storytelling college essay

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

Why You Should Approach Your College Essays as Storytelling

This article was written based on the information and opinions presented by Christopher Kilner in a CollegeVine livestream. You can watch the full livestream for more info.

What’s Covered:

Generating ideas, organizing your ideas, common themes across essay types, assembling a narrative.

College essays can seem intimidating. What do you write about? How should you write it? When you think about your college essays as an opportunity to tell your personal story—your struggles, your passions, your accomplishments—they will be more memorable to admissions officers. This article will take you through the process of approaching your college essays as storytelling, from coming up with ideas to planning and writing them.

Before you start writing your college essays and before you even start planning, you have to first figure out what you think would be an interesting story to tell.

For a personal statement essay, for example, you can start by thinking about your main passions. You might be surprised how far brainstorming about even a simple interest can take you. Maybe you really love nature or a particular animal. Where does that idea lead? What’s a story or a memory you have that demonstrates this love of nature? From there, you can begin to see your ideas and potential topics take shape.

Ideally, you should be able to come up with at least two different concepts for your personal statement. Start to sketch out where you can see these concepts going—you may want to draw in different passions or think that sharing an anecdote would work best to illustrate your point. No matter your storytelling angle, keep in mind that the essay is about the fundamentals of who you are and what you want to do.

After you’ve put your ideas onto paper, you can organize them. An outline will help you see clearly where the essay will go. You might find that a narrative essay that you thought would work well is actually a bit of a dead end or doesn’t really speak much to who you are. Don’t be afraid to get feedback on your outlines. The opinions of a friend or a teacher can help you look at your ideas in a different light.

Once you have more of a plan for your essay, you can think about whether you want to add more, just to make the story more interesting. The personal statement is limited to 650 words. For a first draft, it’s better to go above the word count than come up short. Editing something down is easier than racking your brain to come up with more to say.

After you’ve come up with several different ideas, you should be able to write a large amount for your initial draft. You can even find ways to make them all work together! Your life has involved different elements; your essay can have multiple ideas in it too.

Outlining and planning ahead will make writing your personal statement much easier, and it will also help you when it comes time to write supplemental college essays . If you’ve been able to identify and plot out your different ideas and passions, you’ll be able to see more easily how different parts of your life come together.

When you look at your supplemental essay prompts, you should try to figure out how you can tie them to your personal statement. You’re working to create a cohesive picture of yourself that you can present to an admissions committee . Sticking to common themes will make the writing process a bit easier.

It helps to know what supplemental essays you’ll be writing before you draft your personal statement. You can plan for the topic of one supplemental essay, and you’ll know to drop a line that relates to it in your personal statement.

Referring to your list of passions and ideas will provide you with essay topics for the supplemental essays. If you’re athletic and want to use a story from your sporting career as a supplemental essay while writing your main essay about something else, you can put a line or two about your athletic history in your personal statement. As an organizational tool, you can try color-coding each particular idea. Then, when drafting, highlight each idea as it comes up, so you can see what you’re incorporating into your writing.

The common themes that you touch on in multiple essays will enable colleges to see the different elements of your personality and your journey and how they all work together. In writing your particular story, you want to present a cohesive narrative that also provides the fullest picture of yourself.

After you’ve listed all your many ideas and outlined a few of your essays, you’ll be able to see what kind of story you want to write about yourself.

If you’re thinking about doing many different things but feel unsure of where to begin, it’s helpful to think chronologically. What were you passionate about as a child? Where did your interests first start, and how did you act on them? Thinking about these things might help you come up with a special anecdote to share. You can then start to think about where you’ve ended up: how are you acting on your interests now, and what do you want your future to look like?

It can feel like putting a puzzle together. You’re trying to tell a story, so you want to build up a narrative in a way that makes sense. Maybe you visited the zoo often as a kid and were always reading books about animals and nature. Now, as you prepare to go to college, you’ve taken many science classes and know that you want to go into conservation and environmental studies.

Your personal story doesn’t have to be particularly unique. Don’t worry that you’re not special or that you’re sharing things that people have heard before. What matters most is that you tell a story that’s true to who you are and that you tell it well.

Your writing matters and how you structure your essay matters. If you’ve already done most of the planning, you should be able to assemble a coherent and interesting narrative . You should concern yourself with how accurately you’re portraying yourself, your interests, and your goals. That’s what’s really important in writing your college essays.

Nobody else has the exact same passions you do or the exact same life that you’ve lived. You shouldn’t be afraid to take pride in yourself and your accomplishments. That’s what college essays are for! Writing them is a great opportunity to lay out all your different thoughts and passions and gain greater insight into who you are as a person. When it comes time for you to write, you’ll know what story you want to present, and you’ll also have a better idea of who you are.

Using Storytelling Techniques in College Essays For Admission

Your life is a story with characters, antagonists, allies, and turns and turns. Your college application should include all pertinent details from your time as a high school student. What you have accomplished matters, but so does who you are, that’s where storytelling comes into play. Your grades may reflect your studious nature, but your grade point average doesn’t really capture who you are. Admissions offices don’t know you as well as you do, and there are plenty of ways to communicate this when applying to colleges, outside of your entrance essay. Your tale will take on the form you desire if you approach your application as though it were seen from the outside, looking in.

Reaction to stories is a natural human trait. From well-known movie pictures to timeless fairy tales, storytelling enthralls our hearts and minds. Likewise, an effective narrative essay submitted for college admissions could evoke strong emotions in the admissions counselor. In addition to showcasing the applicant’s accomplishments, an interesting narrative delves into the applicant’s growth, challenges encountered, and lessons learned. Candidates who use storytelling to explain their travels might make a lasting impression and give the reader a unique experience.

Essays for college can seem frightening. Regarding what you write, How ought one to write it? Your college essays will stick out to admissions officers more if you approach them as a chance to share your unique narrative, including your achievements, hobbies, and hardships.

Reading’s Contribution to Enhancing Writing Ability

Perhaps the easiest way to put it is this: reading exposes you to a variety of writing styles, dictions, and sentence structures that can influence, improve, and even inspire your own writing style. Author Annie Proulx says, “Writing comes from reading, and reading is the finest teacher of how to write.”

The idea of starting this process may feel overwhelming to junior high school students when they start to consider the Common Application essay prompts and come up with potential themes for their personal essays. Ultimately, your personal statement is your chance to differentiate yourself from the hundreds of other applicants by building a rapport with the admissions examiner.Your choice of narrative matters, and how you present it can have a significant impact. How can you, then, make sure that your subject is memorable? How can you steer clear of clichés? How can you tell your narrative in the most effective way possible?

Composing a college essay is essentially a narrative exercise on a subject you are intimately familiar with: yourself. Nevertheless, the subject that interests us the most isn’t always the easiest to write about. Doubt and questions abound: How can we recognize our voice? Which narrative is worth telling? How can we effectively share our story?

Getting Ideas for Writing from Memoirs

When you think about it, because a personal essay is an autobiographical reflection on a particular period in your life, it is comparable to the memoir genre. Just as you are the primary character in the personal essay, the author of the memoir is the major character. While autobiographies cover the subject’s entire life, memoirs typically focus on one or more significant episodes in the author’s life. In the same way, the personal essay must be focused and limited. Attempting to cram a large variety of life events into the allotted 650 words is likely to exceed it, leading to an essay that is unclear and disjointed. Similar to this, the author of a memoir imparts the knowledge and understanding they have acquired via important life events; this is exactly what your personal essay should do!

Through the ageless art of storytelling, the memoirist is able to share sincere insight and self-knowledge gained from those experiences by concentrating on a key moment, moments, or events. Connecting with a memoir is facilitated by the storytelling element; the author’s “voice” or personal narrative style invites the reader to become completely engrossed in the narrative. Ideally, the reader should also feel this way after reading your personal essay . It’s crucial that your natural voice comes through as the essay progresses, even though you only have 650 words to convey your narrative. You need to convey what you learned, what knowledge you gained, and/or how you matured from that specific experience in between the specific information and meaningful descriptions that will help the reader (the admissions counselor) connect with you. Learning the in’s and out’s of storytelling will help you accomplish this.

Suggestions for Outside Reading

The works listed below are excellent reminders of the value of personal storytelling in light of this. Students who are looking for some inspiration as they start to construct their own stories should read any one of these books. All readers will find something to enjoy in these books, whether they are seeking writing exercises and strategies or are just looking for a very well-written novel to read. You are welcome to explore these writers’ worlds and their advice, which ranges from the dark and sometimes sad musings on identity by Trevor Noah and Jeannette Walls to the hilarious family encounters of David Sedaris and the practical wisdom of Anne Lamott and horror author Stephen King. You will definitely remember this journey, which could inspire you to embrace your unique writing style and serve as a helpful reminder that your narrative is worthy of being told.

What Part Does Storytelling Play in Composing an Essay for College Admissions that is Compelling?

A strong use of storytelling is necessary while writing an interesting college application essay. The story element gives the essay life and keeps the reader interested, even though it gives applicants a chance to highlight their accomplishments and abilities. Applicants can differentiate their essay from the many others by employing storytelling techniques to make it engaging and memorable.

Storytelling is a great way for applicants to connect with admissions staff on a human level. The admissions committee reads hundreds of essays every year, and a compelling story can arouse feelings and increase the applicant’s relatability. To make their essays more memorable and powerful, applicants should open up about their struggles, victories, and personal experiences with the reader.

By narrating stories, candidates can share their distinct viewpoints and voices. A captivating story highlights the applicant’s uniqueness and illuminates their values, beliefs, and personal development.

The sharing of experiences allows applicants to explain how specific interactions or situations have shaped their personalities and aspirations. Admissions staff now have access to additional information regarding the applicant’s interests, demeanor, and potential for campus involvement.

Additionally, candidates might use story to highlight their resilience and problem-solving skills. By sharing a challenge or obstacle they have faced and overcome, candidates can demonstrate their ability to adapt, persevere, and learn from mistakes. Applicants might tell a powerful tale of their own personal development and transformation to show that they can overcome difficult situations and flourish in the face of hardship.

Narrative also draws the reader in and maintains their interest for the duration of the essay. Enhance my writing skills by crafting an engaging story with a distinct beginning, middle, and conclusion, vivid descriptions, and gripping narratives that may captivate readers and create tension. The admissions officer is thrilled about this and anxious to find out how the narrative concludes. An essay is more compelling and memorable when the reader is involved.

One needs to strike the right balance between imparting knowledge and telling a story. In addition to narrating a story, essays should make sure that applicants sufficiently reflect their extracurricular interests, academic achievements, and reasons for attending college. In addition to elaborating on the main idea and objective, the essay’s story should reveal something about the applicant’s character and fitness for the program.

In summary, a strong college application essay requires a compelling narrative. By employing the narrative form, candidates may hold the reader’s attention, establish a personal connection with them, demonstrate their problem-solving skills, and showcase their unique points of view. A compelling essay could differentiate itself from the competition and leave an impression on the admissions committee.

The Importance of Storytelling in Your College Application

Your whole life story should be included in your college application! Here’s how to write a narrative that goes beyond your admissions essay, from start to finish.

Using your personal brand to define who you are

The first step in helping college admissions committees comprehend your story is to familiarize them with your character. The phrase “personal branding” is helpful in that particular scenario. Rather than the type of coursework you finished or the groups you were involved in, this relates to your traits, values, skills, and interests that make up your exterior persona. Since you are the one who created your personal brand, how the public views it in the end will be important. In anticipation of the public’s frank critique, writers and entrepreneurs must exercise caution when idolizing their works. Thank goodness, CEOs hire management, and authors use editors. It’s preferable to ask them, “Who am I?” at times rather than pose the same query to yourself.

Growing and decreasing movements

Colleges are more interested in the “dids” and “trieds” on an application than in the flawless one. If your personality isn’t demonstrated by your behavior, it has less value. If you enjoy giving presentations to your class or speaking in front of a large group of people, you might have attempted to start a speech club at your school. Maybe they didn’t put in enough effort into their required coursework or didn’t participate in extracurricular activities until much later in high school. By canceling things you’ve done since your first year of college, COVID-19 may have had the opposite effect. Don’t be hesitant to close these gaps and practice speaking out for yourself. These subjects are valuable in the eyes of admissions officers, but only if they can be connected to the school’s ideal student body.

Without narration, plots cannot communicate.

Even though narration gives a story’s events additional context, actions should still be able to speak for themselves. Although extracurricular activities and volunteer work are excellent examples of “actions” in high school, there are more choices. In your recommendation letter, a teacher might share an instance in which you helped on behalf of a fellow student who was falling behind, in showing your concern for others safety. Another example would be being acknowledged in a publication or on the website of your institution. Conversely, exercise caution when posting anything on social media about you or your pals. Since anything posted online remains online, some college admissions officers may look into your background.

An end to the previous tale and an introduction to the current one

Don’t be sad if you don’t get accepted when you get the letter from the college letting you know how your application went. Certain stories aren’t appropriate for a certain setting, be it college or your future employment. You may not have anticipated a happily ever after, but staying true to yourself will eventually bring you there.

Why Writing College Essays Should Be Done Like Storytelling

This essay will guide you through the process of approaching your college essays as a narrative, covering all the steps from brainstorming to organizing and composition.

Coming Up With Concepts

It’s necessary to first determine what you believe would be an intriguing tale to tell before you even begin to organize or write your college essays.

You could begin by considering your primary passions for a personal statement essay, for instance. When you brainstorm about even a basic interest, you might be astonished at how far you can go. Perhaps there’s an animal or part of nature that you truly adore. Where does that thought go? How does this love of nature manifest itself in a tale or memory you have? You can then start to see how your concepts and possible themes are coming to life.

You can consider adding more to your essay to spice it up once you have a better idea of how you want to structure it. There is a word limit of 650 for the personal statement. It’s preferable to exceed the word count on a first draft rather than come in under. Editing something down is less stressful than trying to think of more things to say.

You should be able to compose a significant amount for your first draft once you’ve generated a number of distinct concepts. You can even figure out how to get them all to cooperate! There are a variety of things in your life, and there may be various ideas in your essay as well.

You can get essay themes for the extra essays by looking through your list of interests and concepts. You can include a paragraph or two regarding your athletic background in your personal statement if you’re athletic and would like to use an athletic career narrative as an additional essay while writing your main essay about something else. You may try color-coding each specific concept as an organizing tool. So that you can see what you’re putting into your writing, when you’re drafting, be sure to highlight each concept as it occurs to you.

Colleges will be able to discern the various facets of your personality and your trip, as well as how they collaborate, by looking at the common themes you address in several essays. Your goal when writing your tale is to paint the most complete image of yourself while maintaining coherence.

