Author: ethan

When high school seniors sit down to start the Common App personal statement, the first question that usually pops up is: What should I write about? The honest answer is this: the topic itself matters far less than what the topic lets you reveal about yourself.

Take soccer, for example. One student might write about scoring the winning goal in the championship game. It’s exciting, sure — but if the essay stops there, it’s little more than a highlight reel. Another student might also write about soccer, but instead of focusing on the victory, they describe the months of practices in the rain, the moment they encouraged a discouraged teammate or the lessons they carried into other parts of life about resilience, teamwork and leadership. Same topic, completely different essay. The second one gives admissions officers a glimpse of who the student is, and that’s exactly what they’re hoping for.

Colleges aren’t looking for you to have cured cancer or climbed Mount Everest (though if you did, definitely mention it). What they are looking for is how you think, how you handle challenges, and what values drive you. In other words, the story matters less than the self it reveals.Bottom line: if your essay shows your interests, the initiative you took and the impact the experience had on you, you’ll be in great shape. In the admissions world, those are called the 3 I’s — interest, initiative, and impact — and they’re a powerful framework to keep in mind as you write.

Do’s

• Do focus on growth. Choose a story that shows change — how you learned, adapted or saw the world differently.
• Do keep your voice. If you’re funny, let that humor come through. If you’re reflective, lean into it. The best essays sound like the student who wrote them.
• Do show, don’t tell. Details make your story vivid. Don’t just write, “I worked hard.” Show us the late nights, the setbacks, the small wins that kept you going.
• Do connect it back to you. The essay isn’t about the soccer game, the move or the part-time job — it’s about what those experiences reveal about your character.
• Do revise (a lot). The first draft is just raw material. Great essays usually go through rounds of trimming, reshaping and polishing. 

Don’ts

• Don’t try to impress with a “perfect” story. Struggle, failure or everyday moments often make stronger essays than polished “success” tales.
• Don’t use words you’d never actually say. Admissions officers read thousands of essays; they know when the thesaurus did half the work.
• Don’t forget reflection. A well-told story without reflection is just a story. Show how the experience shifted your perspective or prepared you for what’s ahead.
• Don’t repeat your résumé. If it’s already in the activities section, don’t just list it again. Use the essay to add dimension beyond stats and titles. 

The Bottom Line

The Common App essay isn’t a test of how dramatic your life has been. It’s a window into how you think, how you grow and what you’ll bring to a college community. Pick a topic that lets you shine in those ways, and you’ll have the right essay — no matter what the story is about.

Starting college is like stepping into an entirely new world. Suddenly you’re surrounded by unfamiliar faces, free to make your own choices and responsible for managing your time, money and workload. It’s exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming, almost like being handed the script for a play you’ve never rehearsed. The good news is that plenty of students have walked this path before you, and there are tried-and-true strategies that make the transition smoother. Think of them as small habits that compound into big wins: keeping you ahead academically, helping you build friendships and networks, and making sure you actually enjoy the ride.

1. Go to class (yes, every class).
   It sounds obvious, but skipping “just one lecture” often snowballs quickly. Even if attendance isn’t required, professors notice who consistently shows up — and that can matter when you need help or flexibility later. Simply showing up is the easiest way to stay on track and earn goodwill.
   
2. Get organized early.
   Use a planner, a calendar app, or even a giant wall sticky note, whatever works for you. As soon as you get your syllabi, make a master list of what’s due when. Nobody’s going to remind you that a paper is coming up or that an exam is around the corner. Success in your first semester isn’t about being perfect; it’s about avoiding unpleasant surprises.
   
3. Find your study sweet spot.
   Some students focus best in the library, others in coffee shops, others in dorm lounges. Experiment until you find where you work best, then make it your go-to study zone. Remember: professors assume you’ll spend about two hours studying for every hour in class. Having a reliable study routine is what makes that realistic.
   
4. Get to know your professors.
   Introduce yourself after class, stop by office hours and ask questions. Professors are people — and most want to see you succeed. Building a relationship makes it easier to get support when you need it and may even lead to opportunities later, like internships or recommendation letters.
   
5. Balance academics and life.
   College isn’t just about grades; it’s also about growth and connection. Join a club, play intramurals or check out campus events. A lot of the most meaningful learning happens outside the classroom, and the friendships and networks you build can shape your entire experience.
   
6. Learn how to manage your money. 
   Open a student-friendly bank account, track your spending, and set a budget, even a loose one. Financial stress can creep up quickly if you don’t keep an eye on it, and learning to manage money early is as valuable as any class. 

7. Take care of yourself.
   With no one enforcing bedtimes and dining halls offering endless options, it’s tempting to push limits. But showing up to class exhausted hurts your performance, and ignoring healthy habits can catch up with you fast. Prioritize sleep, nutrition and exercise — you’ll feel better and perform better.
   
8. Ask for help — early.
   Whether you’re struggling with coursework, stress or homesickness, reach out. Every campus has resources: tutoring centers, advisors, counseling services, resident assistants. College isn’t meant to be done alone, and many of these supports are free. The people running them genuinely want to help — let them.

Choosing a college isn’t just about chasing prestige, test scores or rankings. It’s about finding the place where you’ll live, learn and grow for the next four years — a place that feels right for you. That means looking beyond glossy brochures and national lists to ask: Where will I feel challenged, supported and inspired? The answer will be different for everyone, which is why thinking carefully about what matters most to you — size, location, academics, cost and community — can make all the difference.

So, what should you think about when you’re hunting for the perfect fit?

1. Size & Community
Do you picture yourself in a tight-knit community where everyone knows your name, or on a large campus buzzing with thousands of people, where every class brings the chance to meet someone new? Smaller schools often mean more personal attention; larger ones usually offer a wider range of opportunities. Neither is better, it’s about choosing the atmosphere that will help you feel comfortable and thrive.

2. Location
City lights or quiet nights? A campus in the heart of a big city can give you culture, internships and endless things to do. A rural or suburban campus may offer more space, a stronger sense of community and a traditional college feel. And don’t overlook the climate — will you embrace snowy winters, or would you rather head to class with a surfboard under your arm?

3. Academic Fit
One of the most important factors is academics. Does the college offer majors you’re excited about? What about learning opportunities such as internships, labs, study abroad or fieldwork? Make sure the school fits not only what you want to study but also how you want to learn.

4. Cost & Value
It’s not the glamorous part, but affordability matters. The “perfect” school isn’t a great fit if it leaves you buried under $200,000 of debt. Every college is required to have a Net Price Calculator that estimates your potential financial aid. And don’t assume you won’t qualify; many students are surprised by the aid they receive once they apply.

5. Culture & People
Every campus has its own personality, and you’ll want to find one that feels right for you. At Southeastern Conference and Big Ten schools, Saturdays can feel like the Super Bowl. At places like Pratt or RISD, creativity takes center stage, and an art show can be the event of the week. Schools such as UW–Stevens Point and Macalester are deeply committed to environmental issues and attract students who love the outdoors. Visit campuses if you can, and pay attention to the vibe. You’ll know when it clicks.