“The Personal Statement.” This phrase alone can strike fear in the heart of a high school student. This prompt is your central college essay, but the open-ended nature of the prompts can make it difficult to know where to start or what this mysterious essay is supposed to be.

An integral part of the Common App, the Personal Essay often presents itself through a few prompts, like this one in 2024-25 application season: “some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.” Many applicants pick up one of the five or six prompts, but many others chose to tell their own story, responding to the more open prompt “Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.”

Personal essays are a crucial component of college applications because they provide admissions officers with insights into an applicant beyond grades, test scores, and extracurriculars. It is the one part of the application completely under the applicant’s control, offering the opportunity to showcase their personality, values, and unique perspective​. 

I once heard an analogy that the “personal essay is your face, while other parts of the application make up your body.” It seems quite fitting. Just as a person’s face conveys their emotions, personality, and uniqueness, the personal essay serves as the most direct and intimate form of self-representation in an application. Meanwhile, the rest of the application—the GPA, test scores, activities, and recommendations—provides structural support, like the body, but lacks the expressive depth that a personal essay can offer.

Key reasons why a personal essay really matters in a college application:

Showcasing your story: While test scores indicate intellectual ability, personal essays demonstrate critical thinking, self-awareness, and authenticity. Admissions officers want to see how your experiences have shaped you rather than just a list of accomplishments.

Differentiating your candidature: Many students may have similar academic profiles, but essays provide an opportunity to stand out. A well-crafted essay can tip the scale in favor of an applicant by providing a compelling narrative of their journey, struggles, and aspirations​.

Demonstrating your writing & thinking skills: Colleges see these essays as a “thinking test” rather than a writing test. A strong essay showcases a student’s ability to reflect on their experiences and articulate their thoughts persuasively​.

A peek into personality & fit: Admissions officers use essays to gauge whether a student’s thinking and experiences would align with the values and culture of their institution. A great personal essay can communicate passion, motivation, and how a student will contribute to the college community. 

Personal essays are not just another requirement; they are a critical storytelling tool that helps applicants breathe life into their applications. A majority of college admissions list essays as either “considerable” or “moderate” importance in decisions, and this percentage is higher for more competitive colleges. They offer an opportunity to craft a narrative that makes the admissions officers remember you as a person, not just a set of numbers.

Investing time in crafting an authentic, compelling, and well-structured personal essay is an effective way to boost your college admission chances.

Future Forward is a team of specialists. Our strategic advisors will brainstorm your personal statement approach and our essay advisors will help you craft the best narrative for your applications. Learn how.