Putting Together a Story

You will know what kind of autobiographical account you want to write once you have enumerated all of your numerous thoughts and sketched out a couple of your articles.

Thinking chronologically can be useful if you’re considering a lot of different things to do but aren’t sure where to start. What sparked your interest when you were younger? Where did your hobbies originate, and what motivated you to pursue them? You might be able to come up with a distinctive story to tell if you consider these ideas. You might then begin to consider your current situation as well as your long-term goals after that. What kind of interests do you currently pursue?

It could feel like assembling a puzzle, for example. When trying to convey a story, it’s crucial to logically build the narrative. It’s likely that you visited the zoo regularly as a child and read books about wildlife and animals.

Currently, you’ve taken a lot of scientific courses and are getting ready to attend college. You know you want to major in environmental studies and conservation.

You don’t need to have a very original personal tale. If you’re discussing topics that people have heard before, don’t worry that you’re not unique. Delivering a tale that accurately reflects your identity and is delivered with skill is of utmost importance. Essay structure and writing quality are important. If the majority of the preparation has already been completed, you ought to be able to put together a compelling story. The truth with which you are representing your objectives, interests, and self should be a source of worry. Writing your college essays effectively requires you to do just that.

Not a single person shares your interests or life experiences exactly. It should be easy to feel proud of who you are and what you’ve achieved. That is the sole purpose of college essays. You can express your varied opinions and gain a better knowledge of who you are as a person by writing down all of your thoughts and passions. When the time comes to write, you’ll know what story you want to convey and you’ll be more confident in yourself.

About IVY'D College Prep

Welcome to IVY’D – Your Compass to Ivy League Success! We specialize in guiding ambitious high school students on their journey to the most prestigious colleges in the nation. Our services are meticulously designed to cover every aspect of the college admissions process.

Whether it’s navigating the complexities of financial aid, tailoring extracurricular profiles, or connecting with alumni networks, our dedicated team is committed to transforming your college aspirations into extraordinary achievements. Start your journey with IVY’D, where your Ivy League dream becomes a reality.

Recent Articles

Exploring Career Paths with a Pre-Law Major

High School Courses to Take if You’re Considering Pre-Law

Best Colleges for Pre-Law Majors: Top 10 Picks

Complete Overview of Pre-Law Majors: Pathways and Opportunities

Understanding the Different Types of STEM Majors: From Biology to Engineering

Learn More About...

Begin preparing for college today.

Schedule a consultation and find out how IVY’D can help you get into your dream college or program.

Explore, Excel, and Elevate with IVY’D College Prep

Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Press Releases

Email: [email protected] Phone: 925-503-4062

Term of Service

Schedule a free consultation

We’re reviewing our resources this spring (May-August 2024). We will do our best to minimize disruption, but you might notice changes over the next few months as we correct errors & delete redundant resources.

Telling a Story in Academic Writing

Storytelling is the most engaging way to communicate. In storytelling, writers use a variety of methods to maintain an appealing pace, to create human connections with their readers, and to help readers visualize their ideas. These same techniques are effective across all types of writing. They can be used to make writing assignments more engaging, more readable, and more persuasive.

When you build plot, you think of your writing as a sequence of connected events where anticipation (tension) rises toward a final climactic event, and ends with a resolution. For an academic argument, you can use the traditional narrative arc as a basic structure. The following shows how these narrative arcs of story structure might map onto academic paper.

Story: “This is the background you need to know to understand what’s coming next.”
Academic Writing: Introduce the issue and the argument you want to develop.

Rising action

Story: “First this happened. Then this happened. Then this happened.”
Academic Writing: To build tension, arrange your arguments to build in strength. How each point builds upon the previous one should be clear. For example, in a literature review, you would arrange the previous research to show how and why you came to your own research question. (You might think of this format like a detective story. The problems, successes, or omissions in previous research serve as the “clues” that led you to your own research project).
Story: “All of that led to this big event.”
Academic Writing: At the climax, reveal your most convincing reasoning and evidence.
Story: “Here’s how everything came together at the end.”
Academic Writing: In the final phase, summarize your arguments and emphasizing the significance of the issue.

Balance Action with Commentary

Academic writing with too much action - where the writer presents facts and descriptions, one after the other - reads like a rapid-fire list of statements. This kind of writing doesn’t give the reader time to process and reflect on the information. Make sure that you include analysis, reflection, and other commentary to build the right pace for your readers.

In contrast, academic writing with too much commentary feels slow and plodding and often has so much discussion that the reader loses sight of the writer’s goal. Make sure that you provide only the most important commentary. Then move on.

Instead of . . .

“ So and so argues this… so and so claims this… so and so analyzes this… “ or “One definition of the topic is x. Another is y. The definition proposed by z is….” or “There are multiple approaches to the topic. X looks at this . . ., Y views this. . ., Z combines this. . .”

“ There are many approaches to the topic. X looks at this . . ., which establishes important criteria for the field but avoids finding a consensus about issue M. Y’s research adds to the conversation about fundamental criteria for assessing these clinical situations. However, the author also takes a critical look at the disagreements underlying certain existing criteria. In contrast, rather than establishing criteria, Z investigates systemic assumptions in the field that lead practitioners to weigh some criteria more heavily than others.”

Focus on Pacing

Use active voice.

When writers use active voice they focus their sentences on an actor and the action – the two most important parts of storytelling. For more information on using active voice, check out our resource, Active and passive voice .

Ideally, to avoid unintentional bias in our measurements, information regarding the source population of each specimen was withheld from the observer.

We strived to avoid unintentional bias in our measurements. To that end, we withheld from observers, information about each specimen’s source population.

Vary sentence and paragraph length

Blair shone in his extracurricular activities at school. During his time at university he produced a magazine, joined in the production of other publications, and, in addition, participated in the college’s acapella group, but his academic performance reports suggested that he neglected his academic studies. His parents could not afford to send him to university without him winning another scholarship, and thus they concluded from his poor results that he would not be able to win one. His family decided that Blair should join the Imperial Police instead of finishing school.

Blair shone in his extracurricular activities at school. During his time at university he produced a magazine and also joined in the production of other publications. In addition, he participated in the college’s acapella group. Despite these achievements, his parents could not afford to send him to university without him winning another scholarship. Judging from Blair’s poor results, his family concluded that he would not be able to win. They thought Blair should join the Imperial Police instead.

Omit clutter

Too many unnecessary words in a sentence can not only lead to confusion, but also slow the pace and make text feel onerous and tiresome.

It has been found that CO2 and H2O formation has been reduced at high temperatures.

Less CO2 and H2O form at higher temperatures.

Humanize your Writing

Stories are powerful because, in one way or another, they place human concerns as their focus. To remind your readers of the human concerns that your research paper addresses, put human elements into your writing.

Use characters as your subjects

When a sentence describes an action completed by a person, that person should be the subject of the sentence. This small change in structure provides your sentences with characters and their actions, adding human elements to the paper.

Fetal DNA has been found in maternal plasma but exists as a minor fraction among a high background of maternal DNA. Even with highly precise single counting methods such as digital PCR, a large number of DNA molecules and hence maternal plasma volume would need to be analyzed to achieve the necessary analytical precision.

Researchers have found fetal DNA in maternal plasma, but it exists as a minor fraction among a high background of maternal DNA. Hence, even with highly precise, single molecule counting methods, such as digital PCR, geneticists must analyze a large number of DNA molecules and maternal plasma to achieve the necessary analytical precision.

Use the first person (I/we )

First person provides a human connection and improves clarity. It lets the reader know clearly who did what.

Here, instead of using approaches that target specific gene loci, the use of a locus-independent method would greatly increase the number of target molecules from the aneuploidy chromosome that could be analyzed within the same fixed volume of plasma.

Try . . .

Here, we chose not to use approaches that target specific gene loci. Rather, by using a locus-independent method, we could greatly increase the number of target molecules from the aneuploidy chromosome, and, with this increase, improve our analysis within the same fixed volume of plasma.

Add Metaphor

When we use one object, experience, or event to help symbolize and represent a different one, we are using metaphor. Through metaphor, writers use a concept familiar to the reader to help explain something that is unfamiliar. Metaphor helps a reader understand a concept from two pathways – literal and visual – and increases engagement.

Beyond treating individual letters as physical objects, the human brain may also perceive a text in its entirety as a kind of physical landscape, similar to the mental maps we create of terrain. For example, in the physical world we might recall that we passed the red farmhouse near the start of a trail we hiked. In a similar way, in text, we remember that we read about Mr. Darcy rebuffing Elizabeth Bennett on the bottom of the left-hand page in one of the earlier chapters.

Have a language expert improve your writing

Check your paper for plagiarism in 10 minutes, generate your apa citations for free.

Knowledge Base
College essay

How to Write a College Essay | A Complete Guide & Examples

The college essay can make or break your application. It’s your chance to provide personal context, communicate your values and qualities, and set yourself apart from other students.

A standout essay has a few key ingredients:

A unique, personal topic
A compelling, well-structured narrative
A clear, creative writing style
Evidence of self-reflection and insight

To achieve this, it’s crucial to give yourself enough time for brainstorming, writing, revision, and feedback.

In this comprehensive guide, we walk you through every step in the process of writing a college admissions essay.

Why do you need a standout essay, start organizing early, choose a unique topic, outline your essay, start with a memorable introduction, write like an artist, craft a strong conclusion, revise and receive feedback, frequently asked questions.

While most of your application lists your academic achievements, your college admissions essay is your opportunity to share who you are and why you’d be a good addition to the university.

Your college admissions essay accounts for about 25% of your application’s total weight一and may account for even more with some colleges making the SAT and ACT tests optional. The college admissions essay may be the deciding factor in your application, especially for competitive schools where most applicants have exceptional grades, test scores, and extracurriculars.

What do colleges look for in an essay?

Admissions officers want to understand your background, personality, and values to get a fuller picture of you beyond your test scores and grades. Here’s what colleges look for in an essay :

Demonstrated values and qualities
Vulnerability and authenticity
Self-reflection and insight
Creative, clear, and concise writing skills

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

It’s a good idea to start organizing your college application timeline in the summer of your junior year to make your application process easier. This will give you ample time for essay brainstorming, writing, revision, and feedback.

While timelines will vary for each student, aim to spend at least 1–3 weeks brainstorming and writing your first draft and at least 2–4 weeks revising across multiple drafts. Remember to leave enough time for breaks in between each writing and editing stage.

Create an essay tracker sheet

If you’re applying to multiple schools, you will have to juggle writing several essays for each one. We recommend using an essay tracker spreadsheet to help you visualize and organize the following:

Deadlines and number of essays needed
Prompt overlap, allowing you to write one essay for similar prompts

You can build your own essay tracker using our free Google Sheets template.

College essay tracker template

Ideally, you should start brainstorming college essay topics the summer before your senior year. Keep in mind that it’s easier to write a standout essay with a unique topic.

If you want to write about a common essay topic, such as a sports injury or volunteer work overseas, think carefully about how you can make it unique and personal. You’ll need to demonstrate deep insight and write your story in an original way to differentiate it from similar essays.

What makes a good topic?

Meaningful and personal to you
Uncommon or has an unusual angle
Reveals something different from the rest of your application

Brainstorming questions

You should do a comprehensive brainstorm before choosing your topic. Here are a few questions to get started:

What are your top five values? What lived experiences demonstrate these values?
What adjectives would your friends and family use to describe you?
What challenges or failures have you faced and overcome? What lessons did you learn from them?
What makes you different from your classmates?
What are some objects that represent your identity, your community, your relationships, your passions, or your goals?
Whom do you admire most? Why?
What three people have significantly impacted your life? How did they influence you?

How to identify your topic

Here are two strategies for identifying a topic that demonstrates your values:

Start with your qualities : First, identify positive qualities about yourself; then, brainstorm stories that demonstrate these qualities.
Start with a story : Brainstorm a list of memorable life moments; then, identify a value shown in each story.

After choosing your topic, organize your ideas in an essay outline , which will help keep you focused while writing. Unlike a five-paragraph academic essay, there’s no set structure for a college admissions essay. You can take a more creative approach, using storytelling techniques to shape your essay.

Two common approaches are to structure your essay as a series of vignettes or as a single narrative.

Vignettes structure

The vignette, or montage, structure weaves together several stories united by a common theme. Each story should demonstrate one of your values or qualities and conclude with an insight or future outlook.

This structure gives the admissions officer glimpses into your personality, background, and identity, and shows how your qualities appear in different areas of your life.

Topic: Museum with a “five senses” exhibit of my experiences

Introduction: Tour guide introduces my museum and my “Making Sense of My Heritage” exhibit
Story: Racial discrimination with my eyes
Lesson: Using my writing to document truth
Story: Broadway musical interests
Lesson: Finding my voice
Story: Smells from family dinner table
Lesson: Appreciating home and family
Story: Washing dishes
Lesson: Finding moments of peace in busy schedule
Story: Biking with Ava
Lesson: Finding pleasure in job well done
Conclusion: Tour guide concludes tour, invites guest to come back for “fall College Collection,” featuring my search for identity and learning.

Single story structure

The single story, or narrative, structure uses a chronological narrative to show a student’s character development over time. Some narrative essays detail moments in a relatively brief event, while others narrate a longer journey spanning months or years.

Single story essays are effective if you have overcome a significant challenge or want to demonstrate personal development.

Topic: Sports injury helps me learn to be a better student and person

Situation: Football injury
Challenge: Friends distant, teachers don’t know how to help, football is gone for me
Turning point: Starting to like learning in Ms. Brady’s history class; meeting Christina and her friends
My reactions: Reading poetry; finding shared interest in poetry with Christina; spending more time studying and with people different from me
Insight: They taught me compassion and opened my eyes to a different lifestyle; even though I still can’t play football, I’m starting a new game

Brainstorm creative insights or story arcs

Regardless of your essay’s structure, try to craft a surprising story arc or original insights, especially if you’re writing about a common topic.

Never exaggerate or fabricate facts about yourself to seem interesting. However, try finding connections in your life that deviate from cliché storylines and lessons.

Common insight	Unique insight
Making an all-state team → outstanding achievement	Making an all-state team → counting the cost of saying “no” to other interests
Making a friend out of an enemy → finding common ground, forgiveness	Making a friend out of an enemy → confront toxic thinking and behavior in yourself
Choir tour → a chance to see a new part of the world	Choir tour → a chance to serve in leading younger students
Volunteering → learning to help my community and care about others	Volunteering → learning to be critical of insincere resume-building
Turning a friend in for using drugs → choosing the moral high ground	Turning a friend in for using drugs → realizing the hypocrisy of hiding your secrets

Admissions officers read thousands of essays each year, and they typically spend only a few minutes reading each one. To get your message across, your introduction , or hook, needs to grab the reader’s attention and compel them to read more..

