The College Essay Is Not an English Class Assignment

If your teen has ever opened a blank document labeled “College Essay” and frozen, they’re not alone.

Many students assume the college personal statement is just another English assignment—thesis statement, body paragraphs, conclusion. But the truth? It’s not about academic writing at all.

The college essay is a personal narrative. It’s not graded. It’s read—by admissions officers who want to hear your student’s voice, understand their perspective, and get a glimpse of who they are beyond GPA and test scores.

So what makes a great essay?

It’s not a polished research paper. It’s a moment, a story, a reflection. Something real.

The strongest essays:

  • Show the student’s growth or insight

  • Reflect something that matters to them

  • Don’t try to impress, but instead connect

  • Sound like an actual teenager—not a teacher or parent

Your teen doesn’t need a dramatic story. They need an authentic one.

Whether it’s about a summer job, a quiet failure, or a small moment that changed their thinking—what matters most is how they reflect on it.

So if the draft sounds too perfect, too formal, or too adult… it might be time to start again.

💬 Want to talk about what support could look like for your teen—whether they’re in Class of 2027, 2028, or 2029?
I work 1:1 with a small number of families each year to keep things boutique and personalized.

📩 highperformanceacademics@gmail.com
📱 847-309-2777
🌐 www.highperformanceacademics.com

—Dr. Jill | High Performance Academics 

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