As you prepare to write your Common App personal statement essay and school supplements, you might have encountered that example essay — the one that stuck with you long after you read the last line — and now you’re thinking “How did they do that? How can I do that?” Maybe you worry you have nothing to say. Maybe you have so much to say that you’re not sure which moments to choose. Does that one example statement keep replaying in your mind, drowning your own thoughts? My friend, you’ve been caught by a vivid narrative.

While college admissions readers are looking for examples of growth and the five traits, it’s not as simple as just picking the most motivating memory you own. There’s an art to telling a vivid story that is clear, specific, personal, and engaging, and here are five tips to get you started! 

Tip 1: Examine what Excites

The easiest way to write a statement is to choose a story you’re excited to share. By taking a few moments to consider what you’re proud of, passionate about, or what astounds you, you’ll access an entire memory bank of details, because we vividly remember moments we care about. (And don’t worry about that nasty word “impressive.” Your chosen memory could be a NASA internship or a quiet Sunday crossword with your grandmother — it’s about what excites you!) 

Need help brainstorming topics for an engaging Common App personal statement essay? Check out our article. Or make a Prompt account to access our free brainstorming resources. 

Tip 2: Engage the Senses

Let’s give your readers a gift by activating their senses through key sense memories associated with the moment you chose. What did you smell, taste, see, hear, and touch? What did experiencing this input do to you? Were you disgusted? Surprised? Excited? Why? Painting a picture with your senses and reactions takes a story from living in your head to captivating your reader on the page. 

While you’re writing these sensory details, don’t worry about word count just yet. Oftentimes, we advise students to overwrite in the first two drafts and then begin to streamline in the third draft. 

Tip 3: Refine the Storyline

Maybe you have the coolest story to share, but somehow it’s getting muddy, or feeling boring or choppy. We can reveal the big picture by starting with a stream of consciousness. Set a timer for three minutes and just write down as much as you can about the story you’re trying to tell. Then, look back through it to see what the major points were, and challenge yourself to tell the same story in 3-5 detail-packed sentences! This ensures a vivid, dynamic storyline.  

Tip 4: Reflect on Reactions

It’s one thing to tell a compelling story, but readers are looking for even more than that. They want to get to know you, which leads us to the tricky dance of the personal statement’s narrative/interview response tone. As you’re refining your story, look at the moments you’re selecting and ask yourself “What did I want to do next? Why?” This question will help you balance telling a vivid story (external) with showing who you are through vivid reflections (internal)!

We advise students to make about 60% of their essay introspective. 

Tip 5: Trust your Voice

This last tip is more of a reassurance. We live in our heads all of the time, so it’s natural to worry your story might be boring or obvious. But of course it will feel obvious to you — you already know all of your stories! However, when you trust your voice and the unique insights you’ve pulled from your experiences (with a little help from us here at Prompt!), your reader will walk away with a vivid picture of who you are, and how you got here. 

And then maybe you’ll become that example essay for someone else. Let’s get to work!