Applying to overseas universities requires more than just stellar academics and strong language skills. Admissions officers are often equally interested in life experiences that shape a student’s character and outlook. Unique personal stories can leave a lasting impression, but the real challenge is condensing those experiences into a compelling narrative—this is where effective storytelling becomes essential. Strong storytelling not only helps you stand out but also offers a way to express your personality, values, and growth.

These storytelling skills are especially important when writing a Personal Statement. Unlike more rigid essay formats, Personal Statements provide the freedom to dive deep into life experiences and share stories that best represent who you are. In the U.S., one of the most widely recognized platforms for university applications is the Common Application (Common App). In addition to supplemental essays, most schools require applicants to submit a Common Application Essay, allowing admissions officers to gain a more holistic understanding of the student's background.

Writing the Common App Essay often requires more time and thought compared to supplemental essays. With a longer word count and a focus on introspection, it challenges students to flex their creative writing abilities. Below are some key writing tips for crafting a standout Common Application Essay:

Key Principles for Writing the Common Application Essay

✔ Be Yourself – A common misconception is that students should write what they think colleges want to hear rather than sharing their unique stories. However, admissions officers value authenticity more than impressive achievements. There is no need to craft an essay simply to impress them. Instead, stay true to yourself and find a story that genuinely highlights what makes you stand out.

✔ Choose the Right Prompt – Many students realize after writing their essay that their content doesn’t fully align with the chosen prompt, forcing them to either change the topic or revise significant parts of their essay. To avoid this, students should regularly check whether their writing stays on track. Additionally, a “good topic” is one that is brought to life through storytelling, so students don’t need to avoid popular prompts—what matters most is how they craft their narrative to make their personalities shine through.

✔ Show, Don’t Tell – Instead of directly stating personal growth, students should illustrate their experiences through storytelling—describing events, emotions, and reflections. Let the reader infer your qualities from the narrative rather than plainly stating them. For example, rather than saying, “After this experience, I became a more mature person,” demonstrate this growth by recounting the event and its impact on your thoughts and actions. Honest reflection is key to a compelling essay.

✔ Use Appropriate Language – While students may feel tempted to use overly sophisticated words to make their writing sound more impressive, the key is to maintain a natural and appropriate tone. College essays should reflect a high school student’s writing style rather than forced academic jargon. As a Yale admissions officer once said, “If you wouldn’t use a word in conversation, don’t use it in your essay.”

Common Mistakes 

✘ Overly Negative Tone – Expressing too much negativity is a major red flag, especially in Challenge Essays. For example, the second Common App prompt (“The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success…”) is a classic example. No matter what challenge a student chooses to discuss, they must demonstrate growth and resilience rather than dwelling on failure.

✘ Writing About Someone Else – If an essay focuses on how someone else influenced the student’s life rather than showcasing the student’s own journey, it misses the point of the Common Application Essay. While it’s fine to mention a mentor, family member, or friend, the focus should remain on the student’s experiences, thoughts, and growth rather than detailing someone else’s story. Admissions officers want to get to know the students, not their relatives or friends.

✘ Exceeding or Falling Short of the Word Limit – The Common Application allows 250 to 650 words, but students are advised to aim for around 550 words. This length provides enough space to develop a strong narrative while ensuring concise and impactful storytelling.

✘ Writing About Childhood Memories – The essay should focus on experiences from high school (grades 9-12) rather than early childhood memories. Admissions officers want to learn about the student’s recent personal growth, not what they achieved at five years old. However, if a childhood event significantly shaped the student’s academic interests or personal development, it can serve as an engaging introduction before transitioning into more recent experiences.

Strong writing skills come from consistent reading and practice. Developing reading and writing habits now will not only help you with college applications but also prepare you for the challenges of university life!