top of page
Writer's pictureChrista O.

The Secret Sauce of Standout Essays: Insider Tips on Storytelling

Updated: Oct 20



There's a subtle art to standing out, and thankfully some basic tips can turn ordinary experiences into extraordinary essays. This is the part of your application that makes admissions officers either yawn or yearn to meet you. As someone who's been on the other side of that admissions table (yeah yeah, now you can yawn, I've read thousands of 'em at Vanderbilt), I'm here to share the inside scoop on why storytelling is your ticket to standing out.


Once Upon a Time... in Admissions

Picture this: It's 2 AM, your friendly neighborhood admissions reader (let's call her Christa) is on her 87th application of the day. Her eyes are glazing over from all the "I love to volunteer and I've always wanted to be a Commodore" essays. Then, BAM! She starts reading your essay, and suddenly she's wide awake, laughing, feeling inspired, maybe even tearing up a little. That, my friends, is the power of good storytelling.


Why Storytelling? Because Humans Love Stories!

We're hardwired for stories. It's how we connect, how we remember, how we feel. When you tell a story:

  • You become more than just a GPA and test scores

  • You stick in the reader's mind (hello, top of the "yes" pile!)

  • You create an emotional connection (and emotions drive decisions, folks)


The "So What?" Factor

Here's a little secret: it's not about WHAT you write, it's about the "so what?" Every story you tell should make the reader think, "Ah, so THAT'S why this kid is awesome/unique/perfect for our school." It's not just about the time you won the science fair; it's about how that experience shaped your curiosity about the world.


Show, Don't Tell (The Golden Rule)

Okay, repeat after me: "Show, don't tell." Instead of saying you're passionate about environmental issues, tell us about the time you volunteered for a park clean-up and found a message that changed your perspective and career goals (true story from one of my favorite essays). Paint a picture. Make us feel like we're right there with you.


The Power of the Hook

Your opening line is like a first date – you gotta make it count! Forget "As a student tutor for underserved youth, I'm passionate about pursuing a career in teaching." Booooring! How about: "I started teaching when I was tall enough to place a captive mound of stuffed animals students on my bed." Hook, line, and sinker!


Vulnerability is Your Superpower

Here's something most people don't realize: it's okay to show your flaws. In fact, it's great! Colleges aren't looking for perfect robots. They want real humans who've faced challenges and grown from them. That essay about how you overcame your fear of public speaking? Golden.


If you need some inspiration, check out www.thisibelieve.org. There are plenty of websites featuring Ivy League Winners, but This I Believe has thousands of raw and vulnerable essays written without the motivation to impress anyone, which can spark some unique inspiration!


Find Your Voice (Spoiler: It's Not Shakespeare)

Write like you talk (well, maybe with fewer "likes" and "ums"). Your essay should sound like you, not like you swallowed a thesaurus. I once read an essay written entirely in Shakespearean English. Creative? Very. Authentic? Not so much. That was entertaining, but a bit too clever and a waste of that applicant's valuable essay space.


Bumps in the Road

It's natural to pick up the pace when we're heading for a deadline, but writer's block can feel like a speed bump that can get you off track fast. If you find yourself in mid-air with no direction, take out a break for 30 minutes. Then sit down with a good old-fashioned pen and paper (they're around the house somewhere!), set a timer for 10 minutes, and write whatever comes to mind about your stuck topic. Feelings, scenes, ideas, details. Stream of consciousness makes good stuff!


The "Grandma Test"

Here's a pro tip: if your grandma wouldn't understand your essay, rewrite it. The best stories are simple, clear, and heartfelt. No need for fancy jargon or complex sentences. Just straight-up you.


Bring It Home

Your conclusion is your last chance to make an impression. Tie your story back to why you're amazing and why the school would be crazy not to accept you. But be subtle about it – think gentle nudge, not sledgehammer.


The Insider's Insider Tip

Ready for the ultimate insider tip? Here it is: be yourself. Honestly, authenticity and humility shine through more than anything else. We can spot a phony story a mile away, but genuine passion and real experiences? That's the stuff that gets you accepted.


Wrapping It Up

So there you have it! The secret sauce to essays that make admissions officers sit up and take notice. Remember, your story is unique – no one else has lived your life or seen the world through your eyes. That's your superpower. Use it!


4 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page