College Essays Matter–Now More Than Ever!
By Kristina Knobelsdorff, PhDCollege Advice, General Education Advice, Writing TrainingCompetition for college admission continues to grow.
The 2024-2025 application cycle reached an all-high time high:
- 4% increase in college applicants
- 6 average applications per student
The competition at top-tier schools is even stiffer. At least 5 applicants compete for every spot.
Even students with strong applications overall need an edge. A strong essay can prove the deciding factor.
Making the time to write a quality essay will pay off.
What makes a compelling essay isn’t “perfect writing.” It’s authenticity, orginality, and depth of thinking.
While some students might be tempted to use AI, the AI essay won’t set them apart in a crowded field. Even if it sounds “good,” their AI essay won’t reflect their personality or show originality. This isn’t surprising since current AI tools simply create content by drawing from their information banks–other people’s words and ideas repackaged. And, students need to be aware that many colleges now use AI themselves, somewhat ironically, to look for essays that sound like AI.
The Learning Consultants provides the best college essay writing guidance on the shoreline. Contact us to learn more.
Kristina joined The Learning Consultants in 2007, shortly after completing her PhD in English at the University of Connecticut. With a decade of coaching teachers and students behind her, Kristina now heads the Department of Writing Mastery. She derives great satisfaction helping students of all ages become skilled and confident writers. full bio
