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Study in Canada: College application essay tips

By Rachel Dancel

Updated on May 10, 2024

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Share article, once you have chosen where you want to study in canada , the next step is the application process..

This may include writing a college application essay. With a solid plan and by adhering to some principles, your college application essay is more likely to stand out among the pile.

The application process to study in Canada

Contact the college or university you want to go to and ask them details about the application process. Oftentimes, they will have a prepared kit that’s going to help you with information such as:

• Tuition fees
• Cost for applying
• The prices of rent and lifestyle in Canada
• Any required language tests
• Information regarding the college application essay

Complete the application from your chosen school, and use the instructions provided to submit it. You’ll have to wait for a letter of acceptance, which will then allow you to apply for a Canadian study permit .

But in order to make an awesome impression and raise your chances of being approved, your college application essay has to be exceptional. Your essay represents an important component of the overall admission process.

1. Understand what they’re looking for

You must do your homework and find out the psychology behind the way admission officers react when dealing with applications. There are few key elements that can make you their preferred candidate.

If you look like you’re about to succeed no matter what once you’re admitted, this will be a huge plus. Also, you should be a profitable investment and contribution to the overall society of the college or university.

2. Determine the goals of your essay

After a higher rank reads your application, you will leave the first impression on the table. You must be careful of the impression you give. How do you want to be perceived by the school board? What can you say that could lead to a better characterization of your aptitudes?

It’s important that you write your essay while still staying focused on your desired end-result effect.

3. Show your language usage skills

Even though it’s not always recommended to use fancy words during essays, in this case it may just work fine. You need to prove the reader of your essay that you can express yourself using proper language and a diverse range of words and phrases.

You should also not allow mistakes during your essay. Here’s an awesome website called Grammar Monster that lets you check your grammar problems and learn more on how to stop making those mistakes.

4. Proofread your college application essay

You might think that your essay has no grammar or punctuation mistakes, but even professional writers make mistakes from time to time. I really believe that allowing a professional essay writing service to proofread your writing is a good investment.

EduGeeksClub offers a variety of services such as editing and proofreading.

By letting a proofreading expert take a look at your college application essay, you may improve your chances of being approved.

5. Specific details matter

Your college application essay should be on-subject and specific. You never want to bore the person reading it, so unnecessary information should be left out.

If you write about a specific experience from your past, make it as concise as possible.

If you want to see some examples and learn more about how you can improve your essay, I’d suggest checking out Shmoop: College 101 , where you’ll find specific examples and helpful recommendations on application essay writing.

6. Out-of-the-box thinking

In a society where everyone copy and pastes, you’ll be much appreciated if you can do things differently. In order to be different, you need to start thinking “outside the box.”

Your essay should also contain out-of-the-box ideas and experiences. If you can show them you are special, you will be perceived differently.

7. Don’t miss deadlines

Each school where you can study in Canada has different rules and deadlines. Missing deadlines is one of the biggest mistakes you could make. You’re risking your chances of being approved, because they either stop checking late submissions, or you’ll be perceived as a student who lacks discipline. Either way, it’s not a good way to present yourself.

If you want to study in Canada, the admission process is quite easy and straightforward compared to the process in the United States. But that doesn’t really mean that it’s easier to be approved as a student. You need to take care of the way you create your overall submission.

Your college application essay should “shine” in order for you to get noticed and taken into consideration.

Where to next?

• Visit the Moving2Canada study section .

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Canada University Personal Statement

Writing a personal statement to a canadian university.

When applying for higher studies in Canada, one of the essential components of the application is the personal statement. This important document provides an opportunity for you to showcase your motivations, aspirations, experiences, and suitability for the program or institution you are applying to. It is a chance to demonstrate your unique qualities and stand out among other applicants.

What do I include in my Personal Statement?

In a personal statement, an international student writes about what they hope to achieve on a  university course , what they hope to do after the course and why they are applying to this particular university. It is your first chance to show a demonstrable passion and understanding of your chosen subject away from exam results.

In Canada, a statement of purpose is only required for undergraduate and postgraduate university applications. Otherwise, it is only needed for visa applications at all other study levels.

• Your career aspirations
• How you became interested in studying the  subject
• What, if any, relevant work experience you have undertaken that is related to the  course or subject
• What aspects of your previous education you have found the most interesting
• What attracted you to the particular  university
• Other relevant academic interests and passions which display positive character and personality

Genuine experiences in extra-curricular clubs, work experience or knowledge around a subject are much more likely to make your personal statement stand out, while admissions officers are also looking for positive evidence of your character, which will make you a productive member of the university.

How long should my Personal Statement be?

The length of a personal statement varies depending on the university, but generally, the average length for an undergraduate application is between 300-600 words, around one side of A4 paper or a maximum of 47 lines. Certain postgraduate programmes may require a 1000-word personal statement, but this will be clearly specified.

Try not to go over the given character limit, as admissions officers have many personal statements to go through, and a clearly written and concise personal statement is more likely to stand out.

What are common Personal Statement errors?

The personal statement serves as one of your first impressions to the university, and in order to make a good impression on the admissions committee, you must make sure that the document is error-free in all aspects. Look out for the following points and make the necessary changes before sending your personal statement to the university:

• The personal statement is too short/long
• The personal statement does not include important information/includes negative information
• The personal statement has a confusing structure

It is also important not to lie about any aspect of your personal life and education history or even exaggerate. Admissions officers will question you about almost all aspects of your application and will be able to see through any lies.

Tips for Writing a Personal Statement

• Express a passion for your  subject
• Start the statement strongly to grab an admission officer's attention
• Link outside interests and passions to your course
• Be honest, but don’t include negative information
• Don’t attempt to sound too clever
• Don’t leave it until the last minute; prepare ahead of the deadline
• Have friends and family proofread it
• Don’t duplicate material from your CV/resume

In terms of presentation, attempt to create five clear paragraphs of text in a clear font such as Arial or Times New Roman, with a maximum size of 12.

Personal Statement Editing

Once you have completed your personal statement, arrange a free consultation with SI-Canada. We can suggest edits and ensure the English is clear and grammatically correct.

Increase your chances of success when applying

SI-Canada specializes in selecting the right Canadian university or college for international students by reviewing your academic background, discussing your career goals and helping you apply. Our application services can help you achieve your dream of studying in Canada.

16 July 2024

08 july 2024, 24 june 2024, 26 september 2024, 28 september 2024, 5 october 2024, study in canada blog, studying in canada, why study in vancouver as an international student.

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Tips on how to apply to university in Canada

Before you enjoy the benefits of studying abroad, you must first tackle the admissions process. Canada is fast becoming a popular choice for international students to pursue further studies. However, their postsecondary system is somewhat different from other destinations. 

Most people may think that extra-curricular activities and voluntary experience are important things to include in their application. However, in Canada, grades define whether you’re a successful candidate. 

We spoke to Marc-Andre Gougeon, Coordinator of Strategic Initiatives and Market Development and Irene Xia Zhou, Orientation, Integration and Academic Success Coordinator, both from the  University of Ottawa  to get their thoughts and advice. 

What is the application system like for international students in Canada? Is it similar to the US where you have to write an essay, or is it a bit different?

Marc-André Gougeon: The process is actually quite different in Canada in comparison to what it is in the US, for example. For most institutions in Canada, they don’t require entrance essays for admissions, as it is usually mainly based on grades. There are some programmes that require additional documents, though. For example, if you are applying to a visual arts or architecture course at different universities that will require a portfolio. Or if you apply to a music programme you may be required to do an audition, but for most undergraduates the most important thing required is good grades from school.

Also, universities will be looking at good language proficiency results. So, the application process can also be a little bit different. Some institutions will accept applications directly. But that is not always the case. For example, here in Ottawa we are in the province of Ontario, so the students have to apply through a service called the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC). All the applications are done through that online portal. From there, the applications are spread out to the different universities that students have applied to. 

There are different sections within the application, such as biographical details. Those are things like your name and address, but there is also a section on extra-curricular activities. This will be about what you have done alongside your studies, so have you played sport, have you done any volunteer work, the form will ask for that information, but we don’t always take that into account when we look at the file when doing the application process. It is something that we use to almost ‘fill in the gaps’. So, if someone has gone on a gap year, we want to know what he or she have done in that year – whether they have been volunteering abroad or anything like that. Mostly though it is a generic application form, you have to fill in basic details about yourself, tell us what programme you are interested in, indicate the last school you have attended and that sort of thing.   

What can international students do to help their application stand out?

Irene Xia Zhou:   There is the admissions average rate system, which is important not only for this institution but for most institutions. Undergraduate students need to make sure that their average is good and that they meet the admissions average because there’s a lot of competition. Undergraduates don’t need to provide specific information about their professional background or their voluntary experience, or even letters of recommendation that are needed at a graduate level. 

There is more work for graduate students to apply for the programmes of study than undergraduate students because they need to provide more documentation and more experience they’ve had in the past in order to be considered. In that sense there is more competition for graduate students because they’re not just looking at the grades but also at their background – professional, voluntary and skills. 

Marc:   For most Canadian universities good grades are the best way to stand out. I obviously can’t speak on behalf of all the universities in the country but here at the university of Ottawa, those extra-curricular activities, sport, volunteering won’t necessarily help with your initial application but they will certainly help if you are applying for an international scholarship and bursaries. However, the scholarships usually require a high grade average too. 

What happens if you have an influx of students that all have high grades? Do you then consider other factors?

