Do a topic check: Is my topic clear? Can you write a one-sentence description of your story? Take The Great College Essay Test and see if your topic lends itself to writing a great essay:

Will there be core values in the essay? Is there a variety or do they repeat? 

Will the essay come from a deep, vulnerable place and convey a mature point of view? 

Will there be moments of insight that are truly illuminating? 

Will the essay have a series of logically connected ideas and be interesting and succinct? 

On a first draft, don’t edit the grammar or proofread. First work on the content (the what), then the structure (the how), and then the details (smaller concerns)

Qualities of a good essay: organization (introduce/discuss/resolve idea), tone (balance between formal/informal; mature point of view), student’s voice, entertaining and persuasive (opening hook sentences, conflict, and specificity are good; humor can be challenging), and authenticity (insights, language, and word choice are at the student’s level)

Find supplemental essay prompts for colleges on final list

Select supplemental essay topics that don’t overlap too much with the main essay

Look at all essay prompts together to see about writing a Super Essay

Here are some suggestions for specific prompts, school-specific supplemental essays, “Why This College” Essay, "Extracurricular Activity” Essay, "Why This Major” Essay, “Community” Essay, and Short-Answer Questions for Highly Selective Colleges