Avoid starting your introduction with a famous quote, cliché, or reference to the essay itself (“While I sat down to write this essay…”).

While you can sometimes use dialogue or a meaningful quotation from a close family member or friend, make sure it encapsulates your essay’s overall theme.

Find an original, creative way of starting your essay using the following two methods.

Option 1: Start with an intriguing hook

Begin your essay with an unexpected statement to pique the reader’s curiosity and compel them to carefully read your essay. A mysterious introduction disarms the reader’s expectations and introduces questions that can only be answered by reading more.

Option 2: Start with vivid imagery

Illustrate a clear, detailed image to immediately transport your reader into your memory. You can start in the middle of an important scene or describe an object that conveys your essay’s theme.

A college application essay allows you to be creative in your style and tone. As you draft your essay, try to use interesting language to enliven your story and stand out .

Show, don’t tell

“Tell” in writing means to simply state a fact: “I am a basketball player.” “ Show ” in writing means to use details, examples, and vivid imagery to help the reader easily visualize your memory: “My heart races as I set up to shoot一two seconds, one second一and score a three-pointer!”

First, reflect on every detail of a specific image or scene to recall the most memorable aspects.

What are the most prominent images?
Are there any particular sounds, smells, or tastes associated with this memory?
What emotion or physical feeling did you have at that time?

Be vulnerable to create an emotional response

You don’t have to share a huge secret or traumatic story, but you should dig deep to express your honest feelings, thoughts, and experiences to evoke an emotional response. Showing vulnerability demonstrates humility and maturity. However, don’t exaggerate to gain sympathy.

Use appropriate style and tone

Make sure your essay has the right style and tone by following these guidelines:

Use a conversational yet respectful tone: less formal than academic writing, but more formal than texting your friends.
Prioritize using “I” statements to highlight your perspective.
Write within your vocabulary range to maintain an authentic voice.
Write concisely, and use the active voice to keep a fast pace.
Follow grammar rules (unless you have valid stylistic reasons for breaking them).

You should end your college essay with a deep insight or creative ending to leave the reader with a strong final impression. Your college admissions essay should avoid the following:

Summarizing what you already wrote
Stating your hope of being accepted to the school
Mentioning character traits that should have been illustrated in the essay, such as “I’m a hard worker”

Here are two strategies to craft a strong conclusion.

Option 1: Full circle, sandwich structure

The full circle, or sandwich, structure concludes the essay with an image, idea, or story mentioned in the introduction. This strategy gives the reader a strong sense of closure.

In the example below, the essay concludes by returning to the “museum” metaphor that the writer opened with.

Option 2: Revealing your insight

You can use the conclusion to show the insight you gained as a result of the experiences you’ve described. Revealing your main message at the end creates suspense and keeps the takeaway at the forefront of your reader’s mind.

Revise your essay before submitting it to check its content, style, and grammar. Get feedback from no more than two or three people.

It’s normal to go through several rounds of revision, but take breaks between each editing stage.

Also check out our college essay examples to see what does and doesn’t work in an essay and the kinds of changes you can make to improve yours.

Respect the word count

Most schools specify a word count for each essay , and you should stay within 10% of the upper limit.

Remain under the specified word count limit to show you can write concisely and follow directions. However, don’t write too little, which may imply that you are unwilling or unable to write a thoughtful and developed essay.

Check your content, style, and grammar

First, check big-picture issues of message, flow, and clarity.
Then, check for style and tone issues.
Finally, focus on eliminating grammar and punctuation errors.

Get feedback

Get feedback from 2–3 people who know you well, have good writing skills, and are familiar with college essays.

Teachers and guidance counselors can help you check your content, language, and tone.
Friends and family can check for authenticity.
An essay coach or editor has specialized knowledge of college admissions essays and can give objective expert feedback.

The checklist below helps you make sure your essay ticks all the boxes.

College admissions essay checklist

I’ve organized my essay prompts and created an essay writing schedule.

I’ve done a comprehensive brainstorm for essay topics.

I’ve selected a topic that’s meaningful to me and reveals something different from the rest of my application.

I’ve created an outline to guide my structure.

I’ve crafted an introduction containing vivid imagery or an intriguing hook that grabs the reader’s attention.

I’ve written my essay in a way that shows instead of telling.

I’ve shown positive traits and values in my essay.

I’ve demonstrated self-reflection and insight in my essay.

I’ve used appropriate style and tone .

I’ve concluded with an insight or a creative ending.

I’ve revised my essay , checking my overall message, flow, clarity, and grammar.

I’ve respected the word count , remaining within 10% of the upper word limit.

Congratulations!

It looks like your essay ticks all the boxes. A second pair of eyes can help you take it to the next level – Scribbr's essay coaches can help.

Colleges want to be able to differentiate students who seem similar on paper. In the college application essay , they’re looking for a way to understand each applicant’s unique personality and experiences.

Your college essay accounts for about 25% of your application’s weight. It may be the deciding factor in whether you’re accepted, especially for competitive schools where most applicants have exceptional grades, test scores, and extracurricular track records.

A standout college essay has several key ingredients:

A unique, personally meaningful topic
A memorable introduction with vivid imagery or an intriguing hook
Specific stories and language that show instead of telling
Vulnerability that’s authentic but not aimed at soliciting sympathy
Clear writing in an appropriate style and tone
A conclusion that offers deep insight or a creative ending

While timelines will differ depending on the student, plan on spending at least 1–3 weeks brainstorming and writing the first draft of your college admissions essay , and at least 2–4 weeks revising across multiple drafts. Don’t forget to save enough time for breaks between each writing and editing stage.

You should already begin thinking about your essay the summer before your senior year so that you have plenty of time to try out different topics and get feedback on what works.

Most college application portals specify a word count range for your essay, and you should stay within 10% of the upper limit to write a developed and thoughtful essay.

You should aim to stay under the specified word count limit to show you can follow directions and write concisely. However, don’t write too little, as it may seem like you are unwilling or unable to write a detailed and insightful narrative about yourself.

If no word count is specified, we advise keeping your essay between 400 and 600 words.

Is this article helpful?

Other students also liked.

What Do Colleges Look For in an Essay? | Examples & Tips
College Essay Format & Structure | Example Outlines
How to Revise Your College Admissions Essay | Examples

"I thought AI Proofreading was useless but.."

I've been using Scribbr for years now and I know it's a service that won't disappoint. It does a good job spotting mistakes”

Crafting Compelling Narrative Essays: Storytelling Techniques for Students

Understanding narrative essays, storytelling elements in narrative essays, developing a strong narrative voice, creating vivid descriptions, building emotional connection, here are strategies to build this connection:, structuring your narrative essay, editing and refining your essay, final thoughts.

In conclusion, narrative essays offer a unique opportunity for students to express themselves creatively and connect with their readers. By utilizing storytelling techniques effectively, students can create essays that are not only academically successful but also personally fulfilling and engaging for their audience.

Published on 2 February 2024

The Role of College Admissions Essays: Authenticity and Storytelling

Welcome to another insightful blog post on mastering the college admissions essay! In this article, we will explore the powerful technique of storytelling and how it can transform your essay, captivating readers and increasing your chances of getting into your dream college.

Mastering the College Admissions Essay: Captivating Readers through Storytelling

Crafting an attention-grabbing essay requires strategic storytelling that showcases your unique personality, experiences, and aspirations. So, let's dive in and uncover the secrets of captivating college admissions officers through the art of storytelling!

The Importance of Storytelling in College Admissions Essays

Admissions officers are bombarded with countless essays each application season. To stand out from the crowd, you must present your story in a memorable and engaging way. Storytelling not only captures their attention but also allows them to connect with you on a deeper level. Your essay should create an emotional resonance, leaving a lasting impression that sets you apart from other applicants.

Storytelling is essential to make your college admissions essay memorable.
A captivating story helps create an emotional connection with the reader.
Unique stories distinguish you from other applicants.

Understanding the Elements of a Compelling Story

When crafting your college admissions essay, keep in mind the key elements of a compelling story. A well-structured narrative grabs the reader's attention, immerses them in your experiences, and leaves them wanting to learn more about you. Here are the essential components to consider:

1. The Hook: Grabbing the Reader's Attention from the Start

Your essay's opening should be captivating and attention-grabbing. Consider starting with an intriguing anecdote, a thought-provoking question, or a compelling statement that sets the tone for your story. This hook will ensure your essay stands out among the rest.

2. Character Development: Showcasing Your Unique Personality

Incorporate vivid descriptions and personal anecdotes to showcase your character, passions, and values. Paint a picture of who you are and what drives you. By bringing your experiences to life, you create a memorable impression that admissions officers won't easily forget.

3. Conflict and Resolution: Overcoming Obstacles

Every engaging story has conflict and resolution. Highlight challenges you have faced, whether they be personal, academic, or extracurricular. Demonstrate resilience, problem-solving skills, and personal growth through these experiences. Admissions officers value individuals who can overcome adversity.

4. Impact and Reflection: Conveying Lessons Learned

Reflect on the impact these experiences have had on you. Discuss the lessons learned, personal growth, and how they shaped your aspirations. Admissions officers are interested in understanding your self-awareness and future goals.

An attention-grabbing hook at the beginning is crucial
Show who you are through vivid descriptions and personal anecdotes
Highlight your ability to overcome challenges and show personal growth
Reflect on the impact of your experiences and how they shape your future

Benefits of Storytelling in College Admissions Essays

Storytelling offers several advantages when it comes to crafting your college admissions essay:

1. Differentiation and Memorable Impressions

By incorporating storytelling techniques, your essay will stand out among the stacks of applications. Admissions officers read hundreds, if not thousands, of essays, so capturing their attention with a unique and memorable story is essential.

2. Authenticity and Relatability

Telling your story in a genuine and relatable manner allows admissions officers to connect with you on a personal level. They are more likely to remember applicants who demonstrate authenticity, making it easier to root for your admission to their college.

3. Showcasing Skills and Personality

Storytelling provides an opportunity to demonstrate your writing skills and exhibit your personality traits. Admissions officers want to know what sets you apart from other candidates and what you can contribute to their college community.

Storytelling makes your essay memorable and helps you stand out
Authenticity and relatability create a stronger connection with the reader
Showcasing your skills and personality makes you a valuable candidate

Mastering the college admissions essay through storytelling is a powerful tool in capturing the attention of admissions officers. Your essay should be a compelling narrative that showcases your unique experiences, character, and growth. By incorporating captivating storytelling techniques, you can create a memorable and impactful essay that increases your chances of gaining admission to your dream college. Remember, your story is what makes you exceptional, so craft it with care and let your voice shine through!

From Anecdotes to Triumphs: The Significance of Personal Narratives in College Applications

The power of personal narratives.

Personal narratives offer applicants an opportunity to go beyond traditional academic accomplishments and showcase their character, values, and personal growth. Admissions officers are not only interested in your academic prowess but also in the kind of person you are and how you would contribute to the college community. A well-crafted personal narrative can help admissions officers understand who you truly are and what you can bring to their institution.

Let's delve into some reasons why personal narratives are significant in college applications:

Highlighting your uniqueness: Personal narratives allow you to highlight your distinctive qualities, experiences, and perspectives. By telling a story that is unique to you, you differentiate yourself from other applicants and create an unforgettable impression.
Exhibiting personal growth: Colleges are not only interested in your achievements, but also in your ability to overcome challenges and learn from them. Personal narratives provide a platform to showcase personal growth, resilience, and adaptability, which are all desirable qualities in a college student.
Creating an emotional connection: Admissions officers read hundreds, if not thousands, of applications. A well-crafted personal narrative has the power to make an emotional connection with the reader, leaving a lasting impression. Your story should evoke empathy, interest, and admiration in the reader.
Demonstrating your writing skills: College applicants are often required to submit a personal statement or essay. Crafting a compelling personal narrative not only showcases your ability to express yourself effectively but also demonstrates your writing skills. This can act as an indicator of your potential success in college-level coursework.

Key Elements of an Outstanding Personal Narrative

Now that we understand the importance of personal narratives, how can you create a standout story that captivates admissions officers? Here are some key elements to consider:

Captivating Opening:

Begin your personal narrative with a strong and engaging opening that immediately captures the reader's attention. Consider starting with a compelling anecdote, a thought-provoking question, or a poignant quote that sets the tone for your story.

Focus on Transformative Experiences:

Highlight experiences that have had a profound impact on your personal growth and development. Whether it's volunteering in a community project, participating in a challenging academic competition, or overcoming a personal setback, emphasize how these experiences have shaped you into the individual you are today.

Show, Don't Tell:

Avoid simply stating your attributes or qualities. Instead, provide vivid examples and anecdotes that vividly illustrate your strengths, skills, and values. Show your character through specific actions and behavior rather than simply telling the reader about them.

Reflect on Lessons Learned:

After narrating your experiences, reflect on the lessons you learned and how they have influenced your personal and academic goals. Admissions officers are interested in your ability to analyze and reflect upon your experiences, so make sure to articulate the insights gained.

Stay Authentic:

Avoid trying to craft a story that you think admissions officers want to hear. Instead, stay true to yourself and embrace your unique experiences and perspectives. Admissions officers value authenticity and want to understand the real you, rather than a manufactured image.

Personal narratives play a significant role in college applications. They provide a platform to showcase your uniqueness, personal growth, and ability to connect with others emotionally. By crafting an outstanding personal narrative, you can differentiate yourself from other applicants and increase your chances of admission to the college of your dreams.

Remember, the college application process is not solely based on stellar grades and test scores. It is an opportunity to demonstrate who you are as a person, and personal narratives are a powerful tool in achieving that. So, embrace your own story, share your triumphs, and captivate admissions officers with the compelling narrative that defines you.

Unveiling the Art of Storytelling: A Guide to College Admissions Essays

So, let's dive in and unravel the secrets of effective storytelling for college admissions essays.

The Power of Storytelling

Storytelling is an ancient craft that has shaped human history. Whether it's around a campfire or in a book, stories have the power to engage, entertain, and inspire. When it comes to college admissions essays, storytelling becomes a powerful tool to convey your experiences, values, and aspirations effectively.

Here are some key advantages of incorporating storytelling techniques in your essay:

Showcasing Your Personality: Storytelling allows you to express your individuality beyond facts and achievements, enabling the admissions committee to see your unique perspective and character traits.
Engaging the Reader: By weaving a narrative, you can grab the reader's attention from the start and keep them engaged throughout your essay.
Creating Emotional Connections: Stories have the ability to evoke emotions. Crafting a personal story enables you to create a deeper connection with the reader, making your essay memorable.
Demonstrating Growth and Resilience: A well-told story can highlight how you overcame challenges, showcasing your resilience and personal development.

