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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 

supplemental essay tips

doesn’t just tell admissions officers what they want to hear—it shows them who you are. What excites you? What makes you different? What’s a weird, specific thing about you that most people don’t know?

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 

pay for essays

 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.

 

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