how to describe yourself college essay

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Tips for crafting a compelling and authentic personal essay.

Writing an essay about yourself can be a daunting task, but when done right, it can be a powerful tool to showcase who you are and what makes you unique. Whether you’re applying for college, a scholarship, or a job, a well-crafted essay can help you stand out from the crowd and leave a lasting impression on the reader.

When writing a personal essay, it’s important to strike a balance between being informative and engaging. You want to provide the reader with insight into your background, experiences, and goals, while also keeping them interested and invested in your story. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of writing a compelling essay about yourself, from brainstorming ideas to polishing your final draft.

Essential Tips for Crafting

When crafting a compelling essay about yourself, it is important to think about your audience and what message you want to convey. Here are some essential tips to help you create an engaging and authentic essay:

A Powerful Personal Essay

Writing a powerful personal essay is a way to express your unique voice and share your personal experiences with the world. By weaving together your thoughts, emotions, and reflections, you can create a compelling narrative that resonates with your audience. To craft a powerful personal essay, start by reflecting on your own experiences and exploring the themes that matter to you. Pay attention to the details and emotions that make your story come alive. Be honest and vulnerable in your writing, as authenticity is key to connecting with your readers. Additionally, consider the structure of your essay and how you can effectively organize your thoughts to engage your audience from beginning to end. By following these tips and staying true to your voice, you can create a powerful personal essay that leaves a lasting impact on your readers.

Choose a Unique Aspect

When writing an essay about yourself, it’s important to focus on a unique aspect of your personality or experiences that sets you apart from others. This could be a specific skill, talent, or life experience that has had a significant impact on your life. By choosing a unique aspect to highlight, you can make your essay more compelling and memorable to the reader. It’s important to showcase what makes you different and showcase your individuality in a way that will capture the reader’s attention.

of Your Personality

When writing about your personality, it’s important to showcase your unique traits and qualities. Describe what sets you apart from others, whether it’s your creativity, resilience, sense of humor, or compassion. Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate these characteristics and provide insight into who you are as a person.

Highlight your strengths and acknowledge your weaknesses – this shows self-awareness and honesty. Discuss how your personality has evolved over time and mention any experiences that have had a significant impact on shaping who you are today. Remember to be authentic and genuine in your portrayal of yourself as this will make your essay more compelling and engaging to the reader.

Reflect Deeply on

When writing an essay about yourself, it is crucial to take the time to reflect deeply on your life experiences, values, beliefs, and goals. Consider the events that have shaped you into the person you are today, both positive and negative. Think about your strengths and weaknesses, your passions and interests, and how they have influenced your decisions and actions. Reflecting on your personal journey will help you uncover meaningful insights that can make your essay more compelling and authentic.

Your Life Experiences

When it comes to writing an essay about yourself, one of the most compelling aspects to focus on is your life experiences. These experiences shape who you are and provide unique insights into your character. Reflect on significant moments, challenges you’ve overcome, or memorable events that have had a lasting impact on your life.

• Consider discussing pivotal moments that have influenced your beliefs and values.
• Share personal anecdotes that highlight your strengths and resilience.
• Explore how your life experiences have shaped your goals, aspirations, and ambitions.

By sharing your life experiences in your essay, you can showcase your individuality and demonstrate what sets you apart from others. Be genuine, reflective, and honest in recounting the events that have shaped your journey and contributed to the person you are today.

Create a Compelling

When crafting an essay about yourself, it is essential to create a compelling narrative that captures the attention of the reader from the very beginning. Start by brainstorming unique and engaging personal experiences or qualities that you want to highlight in your essay. Consider including vivid anecdotes, insightful reflections, and impactful moments that showcase your character and achievements. Remember to be authentic and sincere in your writing, as this will resonate with your audience and make your essay more relatable. By creating a compelling narrative, you can effectively communicate your story and leave a lasting impression on the reader.

