So, you need to write a personal essay, and your mind is as blank as the page in front of you. I’ve been there. Staring at that blinking cursor, wondering if maybe—just maybe—procrastination will magically produce a brilliant idea overnight. (Spoiler: it won’t.) But don’t worry, you’re not alone, and I promise, getting started isn’t as impossible as it feels right now.
Step One: Stop Overthinking It
The biggest mistake people make when writing personal essays is trying too hard to be profound. You don’t need to start with some life-altering revelation or a quote from a philosopher. Your story is interesting simply because it’s yours.
Think of it this way—if you were telling a friend about something funny, emotional, or meaningful that happened to you, where would you start? Probably with, “You won’t believe what happened to me today” or “So, there was this one time…” Your essay should have that same natural flow.
Step Two: Brainstorm Like a Detective
Before you start writing, you need material. And trust me, you have plenty of stories, even if you don’t think so yet. Start by asking yourself questions:
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What’s a moment in your life that changed you?-
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When did you learn something the hard way?
- What’s a weird, funny, or unexpected experience that still sticks with you?
- Is there a place, person, or event that made a lasting impression?
Jot down anything that comes to mind, even if it seems small. Sometimes, the best essays come from the moments you least expect.
Step Three: Find Your Hook
If your opening line doesn’t grab attention, an admissions officer (or any reader) might mentally check out before they even get to the good stuff. Your starting personal essay sentence should drop the reader right into the middle of something.
Instead of starting with, “I learned the value of perseverance when I joined the soccer team,” try something like, “I spent my first soccer game running in the wrong direction.” See the difference? The first is a general statement; the second makes the reader want to know more.
Step Four: Write First, Edit Later
Perfectionism is the enemy of progress. One of the best tricks I’ve learned? Just write. Let it be messy. Let it be too long. Let it ramble. The goal of a first draft isn’t perfection—it’s existence. Once you have words on the page, shaping them into a compelling essay becomes so much easier.
And don’t be afraid to write the way you talk. If a sentence sounds stiff when you read it out loud, rewrite it. Your essay should sound like you, not a robot who swallowed a dictionary.
Step Five: Add Depth Without Sounding Forced
One of the toughest parts of writing a personal essay is making it meaningful without turning it into a dramatic monologue. If you’re telling a story about failing a test, don’t suddenly claim it taught you everything about resilience and personal growth if it didn’t. Instead, focus on the little things—how you felt in the moment, what you learned, and how it changed your thinking, even in a small way.
A well-written essay doesn’t have to solve life’s biggest mysteries. It simply needs to evoke an emotion in the reader.
Step Six: Do a Little Research (Yes, Even for a Personal Essay)
You wouldn’t think research would help in a personal essay, but sometimes, it adds a nice touch. Maybe you want to mention a historical event that connects to your experience, or maybe there’s a famous quote that perfectly sums up your perspective. Even in storytelling, adding context can make your essay stronger.
Using research paper tips—like finding reputable sources and using information thoughtfully—can elevate your writing. Just don’t overdo it. This is still your story, and no one wants to read a research paper disguised as a personal essay.
Step Seven: End on a Strong Note
Your closing line is like the final scene of a great movie—it should leave an impression. Don’t summarize your essay with a neat little bow. Instead, leave your reader with a thought, a question, or a feeling.
For example, if your essay is about overcoming self-doubt, don’t just end with, “And that’s how I became more confident.” Instead, try something like, “The funny thing is, I never did become the loudest person in the room. But now, I don’t need to be.” It’s subtle, but it sticks with the reader.
Final Thoughts
Writing a personal essay isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being real. The best essays are the ones that feel genuine, not the ones that try too hard to be impressive. So take a deep breath, trust your story, and start writing. You’ve got this.
