8 things that might be killing your essay before you even start writing

After reading a ton of college essays over the past few months (helping out many

students with free feedback), I keep seeing the same patterns of what stops people

before they even get going. 

Waiting for the perfect moment

Everyone does this. "I'll write later" or ";when things calm down".  The essay just gets

scarier the longer you avoid it. Just start, even if it's a few messy sentences.

Thinking there's only one "right" topic

You don't need some life-changing dramatic story. You could have a great essay

about bad haircuts or getting lost in a grocery store! What you learned from it matters

way more than whether it sounds impressive. The AOs know not everyone has

catastrophic experiences.

Afraid the first draft will suck

It will suck. That's the point. First drafts are supposed to be terrible, that's where

actual ideas come out. And that's okay. Get something down, fix it later.

Trying to finish it all in one sitting

You sit down thinking you'll crank out the whole thing and then hit a wall halfway

through. Sketch an outline, walk away, come back tomorrow. Spread it out. Your

brain works better that way and you won't want to throw your laptop out the window!

Comparing with other people's essays

Focus on your own thing. Your voice is what makes it work, not trying to match

someone else's.

Editing while you're still brainstorming

Some people start worrying about grammar and fancy words when they haven't even

figured out what they're trying to say yet. Don't. This kills your ideas before they're

fully formed. 

Writing like you're checking boxes

"Mention leadership? Check. Volunteer work? Check." When you write just to hit requirements, it feels flat and fake. 

Trying too hard to sound smart

Worrying about whether you sound impressive enough usually makes your writing

stiff and boring. Just write like you talk (but slightly more organized).

What actually helps:

Start now, even if it's messy. Write what feels real to you, not what sounds good on

paper. Get ideas out first, fix grammar later. 

If you're working on essays and want someone to look them over quickly, feel free to

comment here and DM your essay.