Key Elements of an Effective College Admissions Essay

To craft an impressive college admissions essay, certain key elements should be incorporated into your storytelling. These elements will shape your narrative and make it impactful:

1. Authenticity and Originality

Be genuine and share your unique story. Don't try to create an essay that you think the admissions committee wants to read. Authenticity and originality are highly valued, so be true to your own experiences and voice.

2. Structure and Organization

An organized essay with a clear structure helps the reader follow your narrative easily. Start with a captivating introduction, develop the story in the body paragraphs, and conclude with a thought-provoking ending.

3. Vivid Descriptions and Imagery

Bring your story to life by using descriptive language and vivid imagery. Paint a picture with your words, allowing the reader to visualize your experiences and surroundings.

4. Reflection and Introspection

Avoid merely recounting events; instead, reflect on the impact they had on your growth and development. Showcase your ability to introspect and learn from experiences.

5. Theme or Central Message

Identify a theme or central message that ties your story together. This will add depth and coherence to your essay, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Before we conclude, let's summarize the key takeaways:

Storytelling is a powerful tool to create engaging and memorable college admissions essays.
Authenticity and originality are key to standing out in the application pool.
Structure your essay effectively with a captivating introduction, well-developed body paragraphs, and a thought-provoking conclusion.
Utilize vivid descriptions, imagery, and reflection to make your story come alive.
Identify a central theme or message to tie your narrative together.

Remember, your college admissions essay is an opportunity to showcase your personality, experiences, and aspirations. Craft it with care, using the art of storytelling to captivate the admissions committee and leave a lasting impression. Good luck with your college applications!

Crafting Personal Narratives: The Power of Authenticity in College Essays

Let's delve into the power of authenticity and how you can leverage its potential in crafting a compelling college essay that leaves a lasting impression.

Why Authenticity Matters

In a world of standardized tests and GPA measurements, personal essays provide an opportunity for college applicants to showcase their individuality. Admissions officers have the task of building a diverse and vibrant student body, and an essay that allows them to connect with an applicant on a personal level can greatly impact their decision-making process.

In fact, a recent survey revealed that 86% of college admissions officers consider the personal essay to be a crucial factor in their decision-making process. Therefore, it is essential to seize this opportunity and present yourself authentically to stand out among the crowd.

Key Elements of an Authentic College Essay

To craft an authentic and compelling college essay, keep the following key elements in mind:

Show, don't tell: Instead of simply stating your qualities, experiences, or achievements, paint a vivid picture by sharing anecdotes or stories that highlight those attributes.
Be genuine: Stay true to yourself and your voice throughout the essay. Avoid trying to fit into a mold or pretending to be someone you're not.
Reflect on personal growth: Share experiences that have shaped you as an individual and led to personal growth. Admissions officers are interested in seeing how you have overcome challenges and developed over time.
Highlight your passions: Colleges are not only looking for academically capable students but also individuals who have diverse interests and passions. Showcasing your genuine enthusiasm for your field of interest can make a significant impact.

The Advantages of an Authentic College Essay

An authentic college essay can provide numerous advantages for applicants:

Stands out from the crowd: With thousands of applications received, painting a genuine picture of yourself can help you shine among other applicants.
Establishes a personal connection: Admissions officers are more likely to remember and relate to an essay that showcases an applicant's unique personality and experiences.
Demonstrates self-awareness: By reflecting on personal growth and experiences, you display self-awareness, a quality that colleges value in their students.
Displays passion and drive: Highlighting your genuine interests and passions can show colleges that you are not just academically inclined, but also dedicated and motivated.

When it comes to crafting your college essay, remember these key takeaways:

Be authentic and true to yourself.
Showcase personal growth and reflect on meaningful experiences.
Engage the reader with vivid anecdotes.
Demonstrate your passions and interests.
Stand out from the pool of applicants with a memorable personal narrative.

By embracing the power of authenticity in your college essays, you can truly set yourself apart and make a lasting impression on admissions officers. Remember, your personal narrative has the potential to open doors to a future filled with exciting opportunities. Craft it with care, and let your true self shine!

Add new comment

Comments (11).

Storytelling is an art, my friends. When writing your college admissions essay, think about what makes your story unique and compelling. Don't be afraid to get creative and let your personality shine through. Admissions officers wanna see that you're a real person with real experiences, not just a GPA and test scores.

Authenticity and storytelling go hand in hand when it comes to college admissions essays. Admissions officers are looking for students who can tell their own story in a compelling and authentic way. So be true to yourself and let your voice be heard in your essay.

Authenticity is key when it comes to college admissions essays. Admissions officers want to see the real you, not some polished version of yourself that you think they want to see. So be honest and genuine in your writing, and let your personality shine through.

Yo, as a professional developer, I gotta say that authenticity and storytelling are key when it comes to college admissions essays. Admissions officers wanna see the real you, not some cookie-cutter version of who you think they want you to be. So tell your story in your own words, and don't be afraid to let your personality shine through.

Authenticity is super important when it comes to college essays. Admissions officers can smell a fake from a mile away, so don't try to be someone you're not. Be true to yourself and your experiences, and let that shine through in your writing.

Hey y'all, just wanted to chime in and say that college admissions essays are all about authenticity and storytelling. You gotta show the admissions officers who you are and what makes you tick. Don't be afraid to get personal and share your struggles and triumphs in your essay.

Storytelling is a powerful tool when it comes to college admissions essays. Admissions officers want to see that you can tell your own story in a compelling and engaging way. So get creative, be authentic, and let your personality shine through in your writing.

Authenticity and storytelling are the name of the game when it comes to college admissions essays. Admissions officers want to see that you're a real person with real experiences and passions. So be yourself, tell your story, and don't hold back!

When it comes to college admissions essays, storytelling is where it's at. Admissions officers wanna hear your story and get a sense of who you are as a person. So don't be afraid to get personal and share the experiences that have shaped you into the person you are today.

Yo, college admissions essays are all about telling your story in a real and authentic way. Admissions officers want to see the person behind the grades and test scores, so don't be afraid to get personal and share what makes you unique. Show them the real you!

College essays are a pain, man. But they're super important. Gotta show the admissions peeps who you really are, ya know? Be real, be yourself, tell your story. That's the key to standing out. I totally bombed my first essay. Tried to sound all fancy and smart. But then I switched it up, kept it real, and got into my dream school. Authenticity pays off, folks! Do admissions officers really read all these essays? I feel like they must get bored after the first few hundred. I wonder if colleges check for plagiarism in our essays. Like, are they running them through some fancy software to catch us cheating? I heard you should never write about your volunteer trip to Africa in your essay. Is that true? I mean, isn't that a cool thing to talk about? Authenticity is the name of the game, peeps! Tell your story, share your struggles, show some vulnerability. That's what makes a memorable essay. My friend wrote her essay about her pet rock. Yeah, you heard me right. And she got into Harvard! So, like, anything goes, I guess. I always struggle with finding my "unique" story to tell in my college essay. How do you even come up with something that hasn't been said a million times before? Storytelling is an art, my friends. Paint a vivid picture with your words, make the admissions officers feel something. That's how you make an impact. I wish I could just submit a TikTok video instead of a written essay. That would be so much more fun!

Understanding the Difference Between Liberal Arts and STEM Colleges

When it comes to choosing a career path, graduates often find themselves torn between pursuing a liberal arts degree or one in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Both fields offer distinct advantages and unique opportunities, but deciding which path to choose requires careful consideration of an individual's interests, strengths, and long-term goals.

The Role of Admissions Consultants: Do You Need One for College Applications?

When it comes to the highly competitive world of college admissions, every advantage counts. With thousands of students vying for limited spots at top-tier universities, it has become increasingly important for students to seek guidance and support throughout the application process.

Understanding the Common Application: Tips for Applicants

For high school students eying college education, the anticipation of stepping into a new phase of life can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. The college application process plays a pivotal role in shaping their future. Understanding the common application process is crucial to ensure a smooth transition from high school to college.

Share full article

Supported by

Mentor texts

Telling Short, Memorable Stories From Your Life: ‘My Secret Pepsi Plot’

An invitation to students to tell a meaningful story in a limited number of words, with an example from The Times’s Lives column to help.

By Katherine Schulten

Our new Mentor Text series spotlights writing from The Times that students can learn from and emulate.

This entry, like several others we are publishing, focuses on an essay from The Times’s long-running Lives column to consider skills prized in narrative writing. We are starting with this genre to help support students participating in our 2020 Personal Narrative Essay Contest .

Our Personal Narrative Essay Contest is inspired by The New York Times’s Lives column, which ran from 1996 to 2017 and featured “short, powerful stories about meaningful life experiences .”

The editor of the column once posted some advice on “How to Write a Lives Essay” to guide those who submitted to the column annually. Much of that advice applies to our contest as well.

For example, several points boil down to reminders to keep it simple, including tips like:

Don’t try to fit your whole life into one “Lives.”

Don’t try to tell the whole story.

Tell a small story — an evocative, particular moment.

Better to start from something very simple that you think is interesting (an incident, a person) and expand upon it, rather than a large idea that you then have to fit into a short essay. For example, start with “the day the Santa Claus in the mall asked me on a date” rather than “the state of affairs that is dating in an older age bracket.”

This advice is similar to advice often given to high school seniors writing college essays : You have only 650 words to show admissions officers something important, interesting or memorable about who you are and what matters to you. A list of awards you’ve won won’t do it, but an engaging story about making brownies with your stepbrother just might.

We are having trouble retrieving the article content.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber? Log in .

Want all of The Times? Subscribe .

The Ultimate Narrative Essay Guide for Beginners

A narrative essay tells a story in chronological order, with an introduction that introduces the characters and sets the scene. Then a series of events leads to a climax or turning point, and finally a resolution or reflection on the experience.

Speaking of which, are you in sixes and sevens about narrative essays? Don’t worry this ultimate expert guide will wipe out all your doubts. So let’s get started.

Table of Contents

Everything You Need to Know About Narrative Essay

What is a narrative essay.

When you go through a narrative essay definition, you would know that a narrative essay purpose is to tell a story. It’s all about sharing an experience or event and is different from other types of essays because it’s more focused on how the event made you feel or what you learned from it, rather than just presenting facts or an argument. Let’s explore more details on this interesting write-up and get to know how to write a narrative essay.

Elements of a Narrative Essay

Here’s a breakdown of the key elements of a narrative essay:

A narrative essay has a beginning, middle, and end. It builds up tension and excitement and then wraps things up in a neat package.

Real people, including the writer, often feature in personal narratives. Details of the characters and their thoughts, feelings, and actions can help readers to relate to the tale.

It’s really important to know when and where something happened so we can get a good idea of the context. Going into detail about what it looks like helps the reader to really feel like they’re part of the story.

Conflict or Challenge

A story in a narrative essay usually involves some kind of conflict or challenge that moves the plot along. It could be something inside the character, like a personal battle, or something from outside, like an issue they have to face in the world.

Theme or Message

A narrative essay isn’t just about recounting an event – it’s about showing the impact it had on you and what you took away from it. It’s an opportunity to share your thoughts and feelings about the experience, and how it changed your outlook.

Emotional Impact

The author is trying to make the story they’re telling relatable, engaging, and memorable by using language and storytelling to evoke feelings in whoever’s reading it.

Narrative essays let writers have a blast telling stories about their own lives. It’s an opportunity to share insights and impart wisdom, or just have some fun with the reader. Descriptive language, sensory details, dialogue, and a great narrative voice are all essentials for making the story come alive.

The Purpose of a Narrative Essay

A narrative essay is more than just a story – it’s a way to share a meaningful, engaging, and relatable experience with the reader. Includes:

Sharing Personal Experience

Narrative essays are a great way for writers to share their personal experiences, feelings, thoughts, and reflections. It’s an opportunity to connect with readers and make them feel something.

Entertainment and Engagement

The essay attempts to keep the reader interested by using descriptive language, storytelling elements, and a powerful voice. It attempts to pull them in and make them feel involved by creating suspense, mystery, or an emotional connection.

Conveying a Message or Insight

Narrative essays are more than just a story – they aim to teach you something. They usually have a moral lesson, a new understanding, or a realization about life that the author gained from the experience.

Building Empathy and Understanding

By telling their stories, people can give others insight into different perspectives, feelings, and situations. Sharing these tales can create compassion in the reader and help broaden their knowledge of different life experiences.

Inspiration and Motivation

Stories about personal struggles, successes, and transformations can be really encouraging to people who are going through similar situations. It can provide them with hope and guidance, and let them know that they’re not alone.

Reflecting on Life’s Significance

These essays usually make you think about the importance of certain moments in life or the impact of certain experiences. They make you look deep within yourself and ponder on the things you learned or how you changed because of those events.

Demonstrating Writing Skills

Coming up with a gripping narrative essay takes serious writing chops, like vivid descriptions, powerful language, timing, and organization. It’s an opportunity for writers to show off their story-telling abilities.

Preserving Personal History

Sometimes narrative essays are used to record experiences and special moments that have an emotional resonance. They can be used to preserve individual memories or for future generations to look back on.

Cultural and Societal Exploration

Personal stories can look at cultural or social aspects, giving us an insight into customs, opinions, or social interactions seen through someone’s own experience.

Format of a Narrative Essay

Narrative essays are quite flexible in terms of format, which allows the writer to tell a story in a creative and compelling way. Here’s a quick breakdown of the narrative essay format, along with some examples:

Introduction

Set the scene and introduce the story.

Engage the reader and establish the tone of the narrative.

Hook: Start with a captivating opening line to grab the reader’s attention. For instance:

Example: “The scorching sun beat down on us as we trekked through the desert, our water supply dwindling.”

Background Information: Provide necessary context or background without giving away the entire story.

Example: “It was the summer of 2015 when I embarked on a life-changing journey to…”

Thesis Statement or Narrative Purpose

Present the main idea or the central message of the essay.

Offer a glimpse of what the reader can expect from the narrative.

Thesis Statement: This isn’t as rigid as in other essays but can be a sentence summarizing the essence of the story.

Example: “Little did I know, that seemingly ordinary hike would teach me invaluable lessons about resilience and friendship.”

Body Paragraphs

Present the sequence of events in chronological order.

Develop characters, setting, conflict, and resolution.

Story Progression : Describe events in the order they occurred, focusing on details that evoke emotions and create vivid imagery.

