Harvard Suggested Strategies To Write Best College Essays

Master Harvard’s strategies for writing standout college essays with authenticity, structure, and captivating personal stories.

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Start With a Captivating Story

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Show, Don’t Just Tell

[{"selector":"#anim-ba1caca6-bd8b-496c-ab9e-c3291ff262a7 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(27.8092182541329%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-29481180-5e9c-40d2-8530-5a481053d13b","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Paint vivid pictures using examples. Don’t say you’re passionate—show moments that prove your passion authentically. Earn without Investment

Answer the Prompt Fully

[{"selector":"#anim-7059e5f4-2062-4a17-a041-c2369cfc6db0 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(31.246337776828504%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-81c84558-f49f-4eec-be94-68e732820adc","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Stay laser-focused on the essay question. Avoid wandering off-topic; every word should align with the prompt. Earn without Investment

Be Honest, Be You

[{"selector":"#anim-e7fbb5ea-3470-41c0-b03c-cbbce557d39d [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(31.248827864715928%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-33a6085a-1cb3-4f5a-b858-a88144e16e78","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Authenticity wins hearts. Harvard values essays that reflect your genuine personality—not what you think they want. Earn without Investment

Highlight Growth and Challenges

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Craft a Clear Structure

[{"selector":"#anim-2f3d06bd-4c79-4476-b4d4-6aaf0ebdd456 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(31.246337776828504%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-562aa374-2c69-41aa-94c2-0e7e6b5ef1a6","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Organize your essay like a story: intro, body, and conclusion. A seamless flow keeps readers engaged. Earn without Investment

Infuse Your Voice and Personality

[{"selector":"#anim-1a4a69eb-2e4a-4b30-b97d-116553fba516 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(7.865168283653322%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-274049d8-ea9c-410c-aab1-bf8f8fdc4fe0","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Write how you speak. Let your voice shine through—it makes your essay uniquely unforgettable. Earn without Investment

Avoid Overused Clichés

[{"selector":"#anim-b69f3aee-494e-4265-b640-7d2756a184a8 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(31.24062488616884%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-fc21cc35-f507-4448-b7de-d830b98af299","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Skip generic phrases like ‘changed my life.’ Be specific—your unique experiences make your essay stand out. Earn without Investment

Get Feedback, But Stay True

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