Finding Your Voice: How to Write Authentically for College Admissions

One of the most common pieces of advice given to college applicants is to "be yourself" in your essay. But what does that really mean, and how do you translate your authentic self onto paper? As a college essay coach, I've helped numerous students discover and develop their unique voices. Here's how you can do the same.

1. Write Like You Speak (Almost)

Your essay should sound like you, not like a thesaurus. Start by writing as if you're telling a story to a friend. You can polish it later, but beginning with your natural voice helps authenticity shine through.

2. Embrace Your Quirks

Do you have a dry sense of humor? Are you obsessed with obscure historical facts? Don't hide these aspects of your personality – they make you unique. One of my students wrote a brilliant essay linking her love of puns to her passion for linguistics.

3. Be Specific

Generic statements don't reveal much about you. Instead of saying you love science, describe the thrill you felt when you first saw a cell divide under a microscope. Specific details make your writing more engaging and more authentically you.

4. Avoid "Impression Management"

It's tempting to write what you think admissions officers want to hear. Resist this urge. They're looking for real people, not perfect candidates. Showing self-awareness and the ability to reflect on your flaws can be more impressive than listing achievements.

5. Use Emotion Wisely

Your authentic voice includes your emotional responses. Don't be afraid to express excitement, frustration, or wonder. Just ensure the emotions fit the story you're telling. 

6. Find Your Rhythm

Everyone has a natural writing rhythm. Some write in short, punchy sentences. Others prefer longer, more complex structures. Neither is inherently better – what matters is that it sounds like you.

7. Draw from Your Experiences

Your unique experiences shape your voice. A student who grew up in a military family might use more decisive language, while someone raised in an artistic household might have a more fluid, creative style.

8. Be Vulnerable

Authenticity often requires vulnerability. Sharing moments of doubt or failure can be powerful, showing your capacity for growth and self-reflection.

9. Avoid Clichés and Platitudes

Nothing dulls your unique voice faster than resorting to overused phrases. If you catch yourself writing something you've read in countless other places, challenge yourself to express it in your own words.

10. Read It to Someone Who Knows You Well

After writing, read your essay aloud to someone who knows you well – a parent, sibling, or close friend. Ask them, "Does this sound like me?" Their feedback can be invaluable in ensuring you're presenting your authentic self.

Remember, your voice is unique because you are unique. Your experiences, perspectives, and way of expressing yourself are unlike anyone else's. That's what makes your essay powerful.

Finding your authentic voice isn't always easy. It requires self-reflection, courage, and often, many drafts. But it's worth the effort. An essay written in your true voice will not only be more engaging to read, but also more rewarding for you to write.

Struggling to find your authentic voice? In our coaching sessions, we'll work on exercises to help you tap into your unique perspective and express it effectively. We'll peel back the layers of what you think you "should" write to uncover the compelling story that only you can tell.

Your authentic voice is your greatest asset in standing out to admissions officers. Let's work together to ensure your essay sounds unmistakably like you. Book a consultation today, and start your journey towards writing an essay that truly reflects who you are.