Narrative Structure

The narrative structure is crucial when writing an essay about yourself. It helps to create a compelling and engaging story that showcases your unique qualities and experiences. Start by introducing the main theme or message you want to convey in your essay. Then, build a coherent storyline that highlights significant events or moments in your life. Use descriptive language and vivid details to bring your story to life and make it more relatable to the readers. Include a clear beginning, middle, and end to ensure that your essay follows a logical progression and captivates the audience throughout.

Emphasize the lessons you’ve learned from your experiences and how they have shaped your character and outlook on life. Connect these insights to your personal growth and development, demonstrating your resilience, determination, and self-awareness. End your essay on a reflective note, highlighting the impact of your journey on who you are today and what you aspire to achieve in the future. By following a strong narrative structure, you can craft a captivating essay that showcases your authenticity and leaves a lasting impression on the readers.

Highlight Your

When writing an essay about yourself, it is essential to highlight your unique qualities and experiences that set you apart from others. Consider including personal anecdotes, achievements, strengths, and challenges that have shaped your identity. Focus on showcasing your authenticity and individuality to make your essay compelling and engaging.

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How to Write a Personal Essay for Your College Application

What does it take to land in the “accept” (instead of “reject”) pile?

How can you write an essay that helps advance you in the eyes of the admissions officers and makes a real impression? Here are some tips to get you started.

• Start early.  Do not leave it until the last minute. Give yourself time when you don’t have other homework or extracurriculars hanging over your head to work on the essay.
• Keep the focus narrow.  Your essay does not have to cover a massive, earth-shattering event. Some people in their teens haven’t experienced a major life event. Some people have. Either way, it’s okay.
• Be yourself.  Whether writing about a painful experience or a more simple experience, use the narrative to be vulnerable and honest about who you are. Use words you would normally use. Trust your voice and the fact that your story is interesting enough in that no one else has lived it.
• Be creative.  “Show, don’t tell,” and that applies here — to an extent. The best essays typically do both. You can help your reader see and feel what you are describing by using some figurative language throughout your piece.
• Make a point. As you finish your final body paragraphs ask yourself “So what?” This will help you hone in on how to end your essay in a way that elevates it into a story about an insight or discovery you made about yourself, rather than just being about an experience you had.

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We’ve all heard about the dreaded “college essay,” the bane of every high school senior’s existence. This daunting element of the college application is something that can create angst for even the most accomplished students.

• AA Amy Allen is a writer, educator, and lifelong learner. Her freelance writing business,  All of the Write Words , focuses on providing high school students with one-on-one feedback to guide them through the college application process and with crafting a thoughtful personal essay. A dedicated poet, Amy’s work has also been published in several journals including  Pine Row Press ,  Months to Years,  and  Atlanta Review .

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Me, Myself, and I: How to Describe Yourself in College Application Essays

A Student’s College Application Essay Is One Of Their Best Opportunities To Stand Out…

After all, a well-written personal statement can be the difference between acceptance or receiving a waitlist letter. Often, the best essays are those that go into detail about the student themselves. A descriptive essay that shows how a student’s personal hobbies, interests, values, and career goals interconnect goes much farther than just a list of their extracurricular activities.

However, many students find it difficult to break the habit of being humble and write about themselves. In this article, we cover five different ways students can reframe the challenge of writing about themselves to make their college essays feel more personal.

The Importance Of Sharing Your Story

With over 3 million students expected to graduate from high school this year , the pool of college applicants will continue to grow. Because of this, colleges are increasingly seeking ways to adapt the college admission process to allow students the opportunity to share their unique stories.

Across the country, from small liberal arts colleges to leading research universities, schools are increasingly moving in the direction of a holistic admission process . A holistic approach to college admissions goes beyond a student’s test scores and grade point averages to take into account all that a student achieves inside and outside of school.

Because of this shift in approach, it’s never been more necessary for students to share their personal stories however they can in their college application. Most often, students are given the opportunity through essay prompts that ask questions about the student’s views, values, or interests as they relate to the institution.