Irene:   I don’t think they would consider that because let’s say applicants file their applications at different times, they’re evaluated on a case-by-case basis and on a timely basis. If someone applied before another candidate, of course his or her file will be evaluated before the other. If that student got admitted and the following student applied later and the quota for that programme of study was filled, that student would be offered their second choice.

Are there any tips that you could personally give to students filling out their application form from your experience?

Irene:   Essential advice for any student applying to any university would be to familiarise yourself with the equivalences. The education system across the world is very different and the level of studies is different too. So let’s say if you’re coming from another country, and you want to get your degree or the equivalent of that accredited in Canada, you would have to get that evaluated either by the admissions office or a third party depending on the institution you’re applying to. You need to keep that in mind that sometimes students think they’re very qualified in their home country but upon coming to Canada, due to the credentials system and the assessment of the degree, they might not equate to what the level is in their home country. Also understanding how the admission process works and what are the first steps. Most websites detail this so they need to be aware of this and to follow each step properly and not have anything incomplete because then their application can’t be evaluated. 

Do you prioritise applications submitted by agents that fill out applications on behalf of students over actual students that apply themselves?

Irene:   For the students who choose to apply to university through a third-party agent, that will really be up to them because they’re paid agents that provide a service in different countries. There are also a lot of agents in the African region that do the applications for the students who face challenges in understanding how the process works. They are also there to help those who have technical difficulties for example if their wifi or internet connection is not good. Most students don’t go through a third-party agent, most of the time they apply by themselves and then if they have any questions or difficulties then we can help them. 

We have support services and when it comes to admissions requirements we can help international students. 

Do you have a process in place in order to confirm grades that are submitted within international applications?

Irene: International applicants will submit their grades to the Admissions Office in a PDF format, so that they can evaluate the file at the beginning. However, these students are required to submit an official final transcript in a sealed envelope with the stamp of their institution, either in person or by mail. This is how Admissions can verify the authenticity of the grades.

Now that you're all set, start the dream Canadian experience by searching for your ideal course.

Understanding the Canadian higher education system

Canada is a top choice for many international students, and for good reason. Boasting a rich multicultural heritage across its ten provinces and three territories, Canada is not only known for its high quality of life but also its academic excellence. The country is home to many world-class universities, including the University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia.   If you're considering attending university in Canada, familiarising

Getting to grips with the Canadian grading system

So, you’re thinking about studying in Canada and making an application but are a little confused about the university grading scale. The Canadian university grading system is how students are evaluated during their degree and also stands as the barometer for entry requirements. We take you through how the Canadian grading system compares to other countries, the calculation of results, GPA percentage calculation and the systems as it applies to different states.

How to apply to study in Canada

Canada is a top choice for many international students because of its friendly people and vibrant cities. If you’ve decided you want to start applying to study there, we take you through the application process, what it involves and where to begin.   Understanding the higher education system in Canada   Universities   Canada has over 200 universities , spread throughout almost every province in the country. At

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Personal Essay on “Why I want to Study in Canada”: Samples, Do’s and Don’t’s

• Updated on  
• Aug 5, 2024

If you want to learn how you can write an effective essay on studying in Canada, then you are at the right place. Maybe you are assigned to write this essay by your teacher, or you are submitting this to a competition, or maybe you are just preparing for a speech. It doesn’t matter what’s your intention, this blog will surely help you with writing your essay. We have provided below some samples of why I want to study in Canada essay. These sample essays will help you understand practically how you can write this topic. Towards the end of the blog, we will also share some do’s and don’t of writing the essay. 

This Blog Includes:

Sample 1 (100 words), sample 2 (150 words), sample 3 (300 words), do’s and don’t’s.

I want to study in Canada because it is known for offering high-quality education and extensive employment opportunities. This country can offer me everything I need to boost my career. It’s not just the academics that draw me towards Canada, it is also its good quality of life. The nation boasts an inclusive and culturally diverse environment. 

I am choosing Canada to study abroad because I will never feel far from home while studying in this country, thanks to its welcoming and friendly residents. I want to have a safe, secure, and booming career, and I believe Canada can offer me that. So, this was all I wanted to say in my why I want to study in Canada essay. 

Also Read: Essay on Chandrayaan 3: Samples 100, 150, and 200 Words

Canada has always been my dream destination for the pursuit of my higher education and it’s not just me. Students from across the globe frequently choose Canada as their study-abroad destination and for very good reasons. Canada houses some of the most prestigious universities in the world, offering top-notch education and a plethora of career opportunities to international students. 

Universities like McGill University , University of Toronto , and the University of British Columbia consistently rank among the top across the world. These institutes provide a wide range of programs and disciplines to their students. 

Moreover, Canada is known for its acceptance and support of overseas students. This makes it easier for students from across the globe to integrate into the Canadian education system and feel at home. The nation’s government even offer various resources and services specifically created to support international students via health insurance, academic support, and housing assistance. I hope I clearly explained the reasons behind Canada being my choice in my why I want to study in Canada essay. 

Also Read: Essay on Indian Culture in 500 Words

Canada is a land of opportunities, for both residents and internationals. Home to some of the best universities in the world and thriving businesses, the country truly offers a ton of career opportunities. I want to give my career the right direction by studying in this beautiful country.

Here are the main reasons why I want to study in Canada:

Top-Notch Universities

Canada is home to various prominent universities, offering world-class education and placement opportunities. Universities like the University of British Columbia, University of Toronto, and McGill University consistently rank among the top in the world. 

High Academic Standards 

Canadian universities are known for their high academic standards, ensuring that students obtain a high-quality and rigorous education. The institutes in the country emphasize research and innovation, creating a stimulating environment for students to participate in cutting-edge research and contribute to their respective areas. 

Inclusive and Diverse Culture 

The multicultural society of Canada offers a unique chance for international students to immerse themselves in a diverse and inclusive environment. With people from different ethnicities, backgrounds, and cultures, studying in Canada offers a rich cultural experience. The exposure to different traditions, customs, and languages fosters open-mindedness and respect for diversity. This prepares students for a globalised world. 

Strong Job Market

Canada boasts a robust and diverse job market that provides various opportunities for overseas graduates. The country has a thriving economy and a shortage of skilled workers in numerous sectors, such as healthcare, engineering, IT, and business. This makes it easier for graduates to find employment. Moreover, Canada’s inclusive immigration policies and supportive business environment make it easier for international students to thrive in their careers. You can get access to a wide range of career opportunities by studying in Canada. 

So, this was all I wanted to say in my why I want to study in Canada essay. 

Also Read: Essay on Women’s Education

We hope that the above samples gave you a solid understanding of writing the why I want to study in Canada essay. However, there are some do’s and don’ts you need to keep in mind before you write your essay. 

Here are the do’s of writing the essay:

• Make sure that each paragraph is in sync with the topic,
• Stick to the provided word limit, 
• Pay special attention to the essay’s first line and first paragraph,
• Get to the point soon after providing a broad overview of the topic, and
• Ensure that the paragraphs follow a logical sequence.

Here are the don’t’s of writing the essay:

• Don’t spend too much time on writing the introduction of the essay,
• Refrain from writing very long sentences,
• Avoid stating facts when you are unsure about them, 
• Avoid writing very long incidents or stories in your essay. 

Also Read: Essay on Forest for Students in 500 Words

Ans: Moving to Canada can be immensely beneficial to your professional and personal life. The country boasts world-class education, good-quality life, a diverse culture, and extensive job opportunities. 

Ans: Yes, Canada offers a very safe and welcoming environment to Indian students. 

Ans: Yes, Canada is a wealthy country because of its strong and diversified economy.

Related Articles:

So, this was all about the why I want to study in Canada essay. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad .

Abhishek Kumar Jha

Abhishek Kumar Jha is a professional content writer and marketer, having extensive experience in delivering content in journalism and marketing. He has written news content related to education for prominent media outlets, garnering expansive knowledge of the Indian education landscape throughout his experience. Moreover, he is a skilled content marketer, with experience in writing SEO-friendly blogs. His educational background includes a Postgraduate Diploma in English Journalism from the prestigious Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Dhenkanal. By receiving an education from a top journalism school and working in the corporate world with complete devotion, he has honed the essential skills needed to excel in content writing.

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How to Apply to Canadian Universities in

We’ve made it easy for you to learn everything you need to know about how to apply to Canadian universities . Read on as we walk you through the application process and important timelines. With our comprehensive insights, you’ll be well-equipped to submit a standout application and take the next step in your academic journey!

Disclaimer: BeMo does not endorse or affiliate with any universities, colleges, or official test administrators. The content has been developed based on the most recent publicly available data provided from the official university website. However, you should always check the statistics/requirements with the official school website for the most up to date information. You are responsible for your own results.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free initial consultation here <<

Article Contents 4 min read

How to apply to canadian universities step 1: research canadian universities and programs.

Before you can apply to a Canadian university, you need to research schools and programs to narrow down your choices. This checklist will help you streamline the process, save time, and pick the right schools for you.

Don't underestimate the power of personal connections! Reach out to current students or alumni of the programs you're interested in. Gathering insights from current students and alumni helps tailor your application to fit the university's culture and expectations. This personalized approach demonstrates your genuine interest, setting you apart from other applicants and increasing your chances of acceptance.  ","label":"Application Pro Tip","title":"Application Pro Tip"}]" code="tab2" template="BlogArticle">

GPA Requirements

Each university will have specific GPA requirements for admission to their programs, but meeting the minimum requirement might not be enough to get accepted. Ask your school guidance counsellor or check your academic transcripts to see what your GPA is. You can also use a reputable online GPA calculator to figure it out. 

