Introduction: What College Essays Are Really About

“What should college application essays be about?” It’s a question we hear from almost every student and every parent. The truth is: college essays aren’t about listing your achievements. They’re about showing who you are beyond the numbers.

In our latest Fireside Chat, we invited Zoey, our essay advisor at Future Forward, and our founders—parents who’ve been through this journey—to discuss what makes a college application essay truly stand out.

📺 Watch the video below for practical advice, myths debunked, and examples of essays that actually worked (and some surprisingly comforting truths).

What College Application Essays Are About (And What They’re Not)

Many students believe college essays need to be dramatic or extraordinary. In reality, admissions officers are looking for authenticity, reflection, and you.

What should college application essays be about?
✔️ A meaningful experience
✔️ A personal challenge or moment of growth
✔️ A quirky passion or unexpected interest
✔️ A story that shows how you think or what drives you

They should not be about impressing the reader with over-polished language or exaggerated stories.

How Should College Essays Be Formatted?

One of the most common questions we get is about formatting.

So, how should college essays be formatted?

• Use a readable font (Times New Roman or Arial, 12 pt)
• Double space your essay
• Include your name and the essay prompt (if required by the portal)
• Stick to the word count (typically 650 words for the Common App)

Are college application essays double spaced?
Yes, unless specified otherwise by the college, essays should be double spaced for readability.

Who Reads College Application Essays?

Ever wonder who actually reads college application essays?

It’s not a robot. Real humans—admissions officers—read your essay, often as part of a committee that’s building an incoming class. They read hundreds (sometimes thousands) of essays. That’s why originality, clarity, and authenticity matter so much.

They’re asking:

• Who is this student beyond grades and scores?
• Will they contribute to our campus?
• Are they a good fit for our academic and social environment?

Key Takeaways from the Fireside Chat

✍️ 1. Start With Self-Reflection

Before you even write a sentence, ask yourself: What matters to me?
A good essay starts long before the first draft, it starts with reflection. Our journaling tools at Future Forward help students track key moments throughout high school so they never lose sight of what’s truly important.

📉 2. Avoid Common Mistakes

From using AI to vague bragging, bad essays tend to sound the same. Great essays, on the other hand, are deeply personal and specific.

📚 3. There’s No Single Formula

Every student has a different story to tell. Some use humor. Some dive deep into a moment of challenge. But all great essays include two things: reflection and voice.

Future Forward’s Essay Support: Beyond Edits

We go beyond a red pen. At Future Forward, we pair each student with an experienced essay advisor and give them access to Write Right, our AI-powered tool that analyzes writing (without writing it for you).

Together, this combo helps students:

• Brainstorm unique topics
• Get structured, meaningful feedback
• Improve clarity, tone, and structure
• Stay true to their voice while leveling up their writing

A Parent’s Perspective: You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

Our co-founder Vineet shares in the chat how stressful the essay process felt as a parent. But having expert support made all the difference. At Future Forward, we partner with families, not just students.

Fast Forward: Your Essay Can Be the Game-Changer

Your grades tell part of the story. Your extracurriculars tell another. But your essay? That’s where your voice lives.

Whether you’re a confident writer or just getting started, Future Forward helps you craft essays that get read—and remembered.

Choose among our plans for ESSAYS ONLY help. Get started by filling the form below.