Example : Detail the trek through the desert, the challenges faced, interactions with fellow hikers, and the pivotal moments.

Character Development : Introduce characters and their roles in the story. Show their emotions, thoughts, and actions.

Example : Describe how each character reacted to the dwindling water supply and supported each other through adversity.

Dialogue and Interactions : Use dialogue to bring the story to life and reveal character personalities.

Example : “Sarah handed me her last bottle of water, saying, ‘We’re in this together.'”

Reach the peak of the story, the moment of highest tension or significance.

Turning Point: Highlight the most crucial moment or realization in the narrative.

Example: “As the sun dipped below the horizon and hope seemed lost, a distant sound caught our attention—the rescue team’s helicopters.”

Provide closure to the story.

Reflect on the significance of the experience and its impact.

Reflection : Summarize the key lessons learned or insights gained from the experience.

Example : “That hike taught me the true meaning of resilience and the invaluable support of friendship in challenging times.”

Closing Thought : End with a memorable line that reinforces the narrative’s message or leaves a lasting impression.

Example : “As we boarded the helicopters, I knew this adventure would forever be etched in my heart.”

Example Summary:

Imagine a narrative about surviving a challenging hike through the desert, emphasizing the bonds formed and lessons learned. The narrative essay structure might look like starting with an engaging scene, narrating the hardships faced, showcasing the characters’ resilience, and culminating in a powerful realization about friendship and endurance.

Different Types of Narrative Essays

There are a bunch of different types of narrative essays – each one focuses on different elements of storytelling and has its own purpose. Here’s a breakdown of the narrative essay types and what they mean.

Personal Narrative

Description : Tells a personal story or experience from the writer’s life.

Purpose: Reflects on personal growth, lessons learned, or significant moments.

Example of Narrative Essay Types:

Topic : “The Day I Conquered My Fear of Public Speaking”

Focus: Details the experience, emotions, and eventual triumph over a fear of public speaking during a pivotal event.

Descriptive Narrative

Description : Emphasizes vivid details and sensory imagery.

Purpose : Creates a sensory experience, painting a vivid picture for the reader.

Topic : “A Walk Through the Enchanted Forest”

Focus : Paints a detailed picture of the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings experienced during a walk through a mystical forest.

Autobiographical Narrative

Description: Chronicles significant events or moments from the writer’s life.

Purpose: Provides insights into the writer’s life, experiences, and growth.

Topic: “Lessons from My Childhood: How My Grandmother Shaped Who I Am”

Focus: Explores pivotal moments and lessons learned from interactions with a significant family member.

Experiential Narrative

Description: Relays experiences beyond the writer’s personal life.

Purpose: Shares experiences, travels, or events from a broader perspective.

Topic: “Volunteering in a Remote Village: A Journey of Empathy”

Focus: Chronicles the writer’s volunteering experience, highlighting interactions with a community and personal growth.

Literary Narrative

Description: Incorporates literary elements like symbolism, allegory, or thematic explorations.

Purpose: Uses storytelling for deeper explorations of themes or concepts.

Topic: “The Symbolism of the Red Door: A Journey Through Change”

Focus: Uses a red door as a symbol, exploring its significance in the narrator’s life and the theme of transition.

Historical Narrative

Description: Recounts historical events or periods through a personal lens.

Purpose: Presents history through personal experiences or perspectives.

Topic: “A Grandfather’s Tales: Living Through the Great Depression”

Focus: Shares personal stories from a family member who lived through a historical era, offering insights into that period.

Digital or Multimedia Narrative

Description: Incorporates multimedia elements like images, videos, or audio to tell a story.

Purpose: Explores storytelling through various digital platforms or formats.

Topic: “A Travel Diary: Exploring Europe Through Vlogs”

Focus: Combines video clips, photos, and personal narration to document a travel experience.

How to Choose a Topic for Your Narrative Essay?

Selecting a compelling topic for your narrative essay is crucial as it sets the stage for your storytelling. Choosing a boring topic is one of the narrative essay mistakes to avoid . Here’s a detailed guide on how to choose the right topic:

Reflect on Personal Experiences

Significant Moments:

Moments that had a profound impact on your life or shaped your perspective.

Example: A moment of triumph, overcoming a fear, a life-changing decision, or an unforgettable experience.

Emotional Resonance:

Events that evoke strong emotions or feelings.

Example: Joy, fear, sadness, excitement, or moments of realization.

Lessons Learned:

Experiences that taught you valuable lessons or brought about personal growth.

Example: Challenges that led to personal development, shifts in mindset, or newfound insights.

Explore Unique Perspectives

Uncommon Experiences:

Unique or unconventional experiences that might captivate the reader’s interest.

Example: Unusual travels, interactions with different cultures, or uncommon hobbies.

Different Points of View:

Stories from others’ perspectives that impacted you deeply.

Example: A family member’s story, a friend’s experience, or a historical event from a personal lens.

Focus on Specific Themes or Concepts

Themes or Concepts of Interest:

Themes or ideas you want to explore through storytelling.

Example: Friendship, resilience, identity, cultural diversity, or personal transformation.

Symbolism or Metaphor:

Using symbols or metaphors as the core of your narrative.

Example: Exploring the symbolism of an object or a place in relation to a broader theme.

Consider Your Audience and Purpose

Relevance to Your Audience:

Topics that resonate with your audience’s interests or experiences.

Example: Choose a relatable theme or experience that your readers might connect with emotionally.

Impact or Message:

What message or insight do you want to convey through your story?

Example: Choose a topic that aligns with the message or lesson you aim to impart to your readers.

Brainstorm and Evaluate Ideas

Free Writing or Mind Mapping:

Process: Write down all potential ideas without filtering. Mind maps or free-writing exercises can help generate diverse ideas.

Evaluate Feasibility:

The depth of the story, the availability of vivid details, and your personal connection to the topic.

Imagine you’re considering topics for a narrative essay. You reflect on your experiences and decide to explore the topic of “Overcoming Stage Fright: How a School Play Changed My Perspective.” This topic resonates because it involves a significant challenge you faced and the personal growth it brought about.

Narrative Essay Topics

50 easy narrative essay topics.

Learning to Ride a Bike
My First Day of School
A Surprise Birthday Party
The Day I Got Lost
Visiting a Haunted House
An Encounter with a Wild Animal
My Favorite Childhood Toy
The Best Vacation I Ever Had
An Unforgettable Family Gathering
Conquering a Fear of Heights
A Special Gift I Received
Moving to a New City
The Most Memorable Meal
Getting Caught in a Rainstorm
An Act of Kindness I Witnessed
The First Time I Cooked a Meal
My Experience with a New Hobby
The Day I Met My Best Friend
A Hike in the Mountains
Learning a New Language
An Embarrassing Moment
Dealing with a Bully
My First Job Interview
A Sporting Event I Attended
The Scariest Dream I Had
Helping a Stranger
The Joy of Achieving a Goal
A Road Trip Adventure
Overcoming a Personal Challenge
The Significance of a Family Tradition
An Unusual Pet I Owned
A Misunderstanding with a Friend
Exploring an Abandoned Building
My Favorite Book and Why
The Impact of a Role Model
A Cultural Celebration I Participated In
A Valuable Lesson from a Teacher
A Trip to the Zoo
An Unplanned Adventure
Volunteering Experience
A Moment of Forgiveness
A Decision I Regretted
A Special Talent I Have
The Importance of Family Traditions
The Thrill of Performing on Stage
A Moment of Sudden Inspiration
The Meaning of Home
Learning to Play a Musical Instrument
A Childhood Memory at the Park
Witnessing a Beautiful Sunset

Narrative Essay Topics for College Students

Discovering a New Passion
Overcoming Academic Challenges
Navigating Cultural Differences
Embracing Independence: Moving Away from Home
Exploring Career Aspirations
Coping with Stress in College
The Impact of a Mentor in My Life
Balancing Work and Studies
Facing a Fear of Public Speaking
Exploring a Semester Abroad
The Evolution of My Study Habits
Volunteering Experience That Changed My Perspective
The Role of Technology in Education
Finding Balance: Social Life vs. Academics
Learning a New Skill Outside the Classroom
Reflecting on Freshman Year Challenges
The Joys and Struggles of Group Projects
My Experience with Internship or Work Placement
Challenges of Time Management in College
Redefining Success Beyond Grades
The Influence of Literature on My Thinking
The Impact of Social Media on College Life
Overcoming Procrastination
Lessons from a Leadership Role
Exploring Diversity on Campus
Exploring Passion for Environmental Conservation
An Eye-Opening Course That Changed My Perspective
Living with Roommates: Challenges and Lessons
The Significance of Extracurricular Activities
The Influence of a Professor on My Academic Journey
Discussing Mental Health in College
The Evolution of My Career Goals
Confronting Personal Biases Through Education
The Experience of Attending a Conference or Symposium
Challenges Faced by Non-Native English Speakers in College
The Impact of Traveling During Breaks
Exploring Identity: Cultural or Personal
The Impact of Music or Art on My Life
Addressing Diversity in the Classroom
Exploring Entrepreneurial Ambitions
My Experience with Research Projects
Overcoming Impostor Syndrome in College
The Importance of Networking in College
Finding Resilience During Tough Times
The Impact of Global Issues on Local Perspectives
The Influence of Family Expectations on Education
Lessons from a Part-Time Job
Exploring the College Sports Culture
The Role of Technology in Modern Education
The Journey of Self-Discovery Through Education

Narrative Essay Comparison

Narrative essay vs. descriptive essay.

Here’s our first narrative essay comparison! While both narrative and descriptive essays focus on vividly portraying a subject or an event, they differ in their primary objectives and approaches. Now, let’s delve into the nuances of comparison on narrative essays.

Narrative Essay:

Storytelling: Focuses on narrating a personal experience or event.

Chronological Order: Follows a structured timeline of events to tell a story.

Message or Lesson: Often includes a central message, moral, or lesson learned from the experience.

Engagement: Aims to captivate the reader through a compelling storyline and character development.

First-Person Perspective: Typically narrated from the writer’s point of view, using “I” and expressing personal emotions and thoughts.

Plot Development: Emphasizes a plot with a beginning, middle, climax, and resolution.

Character Development: Focuses on describing characters, their interactions, emotions, and growth.

Conflict or Challenge: Usually involves a central conflict or challenge that drives the narrative forward.

Dialogue: Incorporates conversations to bring characters and their interactions to life.

Reflection: Concludes with reflection or insight gained from the experience.

Descriptive Essay:

Vivid Description: Aims to vividly depict a person, place, object, or event.

Imagery and Details: Focuses on sensory details to create a vivid image in the reader’s mind.

Emotion through Description: Uses descriptive language to evoke emotions and engage the reader’s senses.

Painting a Picture: Creates a sensory-rich description allowing the reader to visualize the subject.

Imagery and Sensory Details: Focuses on providing rich sensory descriptions, using vivid language and adjectives.

Point of Focus: Concentrates on describing a specific subject or scene in detail.

Spatial Organization: Often employs spatial organization to describe from one area or aspect to another.

Objective Observations: Typically avoids the use of personal opinions or emotions; instead, the focus remains on providing a detailed and objective description.

Comparison:

Focus: Narrative essays emphasize storytelling, while descriptive essays focus on vividly describing a subject or scene.

Perspective: Narrative essays are often written from a first-person perspective, while descriptive essays may use a more objective viewpoint.

Purpose: Narrative essays aim to convey a message or lesson through a story, while descriptive essays aim to paint a detailed picture for the reader without necessarily conveying a specific message.

Narrative Essay vs. Argumentative Essay

The narrative essay and the argumentative essay serve distinct purposes and employ different approaches:

Engagement and Emotion: Aims to captivate the reader through a compelling story.

Reflective: Often includes reflection on the significance of the experience or lessons learned.

First-Person Perspective: Typically narrated from the writer’s point of view, sharing personal emotions and thoughts.

Plot Development: Emphasizes a storyline with a beginning, middle, climax, and resolution.

Message or Lesson: Conveys a central message, moral, or insight derived from the experience.

Argumentative Essay:

Persuasion and Argumentation: Aims to persuade the reader to adopt the writer’s viewpoint on a specific topic.

Logical Reasoning: Presents evidence, facts, and reasoning to support a particular argument or stance.

Debate and Counterarguments: Acknowledge opposing views and counter them with evidence and reasoning.

Thesis Statement: Includes a clear thesis statement that outlines the writer’s position on the topic.

Thesis and Evidence: Starts with a strong thesis statement and supports it with factual evidence, statistics, expert opinions, or logical reasoning.

Counterarguments: Addresses opposing viewpoints and provides rebuttals with evidence.

Logical Structure: Follows a logical structure with an introduction, body paragraphs presenting arguments and evidence, and a conclusion reaffirming the thesis.

Formal Language: Uses formal language and avoids personal anecdotes or emotional appeals.

Objective: Argumentative essays focus on presenting a logical argument supported by evidence, while narrative essays prioritize storytelling and personal reflection.

Purpose: Argumentative essays aim to persuade and convince the reader of a particular viewpoint, while narrative essays aim to engage, entertain, and share personal experiences.

Structure: Narrative essays follow a storytelling structure with character development and plot, while argumentative essays follow a more formal, structured approach with logical arguments and evidence.

In essence, while both essays involve writing and presenting information, the narrative essay focuses on sharing a personal experience, whereas the argumentative essay aims to persuade the audience by presenting a well-supported argument.

Narrative Essay vs. Personal Essay

While there can be an overlap between narrative and personal essays, they have distinctive characteristics:

Storytelling: Emphasizes recounting a specific experience or event in a structured narrative form.

Engagement through Story: Aims to engage the reader through a compelling story with characters, plot, and a central theme or message.

Reflective: Often includes reflection on the significance of the experience and the lessons learned.

First-Person Perspective: Typically narrated from the writer’s viewpoint, expressing personal emotions and thoughts.

Plot Development: Focuses on developing a storyline with a clear beginning, middle, climax, and resolution.

Character Development: Includes descriptions of characters, their interactions, emotions, and growth.

Central Message: Conveys a central message, moral, or insight derived from the experience.

Personal Essay:

Exploration of Ideas or Themes: Explores personal ideas, opinions, or reflections on a particular topic or subject.

Expression of Thoughts and Opinions: Expresses the writer’s thoughts, feelings, and perspectives on a specific subject matter.

Reflection and Introspection: Often involves self-reflection and introspection on personal experiences, beliefs, or values.

Varied Structure and Content: Can encompass various forms, including memoirs, personal anecdotes, or reflections on life experiences.

Flexibility in Structure: Allows for diverse structures and forms based on the writer’s intent, which could be narrative-like or more reflective.