While many students find these prompts uncomfortable, they are one of the only ways students can take control of the application process by choosing to put themselves in the spotlight. The person who reads a student’s college application and personal statement has no idea who they are; it’s up to each student to leave them with a good first impression.

5 Tips For Writing About Yourself On College Applications

Show personal depth.

While students may be tempted to state just the facts of their background, encourage depth and description in their application. A holistic admissions process loves to see students with interests that interconnect, especially when provided with a record of extracurricular involvement to back it up . Providing detail gives the reader the context they’ll need to get a clear picture of the student.

In other words, students shouldn’t be afraid to nerd out and get passionate! If their interest in political activism is driven by the field they’re most interested in studying, such as climate science, encourage them to work all aspects of their character into their application. Same with art, social justice, psychology, and more! Colleges provide students with essay prompts that invite them to get personal for a reason - they love the inside look at what qualities your student will bring to their campus.

However, students should be careful to not merely rewrite a list of accomplishments, extracurriculars, or commitments that can be found elsewhere on their college applications. A student’s personal essay can lean on these parts of the application by focusing on the most important accomplishments rather than trying to list all of them within a small word count limit.

DESCRIBE YOUR BACKGROUND

Today, it’s possible for students from all walks of life to attend college, each bringing their own unique perspective and background to create more diverse campuses than ever . As this diversity is continually being recognized as a driver of innovation and equality, colleges are giving applicants more chances than ever to describe their background and what factors have shaped them into the person they are today.

Therefore, if there’s a unique aspect of your student’s background that you believe is worth highlighting in their college application, don’t hesitate! Colleges are eager to hear from applicants with experiences during their upbringing that reveal grit, determination, or ambition.

MAKE USE OF STORIES

To this end, students should make use of stories in their personal statements, if given a prompt where a story would make sense. Past experiences that show personal growth, dedication to values or ethics, or willingness to reach out and help those in need can all do more to tell a college about an applicant’s potential as a student than a grade point average ever could.

Shockingly, sometimes the most powerful stories to tell in a personal statement are those where a student has failed, lost, or made a mistake. In these stories, students are not only given the opportunity to display humility and the capability for growth, but also many other soft skills often associated with success in higher education.

Even if the essay prompt doesn’t invite your student to share a story, look for ways to naturally incorporate small anecdotes. Past experiences and stories, even summarized in a few sentences, can add a personal touch to an essay that college admissions officials will notice.

CONNECT TO THE SCHOOL

Students should always aim to be truthful in their college applications and should avoid making themselves seem more connected to the college they apply to than they really are. However, if a student’s interests, values, or experiences align with a college’s, then making an effort to genuinely connect with the school in their college essay can give students an edge.

For example, a student with a nearly life-long passion for debate would be well served to mention it when applying for a school where their debate team has received national recognition.

Additionally, if your child has had positive experiences with a school, whether through official programs or interactions with current students or alumni, a brief mention of this can work well in their college essay. When a student is unsure of how to answer “why this college” essay prompts , this tactic can be a great way to bridge the gap between what first drew a student toward a school and what convinced them to apply.

ASK FOR AN OUTSIDE OPINION

If your student finds themselves struggling to weave their personal story into the essay prompt, one way to spark ideas is to ask a trusted outsider for help. From a counselor to a teacher or fellow student, chances are your student will know someone who is willing to give them an idea of how they’d describe them to others. These outside looks will do wonders for your child’s confidence, creativity, and perspective when it comes to writing their “me, myself, and I” personal statement.

Depending on who your student asks, they may even be reminded of past experiences where they showed personal growth, committed to their values, or helped someone in need. Hearing stories from a different perspective may make it easier to write about them in a way that doesn’t feel self-aggrandizing. If they’ve already written a rough first draft of the story, their helper may be able to fill in details that add strength to the essay.

