When college application season arrives, essays often become the most personal and stressful part of the process. Parents and students spend hours revising drafts, trying to craft something that stands out in a sea of applications. But how can you tell if your teen’s essay is truly strong? At IvyBound Consulting, we often tell families that a great essay does more than meet word counts or answer prompts. It reveals a student’s authentic voice, demonstrates self-awareness, and connects personal experiences to future goals.
The Power of Authentic Voice
A strong essay begins with authenticity. Admissions officers read thousands of essays each year, and they can immediately tell when a student is writing what they think the reader wants to hear. The best essays sound like a real person, not a polished press release. They reflect the student’s curiosity, humor, empathy, or quiet determination. When you read your teen’s essay aloud, ask yourself if it sounds like them. Does it capture how they actually speak and think? If it feels genuine and honest, that is often the first sign of a strong essay.
At IvyBound Consulting, we encourage students to focus less on what they think “sounds impressive” and more on telling a story that only they can tell. A personal anecdote about helping a neighbor, a moment of failure that led to growth, or a unique perspective shaped by family or culture can all become the heart of a powerful essay. The goal is not perfection. The goal is connection.
Depth Over Description
Many students make the mistake of describing events without reflecting on them. A strong essay goes beyond “what happened” to explore “why it mattered.” Did the experience change how your teen sees the world? Did it influence what they want to study or how they solve problems? Reflection shows maturity and insight, qualities admissions officers value deeply.
Parents can help by asking questions that prompt deeper thinking. For example, “What did you learn about yourself from this experience?” or “How did that moment shape your perspective?” These conversations can lead students to reveal more meaningful insights that make their essay memorable.
Structure and Flow Matter
Even the best ideas lose impact if they are not clearly expressed. A strong essay has a natural flow. Each paragraph builds on the previous one, and transitions feel smooth rather than forced. When you read it, the story should unfold effortlessly. If an essay feels choppy or jumps between ideas, it may need more structure.
Good essays also open with intention. The introduction should grab attention without relying on clichés or overused hooks. Likewise, the conclusion should leave a lasting impression, tying the essay’s message back to the student’s growth or aspirations. At IvyBound Consulting, our educational consultants help students refine their essays so that every word adds purpose and clarity.
The Emotional Connection
A truly strong essay leaves the reader feeling something. It might be admiration, curiosity, or simply a sense of warmth. The emotion does not have to be dramatic, but it should feel genuine. When an essay evokes emotion, it signals that the writer has successfully shared a piece of themselves.
Admissions officers often say they remember essays that make them pause. They remember stories that feel human. If your teen’s essay makes you smile, think, or even tear up a little, that is a sign it has emotional strength.
The Final Review
Before submitting, your teen should review the essay multiple times for grammar, clarity, and tone. Reading it aloud often helps catch awkward phrasing or unnecessary repetition. However, remember that perfect grammar does not make an essay strong, authentic storytelling does.
At IvyBound Consulting, we believe that a strong essay reflects a student’s unique journey and potential. It shows not only what they have accomplished but also who they are becoming. With the right guidance and reflection, every student can write an essay that resonates with admissions officers and leaves a lasting impression.
A truly strong essay does not just tell a story. It tells their story, and that makes all the difference.
Schedule a free consultation with IvyBound Consulting to meet Ruchi S. Kothari, and take the first step toward a future that reflects who you truly are. Let’s talk!
