Junior Essay Advice

Junior Essay Advice

  • 'Tis the season of beginning essay writing for Juniors. Here is a list of 10 things I think are really helpful when crafting your essays for college admissions. Before I jump into those I want to start with this: Focus on your whole application—grades, activities, recommendations, and essays work together. Okay, here we go. 

1. Start Early & Reflect Deeply

  • College essays require self-reflection. Begin thinking about what experiences, values, or personal growth moments define you.
  • Keep a journal of meaningful experiences, challenges you've overcome, or passions that drive you.

2. Be Authentic & Tell Your Story

  • Admissions officers read thousands of essays—they want to hear your voice, not what you think they want.
  • Choose a specific moment or story that reveals something important about who you are.

3. Show, Don’t Just Tell

  • Instead of saying, “I am hardworking,” show it with a story: “Every morning before swim practice, I…”
  • Use vivid details to make your essay memorable and personal.

4. Answer the Prompt, But Go Beyond It

  • Stay on topic but don’t be afraid to add depth. Many essay prompts are broad—use them as a way to reveal something meaningful about yourself.

5. Be Specific & Unique

  • Avoid generic responses like: “I learned teamwork from sports.”
  • Instead, make it personal: “One moment I’ll never forget from lacrosse practice was when…”

6. Highlight Growth & Self-Discovery

  • Colleges love essays that show personal development.
  • Example: Instead of just writing about a challenge, focus on how it changed your perspective, actions, or goals.

7. Edit, Revise, Repeat

  • First drafts are never final. Expect to revise multiple times.
  • Read your essay aloud to hear how it flows.
  • Ask trusted teachers, mentors, or friends for feedback.

8. Understand the Supplemental Essays

  • Many colleges ask Why Us? or Diversity/Community Impact questions.
  • Research the school and write a response that’s specific (not just “great academics”).
  • Show how you align with the school’s values and what you’d bring to campus.

9. Keep Your Voice & Stay True to Yourself

  • Avoid AI-written or over-edited essays that strip away your natural personality.
  • Humor and creativity are okay—as long as they fit your style.

10. Remember: It’s Just One Part of the Application

  • A strong essay can help, but it won’t make up for missing grades or extracurriculars. It is why those who work with Wanderlight Pathway have a lot more to talk about than their grades and classwork. 

Focus on your whole application—grades, activities, recommendations, and essays work together.

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