Make Your Personal Statement Personal

Many students struggle with the idea of writing about themselves. However, the perception that describing your past or telling a meaningful story about yourself is “bragging” couldn’t be further from the truth. Colleges are eager to hear stories that give insight into who a student is beyond their grades and test scores, and students would be wise to take advantage of the opportunities to do so. Yet, even the most accomplished adults struggle with describing themselves and their own accomplishments. It can be difficult to sell yourself, no matter how much value you bring to the table!

If your student is having a difficult time portraying themselves in their college application, we’d love to hear from you and see where our WeAdmit counselors can help. Our counselors are experienced in helping guide students toward submitting the best possible college applications, exploring all their options, and putting their best first impression forward. We would love to hear from you and see how our team can help your student get into their dream college!

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How to Describe Yourself In an Essay: Guide, Tips, and Free Sample

“Tell me about your self.” As a rule, this phrase makes us forget pretty much every fact about our life, goals, qualities, and other essential things. And we start mumbling, sweating, and shivering. Ironically, we have to describe ourselves during the most important meetings – job interviews or college application interviews.

A bit of practice won’t hurt, so we want to teach you how to describe yourself in an essay. When you get used to writing about yourself, talking about yourself becomes much easier. Also, a describe yourself essay sample may become a great foundation for your admissions essay. Actually, these essay types are similar, but admissions essays are more formal.

So, let’s start with a helpful guide and tips from EssayBulls essay writer, and then we’ll be glad to share our sample with you.

How to Write a Describe Yourself Essay: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Define your goal

What are you writing your describe yourself essay sample for? Maybe you want to impress an admissions board? Or perhaps you just need to analyze your goals and accomplishments? Your goal defines the topic, tone, and structure of your essay, so defining it is crucial.

2. Narrow your topic

You can’t fit your entire life in one page. Lengthy essays turn into memoirs, and that’s a totally different genre. According to your goal, pick the topic that seems the most important in this particular case.

3. Write down your ideas

You might have thousands of ideas in your head, and you’ll never be able to structure them without notes. Write down your thoughts and divide them into various categories. This exercise will help you to select the ideas that are compatible with each other.

4. Make an outline

This step is also about structuring your ideas. Remember that this type of essay doesn’t need to stick to academic requirements, but it still should be logical and consistent. Decide what you want to write first to grab the attention of your readers, and then how you’re going to finish your essay for a good aftertaste.

5. Compose the first draft

Overcoming the fear of a blank page can be hard, especially if you’re not in the right mood. But you don’t have to be strict toward yourself! Try to draw inspiration from your favorite song or take a nice walk. The first draft doesn’t have to be perfect, as you’ll have much time to polish it.

6. Take a deep breath

In other words – have some rest. Your brain can’t work for hours and remain concentrated. Make a nice cup of tea and watch one episode of your favorite TV show. You don’t have to hurry – let your muse take a nap.

7. Read and rewrite

Admitting our mistakes isn’t easy. But people aren’t perfect, just face it. You should reread and rewrite your sample until you are 100% satisfied with its quality. We also recommend you to use online services that help students to correct grammar and spelling mistakes.

8. Format your paper

If you’re planning to send your describe yourself essay sample somewhere, make sure that it’s formatted properly. No one will give grades to your essay, but you still want to make a good impression, don’t you?

9. Get feedback

Comments from your friends or family will help you to notice inaccuracies or mistakes that you’ve missed. They may also give you a hint on how to make your essay more exciting.

We’re sure that you want to know not only how to write a describe yourself essay, but also how to make it brilliant. Below, you’ll find a bunch of quick-fire tips that will be helpful.

How to Describe Yourself in an Essay: Useful Tips

• Ask questions

As a rule, you don’t know or realize all of the truths about your personality. Perhaps, you have priceless qualities that you don’t notice, or your parents have exciting stories about your childhood hobbies. Before starting the writing process, do your research. Ask yourself and ask everybody else what is special about you.