Once you have narrowed down your list of schools to apply to, check the GPA requirements to make sure you meet the minimum requirement. We’ve done some of that legwork for you in our comprehensive guides to getting accepted to schools like Carleton University , McGill University , and Queen’s University . 

Prerequisite Courses

When preparing to apply to university, you must check program prerequisite requirements. For STEM programs, expect advanced math and science courses like calculus, physics, chemistry, and biology. Humanities programs often require courses in English, history, social sciences, or fine arts. Health sciences typically need biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology courses.

Do you need to write essays or personal statements for your applications? This strategy will impress the admissions committees:

Language Proficiency

For international students , taking a language exam may be required. Most Canadian universities accept IELTS or TOEFL for English proficiency and DELF for French proficiency. You can check the IELTS website for a list of minimum scores required by Canadian Universities . For the DELF exam, a score of 50 out of 100 points is considered a pass but some schools may require a higher score to be considered for acceptance. 

We recommend that you confirm which test the school you are applying to accepts, and take it early. Aim for the highest score possible to strengthen your application.

Specific Program Requirements

Certain programs, such as fine arts or music, often require additional admission criteria beyond academic records. For example, applicants may need to submit portfolios showcasing their artistic abilities. Programs in performing arts often request auditions where applicants showcase their talents in areas like music, theater, or dance. Queen’s University, University of Victoria, and the University of Ottawa are just a few of the schools that require auditions for their music programs. Some of the schools with theatre programs also require auditions, including Dalhousie University and University of Toronto Mississauga. Simon Fraser University and York University hold auditions for students applying to their dance programs. 

Interested in an overview of some of the key points from above? Check out this infographic:

Personal Statements

Some universities, like the University of British Columbia, require students to submit a personal statement, also called a personal profile or essay . Each school that requires one has specific criteria that must be met like word length and writing prompts . The length can be anywhere from 500 words to a few pages, depending on the school and program.

Admissions committees use these statements to:

• Assess fit with the program
• Evaluate communication skills
• Assess motivation for the chosen field
• Understand personal growth and resilience
• Evaluate critical thinking abilities
• Assess diversity and unique perspectives
• Identify potential contributions to university life
• Evaluate self-awareness and readiness for university
• Assess interest in the institution
• Identify red flags or inconsistencies

In Canada, university application deadlines for undergraduate programs generally fall between January and March for September intake, though this can vary by province and institution. Many universities have a common deadline around January 15, but some may have deadlines as early as December or as late as March.

It's important to check specific dates directly with each university, as deadlines can differ based on the program and other factors, especially for international students who might need to apply earlier to allow for visa processing.

Maintain a personalized application calendar using digital tools like Google Calendar. Set reminders for each university deadline and set earlier \"internal deadlines\" to stay ahead of schedule. This ensures you never miss an important application deadline! ","label":"Application Pro Tip","title":"Application Pro Tip"}]" code="tab4" template="BlogArticle">

How to Apply to Canadian Universities Step 4: Submit Your Canadian University Application

Seven out of ten of Canada's provinces do not have a centralized university application system; instead, you need to check the school's website for instructions, the exact documents, and deadlines you need to apply. On the other hand, things are a little different in Alberta, British Colombia, and Ontario. These provinces have centralized online portals that streamline the application process for students.

Create a checklist with application submission instructions, login information for application portals, required documents, and deadlines. Check it regularly to stay organized. ","label":"Application Pro Tip","title":"Application Pro Tip"}]" code="tab5" template="BlogArticle">

Receiving Offers

For high school students, acceptance offers are typically made between December and May for the upcoming fall term. For other students, offers are sent out starting in the spring and may continue through the summer months. Regularly check your email and application portals for updates.

Responding to Offers

Upon receiving an offer, promptly follow provided instructions to accept and confirm enrollment. This often involves submitting deposits.

Waitlist Strategy

If waitlisted, remain patient and explore other options while awaiting updates. Check out our expert tips on how to get off a waitlist .

Create a spreadsheet or document to track your acceptance offers, including the university, program, offer deadline, and any required actions (like deposit submission). Regularly update this tracker and set reminders to ensure you don't miss any important deadlines. ","label":"Application Pro Tip","title":"Application Pro Tip"}]" code="tab6" template="BlogArticle">

There is quite a bit of competition to get into Canadian universities. The acceptance rates for getting in will depend on the school and program that you're applying to.

You can increase your chances of admission by maintaining a high GPA, researching thoroughly, planning your application early, and working with college admissions consultants to strengthen your application. 

In Canada, universities and their respective programs have their own overall grade requirements, so you should check the school's website for the most up-to-date information. 

Yes. Not all of them do, but there are many that welcome international students. Simply check the school's website to confirm that international students can apply. 

OUAC stands for the Ontario Universities' Application Centre. It is the centralized system through which applicants to Ontario undergraduate schools have to submit their applications. 

ApplyAlberta is similar to Common App or OUAC. It is a centralized system that allows prospective students to apply to multiple post-secondary institutions in the province at once. 

EducationPlannerBC is a centralized resource that helps students plan, research, and apply for admission to post-secondary institutions in the province of British Columbia. 

It would be best if you started preparing at the beginning of your senior year of high school. This gives you enough time to thoroughly research your schools and programs before you have to prepare and submit your application.

Yes, many Canadian universities accept transfer credits from other institutions, both within Canada and internationally. It's advisable to contact the admissions office of the university you're interested in attending to ask about their specific transfer credit policies and procedures.

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How to apply for university in Canada? Everything you need to know

Every year, over 800,000 international students visit Canada for higher education. It is a widely preferred study destination with ample opportunities for a remarkable career. Applying to a university in Canada plays a vital role in your study abroad experience, but it’s important to understand and follow the necessary steps required to apply.

From researching educational institutions and programs to readying your documents and submitting an application, there are various factors to consider when applying to universities in Canada.

This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of how to apply for a university in Canada, including the necessary steps , required documents , and tips for a successful application.

Table of Contents

• Application form
• Academic transcripts
• English language proficiency test results
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement or essay
• Resume or CV
• Financial documents

What are the documents required for an MBA in Canada?

• Research universities and programs

Meet admission requirements

Apply online, submit required documents.

• Pay application fee

Wait for the admission results

Accept the admission offer.

• Apply for a study permit

Plan your housing and expenses

Prepare for the move, eligibility criteria to study in canada, research universities and programs carefully, start early.

• Ensure to meet admission requirements

Submit a strong personal statement or essay

Provide strong letters of recommendation, make sure your application is error-free, stay organised, follow up if necessary, what are the documents required to apply for university in canada, what are the steps to apply for university in canada, do you need to write an essay for canadian universities, how to apply for university in canada, how to choose a university in canada, do canadian universities require personal statements, do canadian universities require letters of recommendation, is a migration certificate required for admission to canada, how to apply for undergraduate study in canada, when to apply for university in canada, time to kick-start your study abroad journey.

Also read: Universities in Canada for international students

Documents required for Canada university application

When applying to a university in Canada, applicants must prepare several documents to support their application. While the required documents vary depending on the university and program, here are some common documents required by educational institutions.

• English language proficiency tests

Your opportunity to study in Canada is just a click away! Apply today!

Applicants must complete the university's application form, which can typically be found on the university's website or through a centralised application system, such as the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC) or the ApplyAlberta portal.

Also read: Why study in Canada?

Applicants must submit official transcripts from all previously attended schools, including high school and any post-secondary institutions. Transcripts must be in English or French and include the applicant's grades and overall academic performance.

For international students, proof of English language proficiency is required. This is typically demonstrated through standardised tests such as the TOEFL or IELTS .

To know more: English language proficiency test

Many universities require letters of recommendation from teachers, counsellors, or other professionals who can speak to the applicant's academic abilities and personal qualities.

Applicants may be required to write a personal statement or essay outlining their academic goals, achievements, and reasons for wanting to attend the university.

Applicants may be asked to submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) outlining their academic and professional experience, extracurricular activities, and other relevant achievements.

Some programs, such as art, design, or music, may require applicants to submit a portfolio of their work to demonstrate their skills and abilities.

Applicants may be required to provide financial documents that prove they have the funds available to cover tuition fees and living expenses while studying at the university. These documents can include bank statements, sponsorship letters, or income tax returns.

A valid passport is mandatory for admission. The applicant must make sure that the passport is up to date, as it will determine their legal status in Canada.

Provincial or federal governments may require that you obtain a visa to study in Canada . This must be done in advance, and it is recommended to apply for a student visa as soon as you receive your acceptance Letter from the university.

Also read: Candian Student Visa

Documents required for applying to Canadian universities for different study levels and programs

Data updated as of January 2024

Here are the standard documents required to pursue an MBA in Canada.

• GMAT scores
• Proof of work experience

Don't miss these proven Statement of Purpose (SOP) templates. Download now for free!

How to apply for university in Canada

Applying to a university in Canada is a multi-step process that involves researching universities and programs , meeting admission requirements , and submitting an application . Here are the necessary steps to apply for university in Canada.

Before applying to a university, it is essential to research the available programs and determine which ones align with your academic and career goals.

Make sure to consider your interests, budget and entrance requirements, including English language proficiency tests, as each university may have different requirements. Canadian universities offer a wide range of programs, from traditional academic disciplines to professional and vocational training.

Explore All Courses in Canada

Each university and program has its admission requirements, which typically include academic transcripts, English language proficiency test results, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement or essay.

