application is the essay: It captures what makes your child’s unique compared to thousands of other high school students. To help your student write this essential essay and get into their dream college, follow these tips.

5 Tips to Help Your Student Write their College Essay

1. Highlight Their Uniqueness

The essay is your child’s opportunity to show who they are as a person. Encourage them to reflect on how their experiences have shaped and changed them in positive ways. For example, they could write about how being a student-athlete has helped them develop discipline and leadership skills, or how a community service project made them dedicated to a social justice cause. Focusing on their unique experiences will produce an essay that stands out.

2. Use Their Own Voice

As your high school student writes their essay, remind them that college admissions officers want to hear students’ personalities in their essays. While the essay should be well-structured and written, it doesn’t need to be filled with SAT-level vocabulary if that isn’t how your student typically speaks. Using language that doesn’t sound like them may make it difficult for the reader to connect with them.

3. Follow the Essay’s Instructions

Remind your student to look carefully at the requirements for each college’s essay, particularly when applying to several schools. While many of the instructions may look similar, they’ll likely have some slight differences. If the instructions for essays are not followed, college admissions officers may question your student’s ability to follow directions and compatibility for the university.

4. Read Successful Essays

For your student to gain a better idea about what college admissions officials are looking for, have them read essays from other students who got into their colleges of choice. Reading examples of successful essays will also show your student that there is no one right way to write.

5. Find Out What Colleges Value

If your student is applying to several colleges, they’ll need to tailor their essay to each admissions process. How do they know what these schools are looking for in their incoming class? The easiest way to find out is to talk to them directly. High schools often host campus representatives who will meet with families and provide details about what makes their student body stand out. Your child can use what they’ve learned to demonstrate why they’re the right fit for a specific college.

At Hawaii Baptist Academy, high school students enjoy personalized support through the college application process. Founded in 1949, the private college preparatory school in Honolulu provides exceptional academics from kindergarten through high school combined with a faith-based education and electives like art, music, and graphic design. For more information about admissions, call (808) 595-7585, or visit their website to schedule a tour. Mark your calendar for the Christian College Fair on Saturday, October 19, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., to meet with representatives from more than 20 Christian colleges from the mainland.