• Pick the main aspects

As we mentioned earlier, you can’t fit your entire life in one page. You should choose two or three main aspects that you’ll include in your essay. We hope that our list will help you:

• Work Experience
• Passion/hobby
• Important event
• Life-changing challenge

• Make it interesting

Add details that make your sample unique. Nobody is interested in your GPA when they read your personal essay – they want to hear your personal voice! For example, when you prepare a describe yourself essay sample for the application process, this paper is the only way for admissions officers to see who is hiding behind the grades and academic accomplishments. Give them this chance!

• Express your personality

Don’t be afraid of showing your inner world! That’s what these essays are for. Your readers won’t be happy if they see an ideal portrait with nothing that gives away your personality.

• Avoid sensitive issues

However, you shouldn’t cross the line. You never know who is going to read your essay, so avoid the following sensitive topics: religion, politics, race, abortion, gender equality, sexual identity, etc.

Your essay will shine like a diamond if you use all of our tips! The most important thing is to believe in yourself and your writing skills. To give you more confidence, we’ve prepared a describe yourself essay example. You can get ideas and inspiration from it, or use it as a template. But we kindly ask you not to copy our sample, as it’ll be considered plagiarism.

Describe Yourself Essay Sample

Your passion can tell a lot about your personality. An indecisive person would never practice extreme sports, and an environmentalist would not collect butterflies under any circumstance. We can pretend to be someone else in many aspects, but our passions will always give us away. My passion is reading. And you may laugh and say that it’s too basic to be someone’s passion. I’ve heard many times that an applicant should never include reading in his or her “interests” section in a CV because there is no way it will attract the attention of the employer. But I think this is not fair. Reading has been my passion for nearly 15 years now. I had learned how to read when I was 5, and now I’m almost 20. And I don’t really know how many books I’ve actually read. I have tried to keep a journal, but it hasn’t helped. In my opinion, reading is the most exciting thing in this world. No history, anthropology, or psychology lessons will let you see the world through the eyes of another person the way books let you. Your life isn’t limited to your existence if you read books. Your mind and heart absorb the emotions and ideas of hundreds of characters, and your worldview becomes broader. Fortunately, my parents are bookworms just like me. Our house looks more like a library than a normal home. And we’re totally fine with this. I think that without parental support and approval, my dream wouldn’t seem that real to me. My passion has led me to a logical decision. I want to become a professional publisher because I want to have a job that doesn’t make me feel miserable. At the same time, I believe in my abilities, so I have no concerns about my income. When I was 17, I started an online magazine dedicated to literature and criticism. This hobby has helped me to enter Emerson College and start my publishing program. I also work as a part-time editor in the Boston Herald. My college has strong connections with various publishing houses, and I hope that this fact will help me to get my first full-time job, or at least an internship. I don’t know what my future will bring. But I’m sure that any dream, even the most ordinary or boring, at first sight, can turn into something great if you don’t give it up.

Describe Yourself Essay Help

That’s all. Our article on how to write a describe yourself essay is complete. We hope that you have no question about this essay type and are ready to start the writing process. In case you need more help with your admissions essay, or want to buy personal statements online to get 100% positive result, EssayBulls is always ready to provide assistance. We’re available 24/7, so apply to us at any time. Buy essay for college from our experts and simplify your college life now!

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Write more such articles). Thanks.

Oh! that’s nice! I was looking for a guide how to describe yourself and this is the most helpful!

Sometimes all that you need to start writing is posts like this one…

Do you help people with describing essays?

Yes, our writer will help you with a descriptive essay. All you have to do is to place an order on https://essaybulls.com/ .

special thanks for the sample at the end!

The sample is large enough, do you think I can write a smaller essay? I just don’t know what else to add …

If you would like to write a larger essay, but do not know what to add, we can help you. You just need to place an order on EssayBulls.

Better guide I can’t imagine!!!

I noticed this post is written in simple and understandable way for anyone. By far the best tips!

Thank god I found myself a helpful guide to follow during writing…

I often come here to order essays but didn’t thin they have such posts to help with writing. My respect.

This article is too cool!