It is essential to review the admission requirements carefully and ensure that you meet all eligibility criteria.

Most Canadian universities accept online applications, where students send their applications through the official website or a centralised application system.

A centralised application system for Canada includes the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC) or ApplyAlberta. The application form typically requires personal information, academic history, and program selection.

Applicants must submit all required documents, such as academic transcripts, English language proficiency test results, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement or essay. It is essential to ensure that all documents are submitted by the application deadline.

Most universities require applicants to pay an application fee, which varies depending on the institution and program. The fee can typically be paid online through the university's website.

After submitting the application and required documents, applicants should wait for the admission decision.

The timeline for admission decisions varies depending on the university and program, but most universities notify applicants of their admission status in the spring or early summer.

If accepted, applicants must review the admission offer and accept or decline the offer by the deadline. Some universities may require a deposit to secure a spot in the program.

International students must apply for a study permit to study in Canada . This process will involve completing various forms and providing evidence of funds to support your stay in Canada for the duration of your studies.

After accepting the admission offer, applicants must plan their housing and finances. Many universities offer on-campus housing options, and scholarships and financial aid may be available to eligible students.

Finally, applicants must prepare for the move to Canada. This includes obtaining a study permit, arranging for travel, and ensuring that all necessary paperwork is in order.

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University admission requirements in Canada

Before applying for a program in any institution in Canada, make sure you satisfy the eligibility criteria before submitting your application. While the admission requirements differ with every university, here are some standard criteria to study in Canada.

Also read: What’s student life like in Canada?

Tips to submit a successful application for Canadian university admission

Submitting your application is the most crucial part of an international student’s study abroad journey. They should ensure the application has zero flaws and impresses the admission committee. Here are some tips to help you submit a successful application to a university in Canada.

Take the time to research the universities and programs you are interested in. Look into their admission requirements, program offerings, campus life, and other factors that may impact your decision.

Give yourself plenty of time to complete your application and gather all the necessary documents. Many universities have early application deadlines, so it's best to start the process as early as possible.

Ensure that you meet all admission requirements for the university and program you are applying to. This includes academic transcripts, English language proficiency test results, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement or essay.

Also read: How to work in Canada after graduation?

Your personal statement or essay is your chance to showcase your personality, goals, and achievements. Be honest and authentic, and highlight your strengths and accomplishments.

Ask for letters of recommendation from individuals who know you well and can speak to your academic abilities and personal qualities. Provide them with all necessary information and deadlines, and thank them for their time.

Double-check your application details and documents before you submit them to make sure that everything is correct and accurate. Certain errors may cause your application to be rejected.

Keep track of all deadlines, documents, and correspondence related to your application. This will help you stay on top of everything and avoid missing any important deadlines.

If you have any questions or concerns about your application, don't hesitate to contact the university's admissions office. They are there to help you through the process.

Also read: Best part time jobs in Canada

Applying to a university in Canada requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a lot of hard work. By following the necessary steps, prospective students can ensure that they meet all admission requirements, submit a strong application, and increase their chances of being accepted into their desired program.

Discover fantastic opportunities and get the best study-abroad experience in Canada!

Frequently asked questions

Here are the standard documents required to apply for university in Canada.

The necessary steps to apply for university in Canada are to research universities and programs, meet admission requirements, apply online, submit required documents, pay the application fee, wait for an admission decision, accept the admission offer, apply for a study permit, plan for housing and finances, and prepare for the move.

An essay or statement of purpose is a mandatory requirement for international students to apply to Canadian universities. Ensure you prepare a strong essay to stand out during the admission process.

Most students apply to universities in Canada online. They apply through the university’s official website, upload the required documents before the deadline and submit their application.

When choosing the right university to start your study abroad journey, make sure the institution satisfies certain factors that suit your interests. Here are the things you should consider before choosing the right university.

• If the university suits your needs
• If the course’s curriculum is good
• University culture
• Student services
• University facilities
• Tuition fees and other expenses

A personal statement or Statement of Purpose (SOP) is a compulsory requirement by Canadian institutions, so make sure you submit the letter with the other required documents.

Yes, Canadian universities require a Letter of Recommendation (LOR) from international students to evaluate their profiles and process their admissions.

Yes, a migration certificate is necessary for international students to apply for universities in Canada.

Undergraduate students can apply to universities in Canada online. They can use the university’s official website, upload the required documents before the deadline and submit their application. Here’s how you can apply for your undergraduate program in Canada.

• Apply and submit required documents
• Wait for admission status
• Accept admission offer
• Plan housing and expenses

The deadlines for your desired program vary with each university. But, it is always advised to apply for the course at least eight to 12 months before the deadline.

Edvoy offers the finest academic experience while applying to pursue higher education abroad. Choose your desired course and university, and apply now! Connect with an Edvoy Counsellor , and begin your journey today!

Study Abroad Expert

Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this site solely belong to the individual authors and do not necessarily represent t ...Read More

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Blog » Undergrad » Canada » Application Process » How to write a perfect College Essay when Applying to Universities in Canada for an Undergraduate Degree

How to write a perfect College Essay when Applying to Universities in Canada for an Undergraduate Degree

Any written essays/supplements that are required by candidates applying to a university are to be submitted directly to the university through their individual application portals. 

The written supplements may be in the traditional essay format also known as the Statement of Purpose (SOP) or in the form of a questionnaire. However, both the formats are inherently the same because they expect candidates to convey the same information. 

Through the content of the essays and answers to questionnaires, universities usually want to know the following:

• What kind of a person are you?
• What have you achieved over the years?
• Why did you choose a particular university?
• Why are you a good fit for the university?
• What extracurricular activities have you participated in and what have you learnt through them?
• What did you learn from your work or volunteer experiences and what impact did you have in those positions?

Tips to write good content

• When writing an essay, you should always break down the essay into various parts. If you are filling in a questionnaire, you are already at an advantage. 
• It is best to create an outline for an essay and make sure that you cover every aspect of the outline.
• You are unique, and you should use this opportunity to tell your unique story. Be expressive and give the admission counsellors something they can remember. 
• Universities want to know your personality, how you deal with hardships and strive for success, so make sure to be elaborate about these points.
• While reviewing, think from the perspective of an admission counsellor. Does the essay interest you? Do the ideas flow logically? Does the essay have your own voice and your personal touch?
• Be honest and be yourself, don’t even consider lying on your application because the admission counsellors have enough experience to be able to tell whether you are telling the truth or not. 
• Proofread your essay a million times! Ask your teachers, your friends, family and of course your advisors at UniRely!

There is no reason to struggle through the college admission process alone. Get in touch with counselors at UniRely to ensure you leave nothing to chance. For more information about the process of applying to universities in Canada for an undergraduate degree, visit unirely.com.

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US College Essay Tips for International Students

Published on September 21, 2021 by Kirsten Courault . Revised on December 8, 2023.

Beyond your test scores and grades, the college essay is your opportunity to express your academic and personal character, writing skills, and ability to self-reflect.

You should use your unique culture and individual perspective to write a compelling essay with specific stories, a conversational tone, and correct grammar. Here are some basic guidelines on how to write a memorable college essay as an international student.

Table of contents

Research: how applying to us colleges is different, stories: show your strengths, tone: be conversational, but respectful, culture: write about what you know, language: use correct grammar, word choices, and sentence structures, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about college application essays.

The US college experience offers not only academic growth, but also campus community. While admissions officers use your grades and test scores as a baseline, they also use the college essay to further evaluate if you can add value to the academic community, student body, and campus culture.

The college essay, or personal statement, is a creative, personal piece of writing in its own genre. Rather than providing a broad overview of your life, personal essays are often centered around a specific narrative or theme.

The college essay may be the deciding factor in a student’s application, especially for competitive schools where most applicants have exceptional grades, test scores, and extracurriculars. Many students spend weeks一even months一brainstorming, workshopping, writing, and revising their essays to produce an original, compelling story.

Before starting your essay, you should take time to brainstorm topics and research your desired schools’ academic programs and campus cultures. Then, you can start outlining why you’re a good fit for a particular university.

Some colleges also require supplemental essays (e.g. diversity essays , “Why this college?” essays ), which must be submitted along with the college application. Scholarship essays are also worth writing, as many students overlook this opportunity. Research deadlines early, and create a college application timeline and checklist . Or check out our guide to writing fast if you’re running low on time.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

Just being an international student isn’t enough to be competitive in a pool of both US and international applicants. To write a memorable essay, share specific stories that illustrate your strengths not only as an international student, but also as an individual within your culture. You should add details about your life that aren’t apparent in your application.

In South Korea, school is war. Similar to Battle Royale , students viciously compete, not for their life, but for their futures. From 6 a.m. to 1 a.m., I study either in school, an after-school academy, or my room. With no time to spare, I eat my meals over my textbooks while memorizing chemical compounds or geometry theorems. My bathroom breaks are like short breaths before I dive back underwater into the vast sea of knowledge that I must conquer before it drowns me. Among this chaos, I find solace twice a week with my online English tutor, Catherine. Her stories of college in Boston help me to imagine a reality where classmates can be collaborators, not competitors. Rather than memorization drills and one-sided lectures, I imagine a lively discussion between pupil and professor. As we converse in English about my future dreams, I get a taste of what it’s like to be not a prisoner to knowledge, but a friend.

American student-teacher relationships are much less formal than those in many other countries. US universities value student-professor discussion, debate, and collaboration.