Theme-Centric Writing: Focuses on exploring a central theme or idea, with personal anecdotes or experiences supporting and illustrating the theme.

Expressive Language: Utilizes descriptive and expressive language to convey personal perspectives, emotions, and opinions.

Focus: Narrative essays primarily focus on storytelling through a structured narrative, while personal essays encompass a broader range of personal expression, which can include storytelling but isn’t limited to it.

Structure: Narrative essays have a more structured plot development with characters and a clear sequence of events, while personal essays might adopt various structures, focusing more on personal reflection, ideas, or themes.

Intent: While both involve personal experiences, narrative essays emphasize telling a story with a message or lesson learned, while personal essays aim to explore personal thoughts, feelings, or opinions on a broader range of topics or themes.

5 Easy Steps for Writing a Narrative Essay

A narrative essay is more than just telling a story. It’s also meant to engage the reader, get them thinking, and leave a lasting impact. Whether it’s to amuse, motivate, teach, or reflect, these essays are a great way to communicate with your audience. This interesting narrative essay guide was all about letting you understand the narrative essay, its importance, and how can you write one.

Order Original Papers & Essays

Your First Custom Paper Sample is on Us!

Timely Deliveries

No Plagiarism & AI

100% Refund

Try Our Free Paper Writing Service

Related blogs.

Connections with Writers and support

Privacy and Confidentiality Guarantee

Average Quality Score

Get Started

College Search
College Search Map
Graduate Programs
Featured Colleges
Scholarship Search
Lists & Rankings
User Resources

Articles & Advice

All Categories
Ask the Experts
Campus Visits
Catholic Colleges and Universities
Christian Colleges and Universities
College Admission
College Athletics
College Diversity
Counselors and Consultants
Education and Teaching
Financial Aid
Graduate School
Health and Medicine
International Students
Internships and Careers
Majors and Academics
Performing and Visual Arts
Public Colleges and Universities
Science and Engineering
Student Life
Transfer Students
Why CollegeXpress
CollegeXpress Store
Corporate Website
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
CA and EU Privacy Policy

Articles & Advice > College Admission > Blog

The Importance of Storytelling on Your College Application

Your college application should be the ultimate story about you! Here's how to tell your story from beginning to end beyond your admission essay.

by Nicole Iwuala CollegeXpress Student Writer

Last Updated: Aug 16, 2023

Originally Posted: Sep 13, 2021

Your life is a story: it has ups, downs, friends, foes, plots, and plot twists. And every relevant piece of your story as a high school student has a place on your college application. Who you are matters, as does what you have accomplished. Possessing a studious personality may show in your grades, but you are much more than a GPA. You know yourself best, but admission offices don't, and there are many opportunities to share this when applying to colleges—and not just in your admission essay. Perceiving your application from the outside looking in will help shape your story into what you want it to be. Here’s how you can share your story from beginning to end throughout your college applications.

Characterization through your personal brand

Before college admission committees understand your story, they should get to know your character. That’s when the term “personal branding” comes into play. This is more than the type of classes you took or the clubs you were involved in; this is about your traits, values, skills, and interests that shape your image from an outside perspective. You are the creator of your personal brand, and what ultimately will matter is how the public perceives it. Every author and business founder has to be cautious about idolizing their creations in preparation for the public’s candid criticism. Thankfully, authors use editors, and CEOs hire managers. Sometimes it’s better to ask others “Who am I?” than to ask yourself the same question.

Related: You're an Ideal Applicant! Now It's Time to Show Colleges Why

Rising and falling actions

Colleges aren’t looking for the perfect college application but rather the “did’s” and “tried’s”. Your personality has less merit if it doesn’t show through actions. For example, you may have tried to establish a speech club at your school because you’re the person who loves speaking in front of a large group or presenting to your class. Some students may not have worked hard enough in core classes or undertook any extracurriculars until later in high school. COVID-19 may have done the opposite by canceling activities you’ve done since freshman year. Practice advocating for yourself, and don’t be afraid to address these gaps. Admission officers see the worth in these topics , but only if they can be tied back to being a perfect fit for the school.

Plots can speak without narration

While narration provides more insight into the events that occur in a story, actions should also speak for themselves. Extracurricular and volunteer activities are indicative of “actions” in high school, yet there’s more you can include. A teacher may describe in your letter of recommendation a moment when you helped another student who was failing their class, revealing that you are considerate. Another instance maybe when you were featured on your school’s website or recognized in a publication. On the flip side, be careful about what you or your friends post about you on social media . Everything placed on the internet stays on the internet, and some college admission officers will dig around to learn more about you.

Related: 4 Summer Activities That Will Impress Colleges

A conclusion to the old story and exposition to the new

On the day you open your college letter that states the status of your application, don’t be dejected if you get rejected. Some stories aren’t the right fit for an institution, whether for college or your future career. Being true to yourself throughout this process will eventually lead you to a happily ever after you may have never expected.

Still looking for your happily-ever-after college? Check out our article on How to Transform Your College Search, Cinderella Style .

Like what you’re reading?

Join the CollegeXpress community! Create a free account and we’ll notify you about new articles, scholarship deadlines, and more.

Tags: admission essays application advice college admission college applications college essays

← Previous Post

Nicole Iwuala is a six-foot-tall high school student at Village Tech Schools in Duncanville, Texas. She’s an AP and dual-credit student who values hard work and independence. Not only is she a writer for CollegeXpress, but she also writes for her school’s yearbook and news website in addition to working as a math instructor. During her leisure time, Nicole loves to read literature, cook for her family, and study the Bible. Through her future-focused articles, she hopes to give students the knowledge and confidence to enter college like a champion.

Join our community of over 5 million students!

CollegeXpress has everything you need to simplify your college search, get connected to schools, and find your perfect fit.

College Quick Connect

Swipe right to request information. Swipe left if you're not interested.

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

University at Albany

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI

Fort Lewis College

Durango, CO

Miami University

Eastern Washington University

Boston University

University of Miami

Coral Gables, FL

Vermont State University

Randolph Center, VT

Washington State University

Pullman, WA

Rhode Island College

Providence, RI

Florida Institute of Technology

Melbourne, FL

The George Washington University

Washington, DC

Western Connecticut State University

Danbury, CT

University of Georgia

Lipscomb University

Nashville, TN

Thiel College

Greenville, PA

University of Denver

SUNY Maritime College

Throggs Neck, NY

Wentworth Institute of Technology

Northeastern University

University of Louisville

Louisville, KY

University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO

That's it for now!

Josiah Kegg

High School Class of 2021

I want to sincerely thank you all for this amazing website that's legitimately helped me find so many different scholarship opportunities. I've been stressing out for the longest time about paying for college since I would rather stay out of debt and have been working days trying to find any scholarship opportunity. When I found CollegeXpress, I discovered many easy scholarships that have given me hope for the future. Thank you and God bless!

Brooke Maggio

CollegeXpress has helped me tremendously in my college search in narrowing down the schools I’m interested in. Using the college search tool, I was able to narrow down my choices to schools that matched what I was looking for. I also used CollegeXpress for their scholarship search, which helped me find scholarships that I meet the requirements of.

Kory Gilbertson

High School Class of 2022

CollegeXpress has helped me explore my views on college in that "why do I wanna go to a certain school" way. It’s helped me explore the best fits in all of these outstanding choices. All these college admission counselors can access my accolades showing them how I could help their college. This source of information helps me show these admission directors who I am and what I'm interested in. Thanks to this platform, my experience for education will be better than most, and I'm so grateful for all that it has provided for me.

High School Class of 2019

CollegeXpress has helped me by opening my eyes to new opportunities. I learned about such easy ways to get financial help to achieve my dreams while also learning about myself and who I truly am. I know this isn't a very long explanation of what CollegeXpress has done for me, but nonetheless, I believe it's crucial to how I developed as a person throughout my time as a college student.

Hailey Riddile

CollegeXpress has helped me find scholarships to apply for and look into more colleges. While there are many websites similar to CollegeXpress, every website is different, and I've found a lot of good insight on this website. Receiving emails from CollegeXpress about scholarships is extremely useful, and getting insight about colleges near, far, and anywhere in between helps me narrow down my choices to what I want, which is also super helpful. The articles are always really good reads, and I can't stress enough how helpful this website has been to me. Anything related to college is beneficial to me as a senior, and I have learned lots of useful things to help me on my college journey this year.

Personalize your experience on CollegeXpress.

With this information, we'll display content relevant to your interests. By subscribing, you agree to receive CollegeXpress emails and to make your information available to colleges, scholarship programs, and other companies that have relevant/related offers.

Already have an account?

Not a CollegeXpress user?

Don't want to register.

Provide your information below to connect with

College Essay: The art of storytelling

“Ahlao, do you want to hear a story?” said Dad, addressing me by my childhood name more than 10 years ago in our living room.

“But I want to play with my toys!” I replied.

“Now now, come on,” my dad insisted. “You’re going to love it.”

He brought me to the small kitchen table, sat down on a chair and pushed away the books on the tabletop, replacing them with some pieces of paper and a pencil. What he did next with the pencil and paper would change me forever.

He steadily started illustrating out his history while telling his story. This way of telling his story managed to get me to listen.

“So there’s me and my family,” Dad said as he sketched out a few more stick figures. “We live in a village in Laos.”

As his story went on, his happy, slow-toned voice narrated the story while his hands swept across the fibers of the paper with the pencil, leaving traces of various lines, shapes and marks. Even though what he drew was just a collection of stick figures and poorly drawn houses, they grabbed my attention and I stared in awe as he doodled, and I thought to myself, “Hey, I can do that too.”

“After avoiding soldiers, crossing the Mekong River, living in a refugee camp, and getting ready to move to America, we’re now here,” Dad said, his lips curved slightly upward to form a small dimpled grin.

Once my dad ended his story, I grabbed the pencil he placed on the stacks of paper and right away started scribbling some shapes, animals and stick figures. I started to draw a house with grass on the ground, clouds in the sky and a sun peeking out on the left corner of the paper.

I lifted up the drawing to get a full view of it. Smiling, I could say that I was in love with drawing. I might cringe if I looked at it today, but it was the best piece of art that I had made up to that point. My dad’s passion for visual storytelling inspired me, and his doodles that day sparked my interest in art.

Since then, my art has evolved from stick figures and random doodles to video game fan art. In 2012, I started to take my interest in drawing more seriously. And video games became a big influence on my art. Video games can tell stories as well, and getting involved in the story as the main character and listening to it while I’m constantly pressing the system controller’s buttons gave me the inspiration to draw the characters in the game. I’ve drawn characters mostly from the Nintendo franchise, such as the Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda and, mostly, Pokémon. Without these video games, my art probably wouldn’t be the same as it is today.

Drawing is now an embraced hobby. I love telling stories, and just like my dad, I want to tell those tales visually to everyone. While I have many dreams and careers that I’d like to reach, such as becoming an animator, graphic designer, computer engineer or concept designer, one career I’m most interested in is being a Mangaka, which is a Japanese-style comic creator.

From making money out of my art to gaining more skills and techniques to improve my artistic ability, I’ve been making a path of my own to get to where I’d like to go. My dad, who was my first artistic inspiration, supports my dream to become an artist. Besides my dad, there are several other artists and illustrators that I really look up to, such as Wenqing Yan, Allexis Kristedja and Mikiko Ponczeck, as they also tell stories visually. Currently, I’m creating my own story, which is a web comic that I hope to publish when I’m older.

I know as I develop my talent and my art gets more mature, I’ll never forget that it all started with my father telling me his story with simple stick figures.

ThreeSixty Journalism,

a nonprofit program of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of St. Thomas, uses the principles of strong writing and reporting to help diverse Minnesota youth tell the stories of their lives and communities.

Home — Application Essay — Liberal Arts Schools — Discovering the Art of Storytelling

Discovering the Art of Storytelling

University: Columbia University

About this sample

Words: 405 |

Published: Jul 18, 2018

Words: 405 | Pages: 1 | 3 min read

Columbia University has always been on the top of my list of dream schools. I remember the first time I visited the campus, it was like stepping into a different world. The historic architecture, bustling energy, and diverse student body all spoke to me in a way that I had never experienced before. I knew then that I wanted to be a part of this community and contribute my talents to this institution.

Say no to plagiarism.

Get a tailor-made essay on

'Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned'?

As I explored the different departments and programs offered at Columbia, the Liberal Arts department immediately caught my attention. I have always been fascinated by the power of storytelling and its ability to connect people from all backgrounds. I believe that stories have the power to change the world, and through my passion for storytelling, I hope to inspire and unite people.

It was not until my senior year of high school when I discovered my love for storytelling. My English teacher gave us an assignment to write a short story. At first, I was hesitant and unsure if I could create something that people would enjoy reading. However, as I started to write, I realized that I had a natural talent for crafting compelling narratives. It was as if a switch had flipped inside me, and I felt a newfound sense of purpose.

From that moment on, I was hooked. I started to read more books and attended writing workshops to refine my skills. I also began to explore other forms of storytelling such as theater, film, and poetry. Each new experience only deepened my love for storytelling, and I knew that I wanted to pursue it as a career.

Through my studies at Columbia, I hope to become a skilled storyteller who can connect with people on a deep and emotional level. I am excited to learn from the talented faculty and fellow students who share my passion for this art form. I also hope to use my skills to make a positive impact on society by sharing stories that promote empathy, understanding, and unity.

Keep in mind: This is only a sample.

Get a custom paper now from our expert writers.

In conclusion, Columbia University has always been my dream school because of its rich history, diverse student body, and commitment to excellence. The opportunity to study storytelling in the Liberal Arts department is the perfect fit for my interests and aspirations. I am confident that with hard work and dedication, I can become a successful storyteller and contribute to the Columbia community in meaningful ways.

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Verified writer

Expert in: Liberal Arts Schools

+ 127 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

1 pages / 653 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Are you interested in getting a customized paper?

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Liberal Arts Schools

Eugene Lang College The New School for Liberal Arts is an exceptional institution that offers a unique and progressive approach to higher education. The college is renowned for its interdisciplinary and experiential curriculum, [...]

If I were to follow Henry David Thoreau's advice to simplify my life and eliminate any unnecessary possessions, I would find myself with perhaps half a dozen of the most important left. It is said that one can tell a lot about a [...]

In his homily at the Class of 2005’s Baccalaureate Mass, LMU’s President Fr. Robert Lawton, S.J., said: ‘‘So what is the answer to this deep insecurity we all feel? The answer, I think, is to embrace the adventure of becoming [...]

