Susan Whitehead

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS EXPERT and AUTHOR: Accepted! How to Write Winning College Application Essays

HI, I’m Susan Whitehead, a college admissions guide, author, and writing coach. Working with U.S. and international students applying to Ivy League and top tier universities and grad schools for the past 20 years, I've helped students craft standout college application essays and get into their dream schools. “Thank you! I NEVER could have done this without you!” is one of my favorite things to hear.

So I decided to put my experience into book form, emphasizing what you need to know about college admissions, what admission officers are looking for, and what makes an essay unforgettable. You CAN transform your personal story into a powerful essay that wins acceptance letters. And you don’t need AI to do it — you can use your own stories to write an essay that stands out and engages the admissions officers.

See below for College Admissions Q and A’s to tell you more!

CHILDREN'S BOOK AUTHOR and ILLUSTRATOR: Percy the Parrot: Best Class Pet Yet; Percy vs. Glenn.

So yes, when I’m not advising students on college admissions, I volunteer at an elementary school, run (not as fast as I used to!), and write and illustrate children’s picture books. I love to craft words and illustrations to energize young readers, creating opportunities to engage and imagine.

So here are some College Admissions QUESTIONS and ANSWERS:

Q: What makes a great college application essay?

A: A great college essay tells a compelling, personal story that highlights your unique experiences, values and perspectives. Admissions officers want to see authenticity, self-reflection, and a clear voice — rather than just a list of achievements. The best essays show don’t tell, and engage the reader from the very first sentence.

Q: What are the biggest mistakes students make in their essays?

A: Some common mistakes include:

Relying on AI — This can lead to not only dull essays, but honor code violations.

Being too generic — avoid cliches and overused topics like “winning the big game” or

volunteering changed my life.”

Listing accomplishments — Your essay isn’t a resume. Focus on storytelling.

Lack of personal voice — Admissions officers want to hear your story, not what you think they want to hear.

Ignoring the prompt — Stay focused on answering the actual question.

Not tying stories to your future plans — Explain what you hope to do and how college will get you there.

Poor editing — Always revise for clarity, grammar, and impact.

Q: How can I make my essay stand out to admissions officers?

A: To stand out, your essay should:

Start with a strong hook — An intriguing opening sentence grabs attention.

Showcase personal growth — Demonstrate self-awareness and learning.

Be uniquely yours — No one else should be able to copy your essay and apply it to their own life.

Be well-structured — Have a main idea or theme about you to get across, tied into your future plans and past experiences. Tell stories!

Q: What are some strong essay topics?

A: Strong essay topics often come from unexpected or deeply personal moments, such as:

A small, everyday event that led to a big realization.

A challenge you faced and how it shaped you.

A quirky passion or talent that reveals who you are.

A story that illustrates a personal value or belief.

Rather than focusing on what happened, focus on why it matters and how it shaped you.

Q: Can I write about failure in my college essay?

A: Absolutely! Writing about failure can create an amazing essay — if done correctly. Admissions officers value resilience and personal growth. The key is to:

Be honest and reflective — Admit your mistake or failure.

Show growth — Explain what you learned and how it changed you.

End on a positive note — Demonstrate how you used the experience to improve yourself.

Q: How long should my college essay be?

A: Most college essays fall between 500-650 words, especially for the Common App. However, some supplemental essays may be much shorter (under 250 words; read the instructions carefully). Make every word count — concise, clear, and compelling writing is more powerful than lengthy fluff.

Q: What if I don’t have an interesting story to tell?

A: Everyone has a story — it doesn't need to be dramatic or life-changing. Some of the best essays come from small moments that reveal personal insights. Think about:

A hobby or passion you love.

A conversation that changed your perspective.

A personal struggle you overcame.

A simple but meaningful experience that shaped you.

The key is how you tell your story, not whether it’s the most exciting event ever.

Q: What’s the best way to start my college essay?

A: A strong introduction is key! Here are three ways to start:

An intriguing anecdote — Drop the reader into an engaging scene.

A surprising fact or statement — challenge expectations.

A thought-provoking question — Make the reader curious.

Q: How can I edit my essay effectively?

A: Follow this three-step editing process:

Big-Picture Editing — Does my essay tell a compelling story? Is my main idea clear? Do I answer the question?

Sentence and Word Editing — Are my sentences varied, engaging, and concise? Do I use too many words or repeat the same words?

Final Proofreading — Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.

Pro Tip: Read your essay out loud to catch awkward phrasing or repetitive words.

Q: Where can I find out more about writing college essays?

A: Read this book! Accepted! How to Write Winning College Application Essays gives lots of tips, a 4-step plan, and sample essays to get you started, plus lots of information about applying to college. More detail than just the questions above. It’s never too late to write or improve your essay!