Similarly, college application essays are less formal than other kinds of academic writing. You should use a conversational yet respectful tone, as if speaking with a teacher or mentor. Be honest about your feelings, thoughts, and experiences to connect with the admissions officer. To improve the tone of your essay you can use a paraphrasing tool .

• Firstly, I would like to elaborate on how my family moved from Xizhou to Beijing.
• When I was just five, my family and I left behind our tranquil village in southwest China to make a new home in the vast, bustling capital of Beijing.

As an international student, you have a wealth of culture that you can share with admissions officers. Instead of potentially using American idioms and cultural references awkwardly, write in detail about yourself within your own culture.

Make sure to explain any words, customs, or places that an American admissions officer might not be familiar with. Provide context to help your reader understand the significance of what you’re writing about.

While drowsiness still clouds my thoughts and vision, I trudge over to the bathroom to wash before Fajr , the Islamic dawn prayer. While my mouth still reeks of last night’s kabsa , a Saudi dish of rice and meat, my older sister prances out of the bathroom with sleek, long hair, flawless makeup, and a TikTok-ready outfit. While softly humming BTS’s “DNA,” she picks up a comb and begins to skillfully tackle the labyrinth that has taken over my head. Twenty minutes later, she manages to tame my wild, frizzy mane into an elegant French braid. Sara always knows how to make beauty out of chaos.

Admissions officers don’t expect your English writing skills to be perfect, but your essay should demonstrate a strong command of grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structures. Remember to use US English rather than UK English .

Choose your words carefully. You can be creative in your word choice, but don’t use elaborate vocabulary to impress admissions officers; focus on language that you know well so that your writing sounds natural and genuine. Prioritize simple sentence structures for clarity.

If English is not your first language, it’s a good idea to have a native speaker check your essay. You can also use our essay checker .

If you want 100% accuracy, you may want to consider working with a qualified editor or essay coach who can check your grammar, tone, cultural references, and content. Scribbr’s college essay editors can help.

Explore the essay editing service

If you want to know more about academic writing , effective communication , or parts of speech , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Academic writing

• Writing process
• Transition words
• Passive voice
• Paraphrasing

 Communication

• How to end an email
• Ms, mrs, miss
• How to start an email
• I hope this email finds you well
• Hope you are doing well

 Parts of speech

• Personal pronouns
• Conjunctions

Admissions officers use college admissions essays to evaluate your character, writing skills , and ability to self-reflect . The essay is your chance to show what you will add to the academic community.

The college essay may be the deciding factor in your application , especially for competitive schools where most applicants have exceptional grades, test scores, and extracurriculars.

Some colleges also require supplemental essays about specific topics, such as why you chose that specific college . Scholarship essays are often required to obtain financial aid .

College application essays are less formal than other kinds of academic writing . Use a conversational yet respectful tone , as if speaking with a teacher or mentor. Be vulnerable about your feelings, thoughts, and experiences to connect with the reader.

Aim to write in your authentic voice , with a style that sounds natural and genuine. You can be creative with your word choice, but don’t use elaborate vocabulary to impress admissions officers.

If you’re an international student applying to a US college and you’re comfortable using American idioms or cultural references , you can. But instead of potentially using them incorrectly, don’t be afraid to write in detail about yourself within your own culture.

Provide context for any words, customs, or places that an American admissions officer might be unfamiliar with.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Courault, K. (2023, December 08). US College Essay Tips for International Students. Scribbr. Retrieved September 9, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/college-essay/international-us-college-essay/

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How To Write University Essay: Guide For Canadian Students

08 Feb 2019

Each college or university student has been asked to write an essay at least once. But only a few know how to quickly and accurately write really interesting work. Only tens and hundreds of written papers help make up the right patterns and rules in your head and in this article, we will try to figure them out.

If you want to write a good, interesting text, you need to know all the rules of writing such a paper. First, it is necessary to determine the type and the structure of essay, since not are the same and each type of essay has its own distinctive features. Second, choose an interesting topic that is interesting not only for you but also relevant in society or in a certain part of it. Also, it is worth working on the sources you use when writing text. Not all are useful, interesting, and important. Then you will learn exactly how to write a good university essay paper and what techniques you can use when working on the essay outline.

How To Write A Good University Essay

So how to write a good university essay? Do you think it is simple to pick an essay writing service to help Canadian students? What level of work is considered university? It is not important that this is a university essay or college essay. It is important to adhere to the proper structure while keeping the reader interested.

• To begin with, create an essay outline. This will help you see the full picture of what you have to write, and will generally facilitate the writing process.
• Try to pick a topic you feel passionate about. If you don’t have a personal interest in what you are going to write about, chances are that the writing process is going to turn into a nightmare and you will miss the deadline. Of course, in such situations, some Canadian students start looking for essay help online . But it is always better to stay on the safe side and ask your teacher to change the topic if possible.
• While writing your essay, use a common structure required for the type of university essay. If you want your work to be accepted, find out the requirements adopted by your educational institution.
• Work out the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. Remember the first and the latter are easier to write at the final stage of your writing. But, of course, you can do as you wish as long as you are good with the deadlines and other requirements.
• Be precise and to the point. Don’t go into unnecessary details – make sure your reader can transition between your thoughts easily and the whole piece is cohesive and well-rounded.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the structure, since without it your essay may not turn out to be a university essay at all. The first thing you should remember is that no matter if you are writing the college essay or university essay, the structure is the same. You should write an introduction clarifying the general idea of your piece. It should be short and reflective, and your reader wants to continue reading.

Then comes the main part, aka the body. There you explain your points backing them up with evidence. When writing a university level essay, keep in mind that after reading the main part of your work, the reader should not have any unanswered questions about the material you present.

Finally comes the conclusion, which sums up your write-up and settles any doubts your reader might still have at this point. Sometimes it can be hard to wrap everything in a simple conclusion, but this is typical regardless of the academic essay.

Secret Advices on How to Improve Your University Essay

If you still have a question about how to write a university essay or a scientific essay for university, here are a few final tips you can use. First, all of your essays are scientific because you need to find trusted information sources, research, analysis, and structure your findings in a strict manner.

Another aspect is to ask for some help online. You don’t have to ask them directly to write my essay for me , but you can order a list of references or a citation outline in case you are not sure how to go about these yourself or simply don’t have enough time.

Finally, the easiest and best approach you can do is to ask your professor for clarification regarding your work. This way you will show that you are genuinely interested in the topic and want to write a well-grounded piece. Plus, any professor who gives you tasks knows best what they want from you and this way you will get answers to most of your questions and no random article on the internet can compete with that.

Finally, don’t be scared of using plagiarism and grammar checkers for your university essay. No matter how attentive you are, sometimes you just miss that comma or lose that “s” at the end of the word. Remember, that your write-up has to be correct and original, contain no typos, or stylistic mistakes.

Summing up, it is worth saying these simple tips should help you write a decent piece. Do not forget about the relevance of the topic, trusted sources, and the tone of your voice. Complex terminology or a confusing presentation of the material will make your work unreadable and therefore, unintelligible.

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How To Write A College Essay: A Step-By-Step Guide

Updated: Mar 28, 2024, 4:13am

Most colleges require prospective students to provide essays—long-form written responses to prompts—when applying for admission . Candidates can use their essays to stand out from other applicants and show schools what makes them unique.

Prospective students wondering how to write a college essay can use this helpful guide to explore common prompts, tips on structuring effective writing and what makes a good college essay. Discover the step-by-step process on how to write a college admission essay, including selecting a topic, outlining, creating a draft and proofreading.

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What Does a College Application Entail?

Here’s what the typical college essay involves.

Common Essay Prompts

The Common App, which allows students to apply to multiple colleges simultaneously, offers several essay prompts for applicants. Most prompts invite the writer to describe a time when they underwent a change or persevered through a struggle. Along with these subjects, applicants can also create their own prompts.

Essay Structure and Length

Check essay structure requirements from each prospective institution. Though most schools allow writers to determine their own essay formats, some may set word count limits or recommendations. Keep their provided range in mind as you write your essay, and dedicate most of your writing to the body of your personal statement, keeping your introduction and conclusion concise.

The Common App sets a word limit of 250 to 650 words. Aim for this range if a school does not specify a word count.

Impact of a Good Essay

Colleges and universities make difficult decisions when admitting new students. If multiple applicants submit similar admission materials—such as strong GPAs, high class ranks, impressive SAT or ACT scores, and well-rounded extracurriculars—a well-written essay can help a candidate stand out to admissions officers.

By crafting a captivating essay that sticks with the reader, you can make a lasting impact to secure your admission.

What Makes a Good College Essay?

Along with adhering to formal, academic standards for grammar, spelling, tone and syntax, a well-written college essay delivers on its premise, grabs the reader’s attention and stays within the word count limit.

At the most basic level, writers should ensure their essays are devoid of basic problems like typographical and grammar issues. College essays should respond directly to the given prompt and expand on the premise with an engrossing narrative or argument.

Most importantly, a good college essay offers compelling insights into its author. Infuse your personality, aspirations and struggles into your essay to illustrate why colleges should consider you for admission.

How To Write a College Admission Essay

When it comes to college essays, a strong writing process is key. Here’s what you should do.

Select an Essay Prompt

Though some institutions may only use one essay prompt, others—including the Common App—offer multiple options. Choose a prompt that lets you draw on your life experiences. If none of the provided prompts spark interest, the Common App allows you to submit an essay that responds to a topic of your own design.

Create an Outline

Before actually writing, create a plan for your essay. Summarize your thoughts with an outline. Include important themes and major points you want to include in the final product.

