The Ivy Brothers Review of Essays: College Essay Test

Is Your College Essay Truly Great? A Guide to Evaluating and Strengthening Your Writing

Writing a compelling college essay can be challenging, but how do you know if yours stands out? While there’s no single formula for a perfect essay, there are key qualities that exceptional essays tend to share. Below is a guide to assessing your own writing to ensure it resonates with readers, reveals your authentic self, and leaves a lasting impression.

How to Use This Guide

To evaluate your essay effectively, try reading it out loud or have someone else read it to you. Then, ask yourself the following questions:

1. Does Your Essay Clearly Convey Core Values?

At its core, a strong personal essay reflects your values—what matters most to you. After reading your essay, can you easily identify at least 4-5 core values? Do these values feel distinct, or do they seem repetitive?

Example of repetitive values: Hard work, perseverance, determination

Example of more diverse values: Independence, creativity, resilience, curiosity, empathy

An essay with varied core values offers a richer perspective on who you are. If your essay leans too heavily on just one theme (e.g., determination), consider weaving in other values that shape your personality.

2. Does Your Essay Show Vulnerability?

A great essay isn’t just an intellectual exercise—it should feel personal and genuine. Does your writing come from the head (analytical and surface-level) or from the heart (deep and revealing)?

Ask yourself:

• Does the essay reveal personal insights that go beyond facts and accomplishments?

• After reading, do you feel like you truly know the author on a deeper level?

• Are there moments where the writing feels raw, real, and emotionally engaging?

Essays that feel too polished or impersonal often fail to make a strong impression. Don’t be afraid to show your struggles, doubts, or turning points in your life—this vulnerability creates connection.

3. Are There Meaningful “So What?” Moments?

Strong essays don’t just tell a story—they provide insight. Look for at least 3-5 moments where your writing moves beyond description and offers deeper meaning.

Consider these questions:

• Does the essay contain reflections that go beyond the surface?

• Are the takeaways predictable, or do they reveal something unexpected?

• Do the insights feel generic, or do they connect specifically to your unique journey?

The best essays offer revelations that make the reader pause and think, “Wow, that’s an interesting perspective.” If your essay feels like it’s just telling a story without offering new insights, take time to reflect on why this experience mattered.

4. Does the Essay Demonstrate Strong Craft?

A well-crafted essay isn’t just about the story—it’s about how the story is told. Ask yourself:

• Do the ideas flow logically but without being too obvious or predictable?

• Can you tell that the author has carefully refined the essay over multiple drafts?

• Is the writing engaging and concise?

If certain sections feel dull or overly long, consider:

✔ Cutting unnecessary words or details

✔ Rewriting areas where the message isn’t clear

✔ Ensuring every paragraph serves a purpose

A well-crafted essay shows intentionality—each sentence should contribute to the overall story without feeling forced.

Bonus Tip: Get an Outside Perspective

If you’re feeling brave, give your essay to a trusted friend, teacher, or mentor and ask them:

• Can you identify my core values?

• Did the essay make you feel closer to me?

• Were there moments where the insights felt especially meaningful?

• Did the writing hold your interest from beginning to end?

Getting honest feedback can help you refine your essay further. Sometimes, a fresh pair of eyes will catch things you might have overlooked.

Final Thoughts

A truly great college essay doesn’t just tell a story—it reveals something authentic, insightful, and deeply personal about you. By focusing on core values, vulnerability, meaningful insights, and strong craft, you can ensure your essay stands out in the admissions process.

If you’re looking for expert guidance, consider working with an essay coach who can provide personalized feedback and help you take your writing to the next level.

Visit our website: www.theivybrothers.com

Schedule a consultation: https://tally.so/r/3Edv7