Chabela sits across from me with a nearly finished cigarette pursed between her wrinkled lips. As she watches me, I pour myself a cup of coffee and butter the one slice of white sandwich bread I’m allowed to consume each [...]

Throughout my life, music has always played a significant role. From my early childhood, I have been drawn to various genres of music, and I have always enjoyed exploring different types of music. As I grew older, my love for [...]

Think about a neighborhood. The clumsy, haphazard houses are chock-full of individual life and experience. The cars whiz busily down the street, past gargantuan rows and corners of houses and apartments brimming with families, [...]

BibGuru Blog

Be more productive in school

Citation Styles

How to write a narrative essay [Updated 2023]

A narrative essay is an opportunity to flex your creative muscles and craft a compelling story. In this blog post, we define what a narrative essay is and provide strategies and examples for writing one.

What is a narrative essay?

Similarly to a descriptive essay or a reflective essay, a narrative essay asks you to tell a story, rather than make an argument and present evidence. Most narrative essays describe a real, personal experience from your own life (for example, the story of your first big success).

Alternately, your narrative essay might focus on an imagined experience (for example, how your life would be if you had been born into different circumstances). While you don’t need to present a thesis statement or scholarly evidence, a narrative essay still needs to be well-structured and clearly organized so that the reader can follow your story.

When you might be asked to write a narrative essay

Although less popular than argumentative essays or expository essays, narrative essays are relatively common in high school and college writing classes.

The same techniques that you would use to write a college essay as part of a college or scholarship application are applicable to narrative essays, as well. In fact, the Common App that many students use to apply to multiple colleges asks you to submit a narrative essay.

How to choose a topic for a narrative essay

When you are asked to write a narrative essay, a topic may be assigned to you or you may be able to choose your own. With an assigned topic, the prompt will likely fall into one of two categories: specific or open-ended.

Examples of specific prompts:

Write about the last vacation you took.
Write about your final year of middle school.

Examples of open-ended prompts:

Write about a time when you felt all hope was lost.
Write about a brief, seemingly insignificant event that ended up having a big impact on your life.

A narrative essay tells a story and all good stories are centered on a conflict of some sort. Experiences with unexpected obstacles, twists, or turns make for much more compelling essays and reveal more about your character and views on life.

If you’re writing a narrative essay as part of an admissions application, remember that the people reviewing your essay will be looking at it to gain a sense of not just your writing ability, but who you are as a person.

In these cases, it’s wise to choose a topic and experience from your life that demonstrates the qualities that the prompt is looking for, such as resilience, perseverance, the ability to stay calm under pressure, etc.

It’s also important to remember that your choice of topic is just a starting point. Many students find that they arrive at new ideas and insights as they write their first draft, so the final form of your essay may have a different focus than the one you started with.

How to outline and format a narrative essay

Even though you’re not advancing an argument or proving a point of view, a narrative essay still needs to have a coherent structure. Your reader has to be able to follow you as you tell the story and to figure out the larger point that you’re making.

You’ll be evaluated on is your handling of the topic and how you structure your essay. Even though a narrative essay doesn’t use the same structure as other essay types, you should still sketch out a loose outline so you can tell your story in a clear and compelling way.

To outline a narrative essay, you’ll want to determine:

how your story will start
what points or specifics that you want to cover
how your story will end
what pace and tone you will use

In the vast majority of cases, a narrative essay should be written in the first-person, using “I.” Also, most narrative essays will follow typical formatting guidelines, so you should choose a readable font like Times New Roman in size 11 or 12. Double-space your paragraphs and use 1” margins.

To get your creative wheels turning, consider how your story compares to archetypes and famous historical and literary figures both past and present. Weave these comparisons into your essay to improve the quality of your writing and connect your personal experience to a larger context.

How to write a narrative essay

Writing a narrative essay can sometimes be a challenge for students who typically write argumentative essays or research papers in a formal, objective style. To give you a better sense of how you can write a narrative essay, here is a short example of an essay in response to the prompt, “Write about an experience that challenged your view of yourself.”

Narrative essay example

Even as a child, I always had what people might call a reserved personality. It was sometimes framed as a positive (“Sarah is a good listener”) and at other times it was put in less-than-admiring terms (“Sarah is withdrawn and not very talkative”). It was the latter kind of comments that caused me to see my introverted nature as a drawback and as something I should work to eliminate. That is, until I joined my high school’s student council.

The first paragraph, or introduction, sets up the context, establishing the situation and introducing the meaningful event upon which the essay will focus.

The other four students making up the council were very outspoken and enthusiastic. I enjoyed being around them, and I often agreed with their ideas. However, when it came to overhauling our school’s recycling plan, we butted heads. When I spoke up and offered a different point of view, one of my fellow student council members launched into a speech, advocating for her point of view. As her voice filled the room, I couldn’t get a word in edgewise. I wondered if I should try to match her tone, volume, and assertiveness as a way to be heard. But I just couldn’t do it—it’s not my way, and it never has been. For a fleeting moment, I felt defeated. But then, something in me shifted.

In this paragraph, the writer goes into greater depth about how her existing thinking brought her to this point.

I reminded myself that my view was valid and deserved to be heard. So I waited. I let my fellow council member speak her piece and when she was finished, I deliberately waited a few moments before calmly stating my case. I chose my words well, and I spoke them succinctly. Just because I’m not a big talker doesn’t mean I’m not a big thinker. I thought of the quotation “still waters run deep” and I tried to embody that. The effect on the room was palpable. People listened. And I hadn’t had to shout my point to be heard.

This paragraph demonstrates the turn in the story, the moment when everything changed. The use of the quotation “still waters run deep” imbues the story with a dash of poetry and emotion.

We eventually reached a compromise on the matter and concluded the student council meeting. Our council supervisor came to me afterward and said: “You handled that so well, with such grace and poise. I was very impressed.” Her words in that moment changed me. I realized that a bombastic nature isn't necessarily a powerful one. There is power in quiet, too. This experience taught me to view my reserved personality not as a character flaw, but as a strength.

The final paragraph, or conclusion, closes with a statement about the significance of this event and how it ended up changing the writer in a meaningful way.

Narrative essay writing tips

1. pick a meaningful story that has a conflict and a clear “moral.”.

If you’re able to choose your own topic, pick a story that has meaning and that reveals how you became the person your are today. In other words, write a narrative with a clear “moral” that you can connect with your main points.

2. Use an outline to arrange the structure of your story and organize your main points.

Although a narrative essay is different from argumentative essays, it’s still beneficial to construct an outline so that your story is well-structured and organized. Note how you want to start and end your story, and what points you want to make to tie everything together.

3. Be clear, concise, concrete, and correct in your writing.

You should use descriptive writing in your narrative essay, but don’t overdo it. Use clear, concise, and correct language and grammar throughout. Additionally, make concrete points that reinforce the main idea of your narrative.

4. Ask a friend or family member to proofread your essay.

No matter what kind of writing you’re doing, you should always plan to proofread and revise. To ensure that your narrative essay is coherent and interesting, ask a friend or family member to read over your paper. This is especially important if your essay is responding to a prompt. It helps to have another person check to make sure that you’ve fully responded to the prompt or question.

Frequently Asked Questions about narrative essays

A narrative essay, like any essay, has three main parts: an introduction, a body and a conclusion. Structuring and outlining your essay before you start writing will help you write a clear story that your readers can follow.

The first paragraph of your essay, or introduction, sets up the context, establishing the situation and introducing the meaningful event upon which the essay will focus.

In the vast majority of cases, a narrative essay should be written in the first-person, using “I.”

The 4 main types of essays are the argumentative essay, narrative essay, exploratory essay, and expository essay. You may be asked to write different types of essays at different points in your education.

Most narrative essays will be around five paragraphs, or more, depending on the topic and requirements. Make sure to check in with your instructor about the guidelines for your essay. If you’re writing a narrative essay for a college application, pay close attention to word or page count requirements.

Make your life easier with our productivity and writing resources.

For students and teachers.

Students - Jayson Nunez

Photo by Jason Falchook

Are you a college student? Click here !

Storytelling for the College Essay (Virtual)

During this workshop you (10th-12th graders) will learn how to apply your Moth story to a personal statement for college applications. Instead of telling them about your work ethic, or study habits, or resilience, you can show them through your true, personal story.

Storytelling for the College Essay applications will open on June 3rd and close August 30th.

Apply Here!

School Year Programming:

Are you a high school student? :

1) Story Lab Virtual is a free, virtual, out-of-school storytelling workshop series. High school students from all over the country meet to practice and perform Moth stories weekly for 8 weeks. The program ends with a performance that may be open to friends, and family.

Story Lab Virtual : Tuesday 4:00-6:00pm ET || 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 11/12, 11/19, 11/26, 12/3

Story Lab Virtual : Wednesday 4:00-6:00pm ET || 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/13, 11/20

Story Lab Virtual : Thursday 4:00-6:00pm ET || 9/26, 10/3, 10/10, 10/17, 10/24, 11/7, 11/14, 11/21

Story Lab Virtual : Saturday 1:00-3:00pm ET || 10/5, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/23

Story Lab Virtual : Sunday 12:00-2:00pm ET || 10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27, 11/3, 11/10, 11/17, 11/24

Story Lab Virtual : Sunday 2:00-4:00pm ET || 10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27, 11/3, 11/10, 11/17, 11/24

The fall Moth Story Lab application is now open: Apply Here !

2) Story Lab In-Person is a free, out-of-school storytelling workshop series for students in NYC. High school students from all New York City meet to practice and perform Moth stories every weekend for 8 weeks. The program ends with a performance that may be open to friends, and family.

Story Lab In Person: Mondays 4:00-6:00pm ET || 10/21, 10/28, 11/4, 11/11, 11/18, 11/25, 12/2, 12/9

Story Lab In Person: Saturdays 12:00-2:00pm ET || 10/5, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/23

The fall Moth Story Lab application is now open: Apply Here !

Summer Programing:

Summer Moth Story lab is a free, out-of-school storytelling workshop series that has both in-person and virtual options. High school students from all over the country meet to practice and perform Moth stories weekly for 1 week . The program ends with a performance that may be open to friends, and family. This summer, Story Lab will run two different sessions. One from July 15th to July 19th and from July 22nd to July 26th there will be four schedules to choose from and they will ALL run from 1pm ET to 4pm ET.

Applications are now closed

“It surprised me how close everyone got, despite our differences.” — All City StorySLAM Alum —

“It's not what you think it's going to be. It's going to be so much better.” — All City StorySLAM Alum —

Here's a peek into our program if you needed more reasons to join!

Wilson Portorreal runs into traffic to save Hershey, the family dog.

The Moth's Education Program teaches first-person storytelling and provides storytelling opportunities for students in grades 9-12 throughout New York City.

Narrative Essay Examples: The Power of Storytelling

Published by EssayWriters on October 11, 2023 October 11, 2023

The Power of Storytelling: Narrative Essay Examples

1 The Power of Storytelling: Narrative Essay Examples
2 Understanding Personal Narrative Essays
3 Mastering the Narrative Essay Structure
4 Writing Tips and Techniques for Narrative Essays
5 Conclusion

In this article we will discuss some narrative essay examples. As a journalist, you understand the importance of telling a story that captures your audience’s attention. What you may not know is that the power of storytelling goes beyond just captivating your readers- it can also inspire them, educate them, and move them to take action.

That’s where narrative essay examples come in. By studying examples of powerful narrative essays , you can learn how to craft a story that resonates with your readers and elicits a strong emotional response.

In this section, we’ll explore the impact that storytelling can have on your audience and provide you with narrative essay examples to help you become a more skilled and effective writer.

Key Takeaways:

The power of storytelling goes beyond just engaging your readers- it can also inspire and educate them.
Studying narrative essay examples can help you become a more skilled and effective writer.

Understanding Personal Narrative Essays

If you want to connect with your audience on a deeper level, personal narrative essays may be the perfect medium for you. By sharing your personal experiences , reflections, and feelings, you can reach and engage your readers in a unique and meaningful way.

So, what makes a personal narrative essay different from other forms of storytelling? Unlike fictional stories, personal narratives are based on real-life events and experiences that have shaped your perspective and contributed to your personal growth . They offer readers a glimpse into your life and allow them to connect with you on a personal level.

If you’re unsure where to start, looking at some narrative writing samples can help you understand the essence of personal narrative essays. By examining other writers’ works, you can identify the key features of effective personal storytelling and integrate them into your own writing .

When crafting your personal narrative essay , it’s important to make the story as engaging and relatable as possible. Your readers should be able to visualize the events as they unfold and feel as if they are a part of the story. By drawing on your own experiences to create a vivid picture of your story, you can effectively captivate and hold your readers’ attention.

Mastering the Narrative Essay Structure

Once you have selected a compelling topic for your narrative essay , you will need to structure your story to engage your readers and keep them interested until the end. A well-structured narrative essay can make all the difference in how your story is received and understood. Here are the key components of a successful narrative essay structure:

Introduction

The introduction of your narrative essay should grab your reader’s attention and give them a preview of what is to come. Your opening sentence should be intriguing and set the tone for the rest of your story. You should also establish the setting and provide relevant background information that will help your readers understand the context of your narrative.

Plot and Characters

The plot of your narrative essay should be well-developed, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Your story should be engaging and move the reader along with the action. Your narrative should also feature relatable characters who are believable and well-developed.

Conflict and Resolution

The conflict in your narrative essay should be well-defined and serve as a driving force for your story. You should also provide a resolution to your conflict that ties up loose ends and leaves your reader with a sense of closure. A well-executed resolution should also be satisfying and leave a lasting impression on your reader.

Your conclusion should sum up the main points of your story and leave your reader with a lasting impression. Your final sentence should be memorable and tie together the themes and messages of your narrative essay.

When selecting narrative essay topics , it is important to choose a subject that you are passionate about and that will allow you to showcase your storytelling skills. By utilizing the key components of a successful narrative essay structure , you can create an engaging and memorable story that will captivate your audience from beginning to end.

Magic Of Storytelling With Our Narrative Essay Examples

Writing Tips and Techniques for Narrative Essays

Writing a compelling narrative essay requires an excellent story, well-structured format, and engaging writing techniques. Here are some tips and techniques to help you write a narrative essay that captures your reader’s attention:

Choose an engaging topic

The first step in writing a narrative essay is to choose a topic that will captivate your audience. Think about experiences that have impacted your life, such as a significant event, a personal struggle, or a unique journey. Your topic should be exciting, easy to relate to, and able to draw emotions from your readers.

Create an outline

An outline is an essential tool in writing a narrative essay. It helps you organize your thoughts, ensure that your essay flows smoothly, and sticks to the central theme. Your outline should include a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each section should build progressively on the previous one, leading to a logical and seamless narrative.