Write a Rough Draft

When drafting your essay, allow yourself to write and get your ideas down without overthinking. You can revise later. Try to avoid becoming attached to specific concepts or approaches in the early stages of writing, as working through multiple drafts with an open mind can help you develop new understandings about your ideas and find better paths toward the final essay.

Edit and Proofread

Edit your essay, both for content and for proofreading. It can help to print your essay on paper and revise with a pen in hand, as the change in perspective as you shift from a computer screen to a hard copy can make you process your writing differently. Consider using online editing apps, which can offer helpful suggestions for concision and clarity.

Have Others Edit and Proofread

Ask friends, family members, guidance counselors or teachers to read your college essay. Even if these readers lack formal editing experience, a fresh set of eyes can help you find ways to improve. Small-scale issues like typos and larger concerns like unclear themes may be more apparent to someone who did not write the essay.

Revise as Many Times as Needed

Sometimes, you have to delete most—or all—of what you wrote. Do not be afraid to go back to the drawing board. Write your essay as many times as necessary to ensure your ideas are conveyed clearly.

When applying to colleges, candidates need to put their best foot forward on all fronts. While some schools focus more on factors like GPA, class rank and extracurriculars, others evaluate applicants holistically, which means the admissions essay can hold more weight.

Tips for Writing Your Best College Essay

Let’s explore some tips and tricks for making the most of your college essay.

Get Started Early

Start preparing your application materials, including your college essay, in the summer before your senior year of high school. Most schools maintain winter application deadlines, so working on an admission essay several months ahead of that deadline ensures you have given your writing sufficient attention.

Pick a Topic That’s Meaningful to You

Apply the adage “write what you know” to your college essay: Think about what makes you unique, then apply this knowledge to the larger theme of your chosen prompt.

Writing about something meaningful allows your passions and personality to shine through. Because admissions departments often receive thousands of applications and essays each year, choosing a topic where your personal truth is evident can help you stand out among a crowded field of applicants.

Add Analysis to Your Storytelling

Extrapolate the themes of your essay by demonstrating how they apply to your personal story. While you can use abstract subject matter in your essay, linking the motif, structure and central theme of your essay to your own goals and challenges can elevate your writing.

Think “show, don’t tell.” Rather than using your limited space to explain overtly how your essay expresses your individual circumstances, illustrate your themes vividly enough that admissions departments can identify what makes you uniquely you.

Read Your Essay Out Loud

Remember: A person reads your college admission essay. Read your writing aloud—what may have felt great in the writing process may sound unnatural when read aloud. Hearing your writing can also reveal redundancies that may have not have been apparent otherwise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About How To Write a College Essay

How do you start a college essay.

Start your essay with a “hook” to grab readers’ attention. Aim for a concise introduction that evokes vivid imagery or raises questions you will answer later in your essay.

What is the format for a college essay?

When formatting your college essay, consider your submission method. If the school provides a text box, refrain from using bolded, underlined or italicized text, which may not translate after copying and pasting. When an institution requires an attached document, submit a PDF file using a standard font like Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman, size 12.

What makes a strong college essay?

A strong college essay captivates the reader with an interesting premise and offers insight into what makes you a unique applicant. Strong college essays reveal candidates’ aspirations and challenges.

How do you start off a college essay?

Remember that the person reading your writing will most likely have evaluated dozens or hundreds of other college essays—maybe even on the same day as yours. It’s important to grab their attention from the beginning, so avoid opening with a vague or generic statement and don’t reveal your essay’s conclusion right away. Instead, get specific, choose bold language and vivid imagery, and make your reader curious about how the story ends.

Is it okay to start a college essay with “I”?

Yes—in contrast to expository or argumentative essays you may have written in high school, it’s totally appropriate to write a college application essay from a first-person point of view. In fact, one of the most important functions of a college essay is to give admissions officers an idea of who you are as a person, so don’t hesitate to write from your own point of view.

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10 College Application Essay Dos and Don’ts

Check out our Just Admit It! Podcast

IvyWise counselors Rachel  and Zach share their top tips on how to brainstorm and write college application essays, and what admissions officers are looking for when they read them on the Just Admit It! college admissions podcast , giving listeners expert insight from former admissions officers.

Writing college application essays is often the most stressful part of the admissions process for students, and as a result many tend to put them off until the last minute.

Delaying your work on college application essays isn’t the best move, particularly because the National Association for College Admission Counseling classifies application essays as the most important “soft” factor, or non-quantitative elements, that colleges consider when making admissions decisions, right behind “hard” factors, or quantitative components, like grades, curriculum, and test scores. And in a year where more colleges than ever are test-optional , soft factors like the essay will carry even more weight in the admissions process this fall.

However, if you’re behind on your college admissions essays, don’t panic. There are a number of steps that students can take to put together the most accurate and compelling personal statements  and school-specific supplements that will help their chances of gaining admission to their top-choice colleges.

Here are some college application essay dos and don’ts for students to keep in mind as they complete their applications before Jan. 1 deadlines.

DON’T use the personal statement essay to repeat your activities list.

This can’t be stressed enough. The personal statement is your opportunity to reveal something about yourself that can’t be found anywhere else in your application — use it! Many students use this essay to expound upon activities or interests that are already heavily demonstrated in their application through courses, the activity list, and more. Instead of reinforcing a top activity or interest, write about something that reveals another dimension of your life or personality. If your top activity is swimming, don’t write about the big championship meet. Find something else that reveals something new and that shows you put a lot of thought into your essay. If your study of AP biology conflicts with your religious views, write about that and how you reconciled the two. Dig deep to find an essay topic that’s meaningful.

DO show a slice of your life.

When developing a topic that reveals something new, find a way to frame the story or idea that shows a slice of your life or the event. Be descriptive and give details that appeal to the senses – taste, touch, smell, etc. When writing about a meaningful experience or event, you don’t have to give a long timeline of events. Instead, give the reader the piece of the puzzle that conveys your message. Particularly when you’re feeling stressed for time, it can be helpful to remember that your job isn’t necessarily to tell a full-length story; it’s to focus on something smaller that demonstrates who you are and what you stand for.

DON’T copy and paste.

With upwards of 25 or more essays to write for a balanced college list of 10-12 schools, it’s tempting for students to repurpose essays across applications if the prompts are similar, especially when working down to the wire. While students can use the same main essay on the Common App for multiple schools, we always recommend that students tailor their supplemental essays to the individual colleges. Telling Caltech why you want to attend MIT is a quick way to end up in the “no” pile.

At the end of the day, attempting to repurpose essays isn’t the time-efficient solution either. While it might seem like a quick-fix, you’ll likely spend more time trying to rework an existing piece than you would if you started from scratch. Instead, give each essay a fresh start and set aside time to give every prompt your all.

DO show your knowledge of the college.

When tailoring responses to individual college prompts, it’s important to use specific details you’ve learned through visiting and research. Not only does this show colleges that you’ve have done your homework, but it also demonstrates your interest in the college – and colleges want to admit students who are likely to enroll. Show your knowledge of the college by mentioning specific courses, professors, places of interest, and more. Show how you fit into the campus culture and how you will impact the community through specific examples.

DON’T say what you think the admissions office wants to hear.

So many students think that they “know” what colleges want from an applicant , and this can have a big influence over their essays. Students will overuse the thesaurus and write about strange topics in an effort to impress and stand out. Instead of writing what you think the admissions office wants to read, write about what you want them to know.

Again, the essay is a great space to reveal something new about you, so stand out by being authentic and showing another side of yourself. For students who feel like they’re pressed for time, being genuine is likely also your most efficient strategy. Forget about trying to concoct a version of yourself that you think the admissions office wants to see and let your authentic personality shine through.

DO use your voice.

Using lofty language and complex sentence structure can make you sound sophisticated, but is that really how you speak? Don’t let your voice get lost in the pursuit to impress readers. Instead, write like you speak – keeping in mind that proper grammar and spelling is still important.

DON’T rely only on spellcheck.

Spellcheck won’t catch every spelling or grammatical error! Take the time to read over all your essays carefully and keep an eye out for things like “out” when you meant to say “our” and other common typos. Especially when you’re short on time, it can be easy to overlook spelling and grammar, but it’s always worth the few extra minutes to make sure you have error-free content. To be extra safe, have a parent or counselor read over the essay, too, to catch any errors you might have missed. Spelling and grammar errors can take away from an otherwise stellar essay – so be mindful.

DO double check that you’ve addressed the prompt.

This is one of the most common mistakes that students make . In the pursuit to write the perfect essay, many forget to connect it to the original prompt. While the Common Application prompts for the main essay are general enough to allow students to write about whatever they choose, it still needs to be clear how that essay addresses the prompt. The same applies to school-specific essays. Check and double check that a clear connection is made between the topic of your essay and the question the prompt is asking.

DON’T panic.

Working down to the wire can undoubtedly be stressful. Instead of beating yourself up for not starting sooner or worrying that you won’t be able to finish everything on time, focus on what you can control. Put all of your energy toward your application essays and devote as much time to writing and editing as possible. Keep tabs on every admissions deadline and prioritize what you will work on first accordingly. Create a strategy for completing every essay and stay accountable to the timeline you’ve created.

DO seek feedback when you can.

While it’s imperative that students write their own essays and use their authentic voice, every writer can benefit from a second set of eyes. Your college counselor can provide valuable insight into how to improve your college application essays, so seek feedback on your drafts as soon as possible.  School-based counselors  have a lot of students to advise and are very busy, so don’t wait!

