Welcome to the Orca world
Your trusted partner in your success.
Your Story is Your Superpower.
Here’s How to Use It.
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As you dive into the college application process, you’ll quickly realize something: many of the applicants look a lot like you on paper. Similar GPAs, similar test scores, similar lists of extracurriculars. So how do you stand out in a sea of qualified students? The answer is your essay.
This isn't just another piece of homework; it's your unique opportunity to speak directly to the admissions committee. It’s your chance to transform from a collection of grades and scores into a real, compelling, and memorable person.
Think of it not as an essay, but as your story. And every great story needs a few key elements.
1. The Prompt is a Launching Pad, Not a Cage
Most essay prompts are intentionally broad: "Discuss an accomplishment, event, or period of reflection that sparked personal growth." or "Share a story about how you overcame a challenge." They aren’t asking for a specific answer; they are asking for a specific you. The goal is to use the prompt as a launching pad to reveal your character, your values, and your voice. Don't get bogged down trying to guess what they "want to hear." The only thing they want to hear is your authentic self.2. Find Your "Hook" - The Small Story That Tells a Big Truth
You don’t have to have saved a village from a volcano to write a compelling essay. In fact, the most powerful essays often stem from small, mundane moments.Instead of: "I am a passionate leader." (Telling)
Try: "The scent of sawdust and nervous sweat filled the garage as I showed our rookie robotics team member how to calibrate a sensor for the tenth time. It wasn't about the robot; it was about making sure she felt included." (Showing)
The hook can be anything: a conversation with your grandfather, the feeling of your hands covered in clay in art class, the frustration of trying to perfect a sourdough starter during lockdown. Find a specific moment and use it as a window into your larger personality.
3. Show, Don't Tell: The Golden Rule
This is the most important advice you will get. Don't just state your qualities; illustrate them through actions, thoughts, and feelings.Telling: "I am resilient and determined."
Showing: "Each failed algorithm felt like a personal insult. But with every error message that flashed on the screen, I dug deeper into Stack Overflow, my notebook filling with frantic scribbles until, at 2 a.m., the code finally ran. The victory wasn't pretty, but it was mine."
"Showing" allows the admissions officer to see your resilience in action and come to that conclusion themselves. It’s infinitely more powerful.
4. Voice and Tone: Be You, on Paper
Your essay should sound like you. If you’re a naturally funny person, let your humor shine through. If you’re more reflective and earnest, lean into that. Don't try to use a thesaurus to replace every simple word with a complex one. It sounds unnatural and distances the reader. Read your essay aloud. Does it sound like something you would actually say? If not, revise until it does. Authenticity builds connection.5. Structure Your Narrative: The Journey Matters
A great essay has a narrative arc. It doesn’t just describe a static situation; it shows change.The Beginning: Set the scene. Introduce the "you" before the event or realization.
The Middle: What happened? This is the core action, the challenge, the moment of insight.
The End (The Reflection): This is the most crucial part. How did that experience change you? What did you learn about yourself, others, or the world? What do you now know that you didn't know before? Connect the experience to who you are now and who you hope to become in college.
What to Avoid:
The Resume Rehash: Don't just list your achievements. They can already see those in your activities section.
The Generic Hero: Avoid writing about a famous person unless the essay is overwhelmingly about your connection to them and how it shaped you.
Thesaurus Overload: Using "utilize" instead of "use" doesn't make you sound smarter.
Tragedy for Tragedy's Sake: It’s okay to write about difficult topics, but the focus should be on how you responded, grew, and persevered, not just on the hardship itself.