Use vivid and sensory language

The use of descriptive and sensory language is crucial in making your narrative essay come alive. Use vivid imagery and descriptive language to create a visual representation of events in the reader’s mind. Engage their senses, emotions, and experiences to make your story more memorable and compelling.

Employ dialogue and action

Dialogue and action are powerful storytelling techniques that help to bring characters and events to life. They add depth to your narration, allow the reader to connect with your story, and create a sense of immediacy. Be sure to use descriptive action words and conversational language that accurately reflects the tone and style of your story.

The Power of Storytelling Narrative Essay Examples

Revise and edit your work

Once you complete your narrative essay, take the time to revise and edit your work. Ensure that your essay flows smoothly, uses the proper tense, and is free of grammatical and spelling errors . It’s a good idea to give your essay to someone else to read and provide feedback before submitting your final draft.

Following these writing tips and techniques, you can write a compelling narrative essay that engages your audience and leaves a lasting impression.

In conclusion, narrative essay examples are a valuable resource for any writer looking to immerse their readers in a captivating story. By understanding the power of storytelling and mastering the narrative essay structure , you can effectively engage your audience and convey your experiences. Remember to choose a compelling narrative essay topic and utilize essential writing tips and techniques, such as creating a narrative essay format and outlining your story.

Through consistent practice and perseverance, you too can become a skilled and creative narrative essay writer . By incorporating the techniques and examples outlined in this article, you can unlock your potential as a storyteller and craft narratives that leave a lasting impact on your readers. So go forth, embrace the power of storytelling, and begin your journey towards becoming a master of the narrative essay.

What is a narrative essay?

A narrative essay is a form of writing that tells a story, typically from the author’s point of view. It allows the writer to share personal experiences or events in a creative and engaging manner.

How do I choose a topic for a narrative essay?

When choosing a topic for a narrative essay , consider moments in your life that have had a significant impact or have taught you valuable lessons. Reflect on experiences that evoke strong emotions or have shaped your perspective.

What is the structure of a narrative essay?

The structure of a narrative essay typically includes an introduction, body paragraphs to develop the story, and a conclusion. It should have a clear beginning, middle, and end to ensure a cohesive and compelling narrative.

How do I start a narrative essay?

To start a narrative essay, you can begin with a captivating hook to grab your reader’s attention. Introduce the main characters or set the scene to create intrigue and set the stage for the story you are about to tell.

Are narrative essays only used for personal writing?

While personal experiences are commonly used for narrative essays , this form of writing can also be used to recount historical events or tell fictional stories. The key is to create a narrative that engages and resonates with your audience.

How can I make my narrative essay more engaging?

To make your narrative essay more engaging, consider using descriptive language to paint a vivid picture for your readers. Incorporate dialogue and sensory details to bring your story to life. Additionally, make sure to vary sentence structure and pacing to maintain interest.

Narrative Essay examples, Storytelling, Essays, Writing Narrative Essay

Trending Essay Topics for College: Stay Relevant and Engaging
Exploring Different Essay Writing Styles
Quick Strategies For Enhancing Essay Clarity

Unlock Success with These Essential Academic Writing Tips

Quick strategies for enhancing essay clarity · october 14, 2023 at 12:07 pm.

[…] words and phrases wield immense power in shaping an essay that bewilders and captivates. With strategic deployment of these linguistic wonders, writers can […]

Avoiding Plagiarism In Academic Essays · October 14, 2023 at 1:15 pm

[…] explicate each quotation adroitly so as to ensure its seamless integration into the fabric of your essay’s narrative tapestry. Additionally, remain vigilant regarding citation protocols and guidelines stipulated by […]

10 Unique College Essay Ideas · October 28, 2023 at 10:32 pm

[…] own life. Use vivid storytelling techniques, incorporate personal anecdotes, and provide specific examples to bring your essay to […]

Essay Guides

Top reasons to choose a writing service for your essays in 2024.

Writing services play a crucial role in assisting students to achieve academic success. These services offer professional assistance in crafting high-quality essays tailored to meet the specific requirements of various academic tasks. Through the expertise Read more…

Unlock Success with These Essential Academic Writing Tips

Essay Writing Guide

Academic writing is an essential skill for any student pursuing higher education. Whether you’re writing a thesis, a research paper, or an essay, mastering the art of academic writing is crucial for achieving success. In Read more…

Unlock Success: Steps to Improve Academic Writing Skills

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to improve your academic writing skills. Writing is an essential component of academic success, and developing your writing abilities is crucial to achieving your academic goals. In this Read more…

Skip to primary navigation
Skip to main content
Skip to primary sidebar

Career Vision

Extraordinary College Essays Tell “Ordinary” Stories

Are you getting ready to apply to colleges? If so, the thought of writing your college essays probably has you sweating a little. You probably have all sorts of questions running through your head, like:

What topic should I chose?
How will I grab the audience’s attention?
What will I do to keep people interested in what I have to say?

These are very important questions. After all, particularly in highly-selective colleges, your application essay carries a lot a weight in the admission process. In fact, some college insiders estimate that these essays account for 10 – 30% of admissions decisions!

Why do essays carry so much weight? Because colleges are looking for students who know themselves well; have academic goals and a career direction; and can articulate them clearly. And, while the standard sections of the college application provide information about your SAT / ACT scores; grades; rigor of your coursework; and your extracurricular, volunteer, and work experiences, these matter-of-fact details tell college admissions representatives how well you work .

Yet, admissions reps also need to know how you think . So the primary purpose of the college essay is to give you the opportunity to tell your whole story… especially the parts of you that undoubtedly cannot be voiced through a fill-in-the blank form.

The Leading Question

When it comes right down to it, your essay can set you apart from applicants with similar academic achievements. That’s precisely why college essay questions are meant to be challenging. Most college applications give you multiple essay prompts to choose from — all of which are broad and open-ended by design. Therefore, the essay exercise essentially boils down to that one leading question: “What do you want the readers of your application to know about you?”

Tell Your Story

To write a personally-meaningful college essay that tells college admissions reps who you are as an individual:

The most impactful and memorable college essays focus on an ordinary topic that resulted in deep self-reflection and increased self-insight. In your own voice, tell a story that reveals a defining moment that helped to shape who you are today and influences who you’ll be tomorrow. In other words, your college essay should give the reader a real sense of your unique personality, characteristics, and qualities.

As such, outstanding college essays don’t always center on stellar accomplishments. Sometimes they expose weaknesses or struggles instead. Say, for example, you’re on the varsity basketball team. Did you learn more about yourself when you made the winning shot or when you missed it? An essay that shows your humility, vulnerability, and authenticity is usually much more powerful than one that recounts your accolades.

You can write about pretty much anything — an experience, an inanimate object, a movie, a place, a person — as long as your essay reveals how that circumstance, experience, thing, movie, place, or person made an impact on you.

College admissions reps read hundreds of college applications each year; yet, they rarely come across an essay that really surprises them. So, to capture your reader’s attention from the very first sentence, start your story in the middle of the action (rather than writing in a linear fashion).

For instance, instead of opening with “As a member of the varsity basketball team, I played in some really close games,” hook the reader with “There were only five seconds left in a tied game against our rival team when I stole the basketball on the inbound play.” No doubt the admissions rep will want to know the rest of your story — no matter whether your action resulted in a win or a loss for the team!

To keep the reader’s attention, use language that transports college admissions reps to the time and place you’re describing; provides insight into your experience, thoughts, and emotions; and (perhaps more importantly) reflects on the lessons learned.

The Moral of the Story

The college admission essay is your opportunity to let college admissions reps know who you are. Turn your “ordinary” story into an extraordinary essay by captivating your reader while providing insight into the qualities, characteristics, and traits that make you uniquely you .

IMAGES

Story Telling Essay Free Essay Example
Story Essay Example
How to Write a Narrative Essay (12 Best Examples)
Reflective Essay: How to write a storytelling essay
26+ Narrative Essay Examples in PDF

COMMENTS

Why You Should Approach Your College Essays as Storytelling
When you think about your college essays as an opportunity to tell your personal story—your struggles, your passions, your accomplishments—they will be more memorable to admissions officers. This article will take you through the process of approaching your college essays as storytelling, from coming up with ideas to planning and writing them.
Guide
Here's the structure that most American films use. It's a structure as old as storytelling itself, and storytellers have been using it for thousands of years. I'll refer to it as narrative structure. You can think of this approach to writing an essay as breaking down into three basic sections: Challenges + Effects. What I Did About Them.
How to Write a Narrative Essay
Interactive example of a narrative essay. An example of a short narrative essay, responding to the prompt "Write about an experience where you learned something about yourself," is shown below. Hover over different parts of the text to see how the structure works. Narrative essay example.
Using Storytelling Techniques in College Essays For Admission
Why Writing College Essays Should Be Done Like Storytelling. This essay will guide you through the process of approaching your college essays as a narrative, covering all the steps from brainstorming to organizing and composition. Coming Up With Concepts. It's necessary to first determine what you believe would be an intriguing tale to tell ...
How to Make Your College Essay Stand Out
Storytelling devices. Here are the most effective literary devices to enrich your storytelling in college essays. Into the midst of things, in medias res In medias res, Latin for "into the midst of things," is a device that involves starting in the middle of the action.Then, important details are added to fill in the story.
Telling a Story in Academic Writing
Telling a Story in Academic Writing. Storytelling is the most engaging way to communicate. In storytelling, writers use a variety of methods to maintain an appealing pace, to create human connections with their readers, and to help readers visualize their ideas. These same techniques are effective across all types of writing.
How to Write a College Essay
The college essay can make or break your application. It's your chance to provide personal context, communicate your values and qualities, and set yourself apart from other students. ... You can take a more creative approach, using storytelling techniques to shape your essay. Two common approaches are to structure your essay as a series of ...
Crafting Compelling Narrative Essays: Storytelling Techniques for Students
Effective storytelling in narrative essays revolves around several key elements: 1. Character. Every narrative essay needs a protagonist, often the writer themselves. Developing a well-rounded character with relatable traits and emotions is essential for creating a connection with the reader. 2. Setting. The backdrop of the story sets the tone ...
The Role of College Admissions Essays: Authenticity and Storytelling
Storytelling makes your essay memorable and helps you stand out; Authenticity and relatability create a stronger connection with the reader; Showcasing your skills and personality makes you a valuable candidate; Mastering the college admissions essay through storytelling is a powerful tool in capturing the attention of admissions officers.
Telling Short, Memorable Stories From Your Life: 'My Secret Pepsi Plot'
Overview. Our Personal Narrative Essay Contest is inspired by The New York Times's Lives column, which ran from 1996 to 2017 and featured "short, powerful stories about meaningful life ...
A Complete Narrative Essay Guide
Narrative essays are a great way for writers to share their personal experiences, feelings, thoughts, and reflections. It's an opportunity to connect with readers and make them feel something. Entertainment and Engagement. The essay attempts to keep the reader interested by using descriptive language, storytelling elements, and a powerful voice.
Master the Art of COLLEGE ESSAY STORYTELLING
Wowie I've got a whole LOAD of new college essay tips! As I continue to edit your essays, I'm learning so much and getting a strong sense of ~storytelling~. ...
College Essay Examples: How to Write Your Story
For example, Stanford University in California asks students to answer several short questions, with a 50-word limit, in addition to answering three essay questions in 100 to 250 words. Georgia ...
How to Write a College Essay Step-by-Step
Step 2: Pick one of the things you wrote down, flip your paper over, and write it at the top of your paper, like this: This is your thread, or a potential thread. Step 3: Underneath what you wrote down, name 5-6 values you could connect to this. These will serve as the beads of your essay.
The Importance of Storytelling on Your College Application
Bookmark. Your life is a story: it has ups, downs, friends, foes, plots, and plot twists. And every relevant piece of your story as a high school student has a place on your college application. Who you are matters, as does what you have accomplished. Possessing a studious personality may show in your grades, but you are much more than a GPA.
College Essay: The art of storytelling
College Essay: The art of storytelling. "Ahlao, do you want to hear a story?" said Dad, addressing me by my childhood name more than 10 years ago in our living room. "But I want to play with my toys!". I replied. "Now now, come on," my dad insisted. "You're going to love it.". He brought me to the small kitchen table, sat down ...
Writing and College Essay Help
Revision partners with high schools and college and career access organizations to measurably improve students' writing, speaking, and storytelling skills to prepare them to be successful when applying to college or navigating the professional world. From live online bootcamps to self-paced courses, we offer solutions for everyone.
Discovering the Art of Storytelling [Admission Essay Example]
Read an admission essay sample, "Discovering the Art of Storytelling", with 405 words. Get ideas for your college application essay.
How to write a narrative essay [Updated 2023]
1. Pick a meaningful story that has a conflict and a clear "moral.". If you're able to choose your own topic, pick a story that has meaning and that reveals how you became the person your are today. In other words, write a narrative with a clear "moral" that you can connect with your main points. 2.
One way to write a great college admissions essay? Tell your story out
Tell your story out loud. Trees bloom on the campus of Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. (Photo by Christopher Capozziello/Getty Images) By Susan Svrluga. August 4, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. EDT ...
Storytelling In College Admission Essays
Storytelling in college essays is a skill that every aspiring student needs to master in order to showcase their unique story and stand out among a sea of applications. In the competitive world of college admissions, it is crucial to captivate the minds of admission readers and make them forget they are reading by using specific examples, rich ...
The Moth
Storytelling for the College Essay applications will open on June 3rd and close August 30th. Apply Here! School Year Programming: Are you a high school student? : 1) Story Lab Virtual is a free, virtual, out-of-school storytelling workshop series. High school students from all over the country meet to practice and perform Moth stories weekly ...
27 Outstanding College Essay Examples From Top Universities 2024
This college essay tip is by Abigail McFee, Admissions Counselor for Tufts University and Tufts '17 graduate. 2. Write like a journalist. "Don't bury the lede!" The first few sentences must capture the reader's attention, provide a gist of the story, and give a sense of where the essay is heading.
The Power Of Storytelling: Narrative Essay Examples
Explore the magic of storytelling with our narrative essay examples. Unlock your potential and learn to captivate your audience effectively. ... College Essay Writing College Essay Writing; College Study Tips And Tricks College Study Tips And Tricks;
Extraordinary College Essays Tell "Ordinary" Stories
The most impactful and memorable college essays focus on an ordinary topic that resulted in deep self-reflection and increased self-insight. In your own voice, tell a story that reveals a defining moment that helped to shape who you are today and influences who you'll be tomorrow. In other words, your college essay should give the reader a ...