Essays are an important component in the college application process. While the essay alone won’t gain you admission to your top-choice college, a poorly written one can send you to the “no” pile pretty quickly. Consequently, it’s important to give every essay your all and seek guidance when you need it – especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed leading up to critical deadlines.

If you need additional help with your college application essays, IvyWise offers a number of services designed to help high school seniors with their college applications . Contact us today for more information on our programs for seniors!

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Ultimate Guide to Writing Your College Essay

Tips for writing an effective college essay.

College admissions essays are an important part of your college application and gives you the chance to show colleges and universities your character and experiences. This guide will give you tips to write an effective college essay.

Want free help with your college essay?

UPchieve connects you with knowledgeable and friendly college advisors—online, 24/7, and completely free. Get 1:1 help brainstorming topics, outlining your essay, revising a draft, or editing grammar.

Writing a strong college admissions essay

Learn about the elements of a solid admissions essay.

Avoiding common admissions essay mistakes

Learn some of the most common mistakes made on college essays

Brainstorming tips for your college essay

Stuck on what to write your college essay about? Here are some exercises to help you get started.

How formal should the tone of your college essay be?

Learn how formal your college essay should be and get tips on how to bring out your natural voice.

Taking your college essay to the next level

Hear an admissions expert discuss the appropriate level of depth necessary in your college essay.

Student Stories

Student Story: Admissions essay about a formative experience

Get the perspective of a current college student on how he approached the admissions essay.

Student Story: Admissions essay about personal identity

Get the perspective of a current college student on how she approached the admissions essay.

Student Story: Admissions essay about community impact

Student story: admissions essay about a past mistake, how to write a college application essay, tips for writing an effective application essay, sample college essay 1 with feedback, sample college essay 2 with feedback.

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How to Start a College Essay to Hook Your Reader

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What’s Covered:

What is the purpose of the college essay introduction, tips for getting started on your essay, 6 effective techniques for starting your college essay.

• Cliche College Essay Introduction to Avoid

Where to Get Your Essay Edited for Free

Have you sat down to write your essay and just hit a wall of writer’s block? Do you have too many ideas running around your head, or maybe no ideas at all?

Starting a college essay is potentially the hardest part of the application process. Once you start, it’s easy to keep writing, but that initial hurdle is just so difficult to overcome. We’ve put together a list of tips to help you jump that wall and make your essay the best it can be.

The introduction to a college essay should immediately hook the reader. You want to give admissions officers a reason to stay interested in your story and encourage them to continue reading your essay with an open mind. Remember that admissions officers are only able to spend a couple minutes per essay, so if you bore them or turn them off from the start, they may clock out for the rest of the essay.

As a whole, the college essay should aim to portray a part of your personality that hasn’t been covered by your GPA, extracurriculars, and test scores. This makes the introduction a crucial part of the essay. Think of it as the first glimpse, an intriguing lead on, into the read rest of your essay which also showcases your voice and personality. 

Brainstorm Topics

Take the time to sit down and brainstorm some good topic ideas for your essay. You want your topic to be meaningful to you, while also displaying a part of you that isn’t apparent in other aspects of your application. The essay is an opportunity to show admissions officers the “real you.” If you have a topic in mind, do not feel pressured to start with the introduction. Sometimes the best essay openings are developed last, once you fully grasp the flow of your story.

Do a Freewrite

Give yourself permission to write without judgment for an allotted period of time. For each topic you generated in your brainstorm session, do a free-write session. Set a time for one minute and write down whatever comes to mind for that specific topic. This will help get the juices flowing and push you over that initial bit of writer’s block that’s so common when it comes time to write a college essay. Repeat this exercise if you’re feeling stuck at any point during the essay writing process. Freewriting is a great way to warm up your creative writing brain whilst seeing which topics are flowing more naturally onto the page.

Create an Outline

Once you’ve chosen your topic, write an outline for your whole essay. It’s easier to organize all your thoughts, write the body, and then go back to write the introduction. That way, you already know the direction you want your essay to go because you’ve actually written it out, and you can ensure that your introduction leads directly into the rest of the essay. Admissions officers are looking for the quality of your writing alongside the content of your essay. To be prepared for college-level writing, students should understand how to logically structure an essay. By creating an outline, you are setting yourself up to be judged favorably on the quality of your writing skills.

1. The Scriptwriter

“No! Make it stop! Get me out!” My 5-year-old self waved my arms frantically in front of my face in the darkened movie theater.

Starting your essay with dialogue instantly transports the reader into the story, while also introducing your personal voice. In the rest of the essay, the author proposes a class that introduces people to insects as a type of food. Typically, one would begin directly with the course proposal. However, the author’s inclusion of this flashback weaves in a personal narrative, further displaying her true self.

Read the full essay.

2. The Shocker

A chaotic sense of sickness and filth unfolds in an overcrowded border station in McAllen, Texas. Through soundproof windows, migrants motion that they have not showered in weeks, and children wear clothes caked in mucus and tears. The humanitarian crisis at the southern border exists not only in photographs published by mainstream media, but miles from my home in South Texas.

This essay opener is also a good example of “The Vivid Imaginer.” In this case, the detailed imagery only serves to heighten the shock factor. While people may be aware of the “humanitarian crisis at the southern border,” reading about it in such stark terms is bound to capture the reader’s attention. Through this hook, the reader learns a bit about the author’s home life; an aspect of the student that may not be detailed elsewhere in their application. The rest of the essay goes on to talk about the author’s passion for aiding refugees, and this initial paragraph immediately establishes the author’s personal connection to the refugee crisis.

3. The Vivid Imaginer

The air is crisp and cool, nipping at my ears as I walk under a curtain of darkness that drapes over the sky, starless. It is a Friday night in downtown Corpus Christi, a rare moment of peace in my home city filled with the laughter of strangers and colorful lights of street vendors. But I cannot focus. 

Starting off with a bit of well-written imagery transports the reader to wherever you want to take them. By putting them in this context with you, you allow the reader to closely understand your thoughts and emotions in this situation. Additionally, this method showcases the author’s individual way of looking at the world, a personal touch that is the baseline of all college essays.

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4. The Instant Plunger

The flickering LED lights began to form into a face of a man when I focused my eyes. The man spoke of a ruthless serial killer of the decade who had been arrested in 2004, and my parents shivered at his reaccounting of the case. I curiously tuned in, wondering who he was to speak of such crimes with concrete composure and knowledge. Later, he introduced himself as a profiler named Pyo Chang Won, and I watched the rest of the program by myself without realizing that my parents had left the couch.

Plunging readers into the middle of a story (also known as in medias res ) is an effective hook because it captures attention by placing the reader directly into the action. The descriptive imagery in the first sentence also helps to immerse the reader, creating a satisfying hook while also showing (instead of telling) how the author became interested in criminology. With this technique, it is important to “zoom out,” so to speak, in such a way that the essay remains personal to you.

5. The Philosopher 

Saved in the Notes app on my phone are three questions: What can I know? What must I do? What may I hope for? First asked by Immanuel Kant, these questions guide my pursuit of knowledge and organization of critical thought, both skills that are necessary to move our country and society forward in the right direction.

Posing philosophical questions helps present you as someone with deep ideas while also guiding the focus of your essay. In a way, it presents the reader with a roadmap; they know that these questions provide the theme for the rest of the essay. The more controversial the questions, the more gripping a hook you can create. 

Providing an answer to these questions is not necessarily as important as making sure that the discussions they provoke really showcase you and your own values and beliefs.

6. The Storyteller

One Christmas morning, when I was nine, I opened a snap circuit set from my grandmother. Although I had always loved math and science, I didn’t realize my passion for engineering until I spent the rest of winter break creating different circuits to power various lights, alarms, and sensors. Even after I outgrew the toy, I kept the set in my bedroom at home and knew I wanted to study engineering.

Beginning with an anecdote is a strong way to establish a meaningful connection with the content itself. It also shows that the topic you write about has been a part of your life for a significant amount of time, and something that college admissions officers look for in activities is follow-through; they want to make sure that you are truly interested in something. A personal story such as the one above shows off just that.

Cliche College Essay Introductions to Avoid

Ambiguous introduction.

It’s best to avoid introductory sentences that don’t seem to really say anything at all, such as “Science plays a large role in today’s society,” or “X has existed since the beginning of time.” Statements like these, in addition to being extremely common, don’t demonstrate anything about you, the author. Without a personal connection to you right away, it’s easy for the admissions officer to write off the essay before getting past the first sentence.

Quoting Someone Famous

While having a quotation by a famous author, celebrity, or someone else you admire may seem like a good way to allow the reader to get to know you, these kinds of introductions are actually incredibly overused. You also risk making your essay all about the quotation and the famous person who said it; admissions officers want to get to know you, your beliefs, and your values, not someone who isn’t applying to their school. There are some cases where you may actually be asked to write about a quotation, and that’s fine, but you should avoid starting your essay with someone else’s words outside of this case. It is fine, however, to start with dialogue to plunge your readers into a specific moment.

Talking About Writing an Essay

This method is also very commonplace and is thus best avoided. It’s better to show, not tell, and all this method allows you to do is tell the reader how you were feeling at the time of writing the essay. If you do feel compelled to go this way, make sure to include vivid imagery and focus on grounding the essay in the five senses, which can help elevate your introduction and separate it from the many other meta essays.

Childhood Memories

Phrases like “Ever since I was young…” or “I’ve always wanted…” also lend more to telling rather than showing. If you want to talk about your childhood or past feelings in your essay, try using one of the techniques listed earlier (such as the Instant Plunger or the Vivid Imaginer) to elevate your writing.

