About Nelsonnazzo
You ever stare at a blank screen, hoping an amazing supplemental essay will just write itself? Yeah, me too. If only college applications came with a magic “insert personality here” button. Instead, we’re left trying to craft the perfect essay that somehow makes an admissions officer pause and think, “Hey, I like this kid.”
I’ve helped plenty of students through this process, and let
me tell you, there are a few things that really make a difference when it comes
to standing out. So, if you’re feeling stuck or just trying to figure out what
admissions officers actually want to see, let’s break it down.
1. Make It So Specific That No One Else Could Write It
One of the biggest mistakes students make is writing an
essay that could belong to any applicant. If your essay is so vague that
it could be copied and pasted into applications for five different schools
without changing a word, we have a problem.
Admissions officers don’t want a generic love letter to
their university. They want to see why you belong there. Instead of
writing, “I admire the strong academic programs and vibrant student life,” get
real. Talk about the neuroscience lab that made you geek out during your campus
visit. Mention the professor whose research aligns with your weirdly specific
obsession with ancient Roman aqueducts. The more detailed, the better.
2. Connect It to Your Story
Think of your essay like a first date. If someone spent the
whole time talking about themselves without making any personal connection,
would you be impressed? Nope. That’s why your supplemental essay needs to tie
the school back to you.
Maybe you were inspired by an alum’s TED Talk. Maybe you had
a conversation with a student that made you see yourself thriving on campus.
Maybe there’s a club that feels like it was made for you. Whatever it is, make
sure your essay doesn’t just talk about why the school is great—talk about why
it’s great for you.
3. Drop the “Fancy Academic” Voice
If your essay sounds like a research paper instead of
something you’d actually say out loud, it’s time for a rewrite. Admissions
officers read thousands of essays, and the ones that stand out have a genuine,
natural voice. If your first sentence reads, “This esteemed institution’s
unparalleled commitment to academic rigor aligns with my scholastic
aspirations,” please, for the love of all things good, delete it.
Write like you’re having a thoughtful conversation. Not like
you swallowed a thesaurus.
4. Essay Tips That Actually Work
A great
A student who writes, “I want to study psychology because I
love understanding people” is saying something… but not much. A student who
writes, “I became fascinated by psychology when I realized my dog had figured
out how to guilt-trip me into extra treats” is bringing something unique to the
table.
5. Avoid Clichés Like Your Life Depends on It
Admissions officers have seen it all: the “overcoming
adversity” essay, the “winning the big game” essay, the “volunteer trip that
changed my life” essay. Now, these aren’t bad topics—but they need a
fresh angle.
If you’re writing about a personal challenge, don’t just
describe the hardship. Focus on what changed in you. If you’re writing
about a passion, don’t just say you love it—show a moment that proves it. If
your essay feels predictable, think about how you can make it yours.
6. Honesty Wins Every Time
Some students stress about making their essays sound “impressive” instead of authentic. But here’s the truth: admissions officers can smell a fake essay a mile away. If you genuinely love making short films with your pet hamster as the main character, write about that. If you spend your free time reading obscure philosophy books, lean into it. The more you your essay feels, the better.
7. Keep It Short and Sweet (No Fluff!)
A concise, well-written essay is always better than a
long, rambling one. If a school gives you 250 words, don’t try to stretch it to
500. But also—don’t leave important details out just to keep it short. Every
sentence should add something.
If you catch yourself writing things like, “It is important to note that this opportunity would be highly beneficial for my academic and personal growth,” stop. Just say, “This opportunity excites me because…” and get to the point.
8. Getting Help with Your Writing: Smart Investments
Think of
writing help as a smart move for your future. It can make a big difference whether you're just coming up with ideas, organizing your essay, or fine-tuning your grammar. Remember, what admissions officers really want to see is your personality coming through loud and clear. Keep your essay true to who you are and let your voice be heard.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, supplemental essays aren’t about
proving you’re the smartest person in the room. They’re about showing that
you’re you—a real, interesting, three-dimensional person with passions,
quirks, and a perspective that no one else has.
So, stop worrying about what you think you should
say. Focus on what you want to say. Be honest. Be specific. Be yourself.
That’s what admissions officers actually want to see.
