Key Elements of a

Great EssayTHE COLLEGE ESSAY WRITING TUTORIAL

What Makes A Great Essay?

A great college admissions essay tells a compelling story. It grabs your attention

right away. It is authentic and meaningful. It shares a significant moment and it is

distinct because it is written in your individual voice. Most importantly, it reveals

one or more of your core defining qualities. These are a few of the key elements of

a great college essay.

A great essay shows the reader why

you are the way you are and why it

matters. Don’t be afraid to look

deep within yourself.

Key Elements of a Great Essay

Topic Style & Voice Message/Meaning

• Reveals your defining

qualities

• Shares a universal truth

or life lesson we all can

relate to

• Your voice

• A personal narrative

• A real-life incident

• Show/Tell Format

• Thoughtful & Specific

• A memorable

topic

• A sympathetic

character

(usually you)

College Essay Classic Essay

The college admissions essay is different than the classic essays you write in English class. This essay is a

reflective story about you. It’s personal and has a message. It’s purpose is to show the reader that you

have something special to bring to the college. Something uniquely you. You are awesome & you want

them to see that. So, let the reader into your world. Let them walk in your shoes for a moment. It is

what and how you “show” in your essay that will set you apart from everyone else.

Show?

In writing, “Name the dog!” means:

Don’t just say “The dog ran across the street.” Be

specific! Say, “The three-legged Bulldog named Rex

crossed the street.” Can you see the difference?

“Name the Dog!”

The purpose of your essay is to give the admissions officers

a peek into your life. A window. You have only 600-650

words to do that. Make each word count. Choose words that

describe your world. Choose words that convey emotion.

Help your reader SEE your story.

That is what it means to “SHOW”.

College Essay

Show-and-Tell

Format Classic Essay

5-Paragraph

Format

Intro Show Intro Tell

Main Point Tell 1st paragraph Tell

Details Show

Topic

Sentence/Details Tell/Show

Explain

Meaning/Message Tell 2nd Paragraph Tell

More Details Show

Topic

Sentence/Details Tell/Show

Explain

Meaning/Message Tell 3rd Paragraph Tell

Conclusion Tell

Topic

Sentence/Details Tell/Show

This chart shows you the difference between your classic essay and your college

admissions essay. Notice where you must “show” in your college essay. This is how

you grab the readers attention.

How to Show & Tell

When you Show, you are focused and specific, often by

providing examples and supporting details.

When you Tell, you are broad and general, and explain the

meaning.

How to Show

● Be specific.

● Give concrete details. Use words that are specific.

● Use your senses to describe: What do you see, hear,

taste, smell and feel?

● Use anecdotes to put the reader in the middle of the

action.

● Compare things to make your point.

Give examples.

If you Tell about something, “Everyone was shocked to learn the truth,” Show them by giving examples of how shocked they were, “First, women covered their mouths in silence. Then, the children burst into tears. One man punched the wall.”

What’s my

name?

How to Tell

● Be broad and general.

• Explain what something means.

• Summarize a group of smaller ideas.

• Reflect on the larger meaning of something. Look for

“universal truths.”

• Analyze what something means.

• Interpret something you wrote.

When you Tell, you are usually providing “meaning.

“What does that mean?”

Time to evaluate two examples. See if you

can identify which Key Elements were

used to support the essays.

Return to the classroom and watch the next video. Listen as a college

admissions officer reads two introductions of a college essay. Listen closely and

compare the essays. Can you identify what key elements are used in the essays?

See if you can distinguish between showing and telling. Which essay is best? Why

do you think so?