CollegeVine has a peer essay review page where peers can tell you if your introduction was enough to hook them. Getting feedback from someone who hasn’t read your essay before, and thus doesn’t have any context which may bias them to be more forgiving to your introduction, is helpful because it mimics the same environment in which an admissions officer will be reading your essay. 

Writing a college essay is hard, but with these tips hopefully starting it will be a little easier!

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64 Great Colleges That Don't Require Essays to Apply

College Info , College Essays

If the thought of writing a college essay fills you with terror, you might be wondering: are there any colleges that don't require essays?

The answer is yes, there are! This guide will give you an overview of colleges that don't require admissions essays, how to find these schools, and whether you should apply to one or not. We'll wrap up with a list of 64 colleges with no essay requirement that you can apply to.

Why Do Some Colleges Not Require an Essay?

In general, college essays help schools get a sense of you as a person—beyond your academic record, GPA, and test scores. They give you a chance to clearly articulate your goals and also give admissions officers a better idea of how you'll fit within the school's community. Finally, essays are helpful because they provide schools with concrete evidence of your writing ability.

However, there are many colleges that don't require essays for admissions. What are some reasons why? Let's take a look at the three biggest ones:

#1: Limited Resources

It takes a lot of admissions officers' time and energy to read and evaluate college essays.

At smaller schools with fewer resources, and even at larger schools that enroll tens of thousands of students, the resource costs associated with reading each essay for every single student might outweigh the benefits of getting additional information on applicants beyond GPAs, test scores, and transcripts.

Schools sometimes balance these concerns by requiring essays only for the most competitive programs (usually things such as engineering and nursing) or for scholarships, for which the additional information might be more instrumental in making decisions.

They need to use those limited resources for coffee.

#2: Specific Admissions Cutoffs/Criteria

Many colleges, particularly public schools, admit students based on a type of selection index, which tabulates some combination of GPA, test scores, and/or class rank.

If students meet the minimum index score cutoff, they will be admitted. In this case, the school might simply feel that additional information from an essay isn't necessary for making a decision regarding whether a student will be successful or not.

Selection indices are also often different for in-state and out-of-state students, with the latter being subject to more stringent academic criteria.

In addition, the selection index is sometimes used for scholarships, with students with higher index scores being awarded more money.

Schools with selection indices do often require or recommend college essays for borderline candidates so that students can provide additional information on why they'd be a good fit at the school in spite of not meeting the stated academic criteria.

#3: Make Admissions Process Easy and Appealing

Some colleges hope that by making the admissions process easy and requiring only a transcript, test scores, and basic demographic information, they'll attract a wider variety of applicants.

By presenting their application process as a simple alternative to more intensive processes that require letters of recommendation, essays, and so on, they can attract students who are on the fence about applying to college at all .

They could even potentially motivate highly qualified applicants to use them as one of their safety or match schools because the students won't need to write additional essays or do extra work to apply.

Some applications seem like you just have to click to apply!

How to Find Colleges That Don't Require Essays

There are over 4,000 postsecondary educational institutions in the US, and over 80 of these schools don't require essays for admission.

If you want to know whether a particular school requires an essay for admission, Google "[School Name] freshman admission requirements" or "[School Name] admissions essay." This should pull up pages from the school's official website, with links to guidelines on admission essays.

If, however, you're looking more generally for schools that don't require essays, you can check out our  list of 64 schools below or try one of the following starting places:

Public Universities in Your State

A significant number of public universities don't require essays for admissions.

Even if the major public schools in your state (such as the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign or UCLA) require essays for admission, you might find that the smaller campuses and smaller or more specialized state schools  might not require essays. So be sure to check those out!

You can actually get a pretty robust list of schools in your state by simply Googling "[State Name] colleges." Do this and a list of colleges will appear across the top of your screen. Thanks, Google!

Schools With Automatic Admissions Criteria

A school that has criteria for automatic admission (e.g., if you live in-state and have a particular class rank, GPA, and/or test score profile) might not require applicants who meet the automatic criteria to submit essays with their applications.

However, don't assume that just because you meet automatic admissions criteria that you won't need to write an essay.

At UT Austin, for example, all students must submit an essay , regardless of whether they meet the automatic admissions criteria. Although you could probably write just a straightforward paragraph in the essay section and still get admitted (since you meet the criteria), you'd likely be hurting your scholarship potential, not to mention jeopardizing your chances of being let into your desired major.

Small Private Liberal Arts Institutions

Another group of schools that might not require essays are smaller, private liberal arts institutions. These types of schools often serve a fairly niche market and might simply not get a high enough application volume to need essays to differentiate applicants.

Community Colleges

Local community colleges do not require essays for enrollment, since most allow anyone to enroll. Some even have automatic transfer agreements with local four-year universities. However, if you want to transfer to a particular four-year university after you finish at a community college, you might very well have to write an essay—so you could just be putting off the inevitable!

You can find a lot of no-essay colleges for your basket!

Complete List: 64 Colleges That Don't Require Essays

The following chart contains 64 colleges with no essay requirement, organized by state.  

Note that these are far from the only no-essay college applications —just some of the most notable. Follow our guidelines above for finding additional essay-free colleges.

Should You Apply to a College That Doesn't Require an Essay?

If you're reading this article, you're clearly worried about writing application essays for one reason or another. Maybe you're concerned about having enough time to finish everything. Or maybe you think your writing is terrible.

Here are some reasons to write college essays in spite of your misgivings:

#1: You Want to Apply to the Most Selective Schools

If you're hoping to apply to the most selective schools , you'll almost certainly have to write at least one essay. The most highly ranked no-essay school that I could find was the University of Pittsburgh—a great school. But if you're going for UChicago , MIT , Stanford , or an Ivy League-level school , you'll have to write an essay.

#2: You Want a Scholarship

Even if you do apply to a school that doesn't require an essay, you might still have to write an essay if you want to apply for the most competitive scholarships .

#3: You Have Special Circumstances to Explain

If you have any kind of special circumstance to explain—say, a dip in your grades one year due to a family illness—you definitely want to write about it in an essay. This will help you compensate for any perceived deficits in your academic record and also prevent you from being penalized in the admissions process for the vagaries of life.

There's value in telling your story to the admissions committee.

#4: You're a Good Writer

I'm thinking that most strong writers are going to actively want to write college essays, but just in case: if writing is one of your strengths, definitely write an essay. You want to show off your best qualities to admissions officers, after all! If your primary concern is time, use something like the Common Application so you don't have to write a new essay for every school.

#5: The Essay Prompt Is Short

Some college essays are barely essays at all. Some required essays have just a 250-word limit, and 500 words is pretty standard. For reference, the first section of this article—"Why Do Some Colleges Not Require Essays?"—is about 450 words, including sub-headings. That's not so bad!

#6: You Can Get Help

Although it's important that your college essays are your own work, you're allowed to get help with them! Colleges expect you to put your best foot forward, so if that means discussing ideas with parents and teachers, and having someone else look over your rough drafts and offer suggestions, that's completely fine. You don't have to go at it completely alone.

#7: You Can Reuse an Essay for All Your Schools

For schools that use the Common App , Coalition App , or Universal College App , you can generally use one essay for all your colleges. Some schools might require additional supplemental essays, though, so be sure to look that up in advance to avoid being blindsided later.

So Should I Write an Essay?

If it happens that all the schools you want to apply to don't require essays, then great! But overall, I'd say don't let the fact that a school has one (or even two) essays stop you from applying if you're genuinely interested in going there.

If you find writing essays stressful or if you're time-limited, there's nothing wrong with using some strategies to limit the number of polished essays you need to produce (such as using the Common App) and applying to a mix of essay and no-essay schools.

Key Takeaways: Colleges That Don't Require Essays

There are actually tons of colleges that don't require essays. Here are some common reasons why a college might not require an essay:

• Limited resources—it takes a lot of time and effort to read an essay by each applicant
• They might have certain GPA and/or test score admissions criteria and feel as though the information provided by an essay isn't necessary
• To make it more appealing to students by having an easier application process

So how can you find college applications without essays? Here are some places to start:

• Public schools in your state, especially smaller ones in case the bigger ones do require essays
• Schools with automatic admissions criteria—if you qualify for admission, you might not need to write an essay
• Smaller liberal arts institutions
• Community colleges

When it comes down to it, though, should you apply to colleges with no essay requirement? Here are some reasons you might want to write a college essay, even if you're apprehensive:

• The most selective colleges usually do require essays
• Scholarship applications for particular schools often require essays
• If you have special circumstances to explain, plan on writing an essay
• Strong writers should write essays to put their best foot forward
• Word limits are often very short—think 250-500 words (that's just a few paragraphs!)
• You're allowed (and encouraged) to get help with brainstorming ideas and revising drafts
• If you use an application system that can send applications to multiple schools, such as the Common App, Coalition App, or Universal College App, you might be able to write just one essay for all the schools you're applying to

No essay, no tears!

What's Next?

Need more help looking for colleges? See our step-by-step guide to college research . Also, check out how to decide where to go to college and the difference between a college and a university !

Decided to write an essay after all and need some help? Check out our comprehensive guide to writing a college essay and our guide to writing the "why this college" essay . Be sure to avoid these 10 college essay mistakes , too.

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Ellen has extensive education mentorship experience and is deeply committed to helping students succeed in all areas of life. She received a BA from Harvard in Folklore and Mythology and is currently pursuing graduate studies at Columbia University.

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