College Essay Resources

Real college essay topic examples showing the difference between résumé-driven essays and message-based essays that reveal how students think.

Most advice about college essay topics is wrong. Learn from real mistakes students make and how to choose a strong topic built on insight.

Learn how to choose a college essay topic by focusing on message over prestige, and writing an essay that shows how you think and what you value.

Worried about whether your college essay looks “right”? This guide breaks down college essay formatting: word count, paragraphs, fonts, spacing, and Common App quirks, so you can avoid technical mistakes and focus on what really matters: clear, readable writing that admissions officers can engage with.

You don’t need a perfect hook to start writing a great college essay.