Thank you for lots of helpful posts! <3

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How to Start a College Essay: 5 Effective Techniques

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Impressionable Openers

Descriptions and demonstrations, show vulnerability, be authentic, stay personal, fun & quirky, common mistakes to avoid in your college essay.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Starting a College Essay

College essays are a huge part of your college career. If not huge, one of the biggest, and for someone who has been there and done that, I know the amount of pressure the beginning of a college essay, as well as the entire essay, can put on your shoulders.

Not only are you trying to juggle things like word count and grammar errors, but you're also trying to create the perfect college essay introduction that will attract admissions officers to your application or professors to your writing skills. And that, itself, can feel impossible, fill you with dread and self-doubt, but just breathe. I am here to help all present and future students know how to start a college essay.

Today is all about starting a college essay. I have come up with five easy and effective techniques that will help you create essays so good you're going to leave your readers wanting more , starting with your opening sentence! So, this is for all college students and college applicants. Stress no more! This guide was created to help you write a successful college essay. Let's get into it.

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The beginning of your essay should, first and foremost, always have a strong opening sentence . This sentence sets the tone for not only your readers but for the entire essay. Having a wobbly, almost interesting opener can steer an admissions officer and/or professor away, so you want it to be strong. And it doesn't have to be complicated! Less is more in this situation. Here are a couple of ways you can accomplish this.

• Look within and be relatable
• Use your real life for inspiration
• Think about ways to evoke emotion

Here are some examples of impressionable openers:

• Example 1: When I was 11 years old, my mother told me she had cancer over breakfast.
• Example 2: Maybe yellow isn't my favorite color.
• Example 3: I sat next to this girl in class who made me feel stupid.

DISCLAIMER : your opener should ALWAYS adhere to the essay prompts. These are just a few examples that can capture your reader's attention almost immediately.

In order to keep readers interested, visuals are key . Image-based descriptions will not only add value to your writing, it will give your readers front seats to your essay's journey. These descriptions let actions speak for themselves.

Here is an example of a description and demonstration in an essay:

• Example 1: "I was sitting on a bar stool when the word 'cancer' hit me like the smell of her coffee brewing on the stove. The Rice Krispies were popping in my cereal bowl, and MTV Jams was playing in the background, yet all I could hear was the sound of doom all around me. The lips of my mother were moving, but I was frozen, crumbling on this stool like my mother's health. She was sick, and I didn't know how sick or what that even meant, and that terrified me."

Why This Works:

Here you can clearly feel the writers emotional state: shocked, still, scared. Not only is this moment at breakfast traumatic, you feel frozen in time with the writer. Using descriptions like this will evoke so much emotion and leave your reader wanting more.

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Something one of my teachers told me in high school was any good essay will have personal elements in it, no matter the topic. That always stuck with me and became the way I approached my college essays. Showing vulnerability in your writing will always guarantee interest. It also evokes emotion.

You can show vulnerability by:

• Being honest
• Explaining what's going on inside underneath the exterior
• Describe what's going on around you at the moment
• Letting go of the fear of being seen
• Connecting with the topic
• Being transparent about mistakes/flaws

Examples of showing vulnerability:

• Example 1 : My mother telling me she had cancer over breakfast was not on my bingo card this year.
• Example 2 : I never thought losing someone I love would change me.
• Example 3: I had to lose everything in order to gain everything.

I know being vulnerable can be tough for some , but showing this side of you to college admissions officers and/or professors will not only make you stand out, but it can also help free you of things that might be weighing on your mind. Not to sound corny, but it can be therapeutic and make you a better writer . Just make sure you are staying on track with the essay prompt, and you're set!

Whether it's believed or not, an admissions officer wants to see pieces of you in your personal statement, so starting your essay by showing authenticity is a major major key. Along with being vulnerable, there are a few ways you can achieve this.

• Reflect : Take the time to reflect on your experiences, values, and beliefs that have shaped who you are today. Let your values, passions, and interests shine through in your writing.
• Mind Your Voice : Write in your own voice and avoid trying to sound like someone you're not. Authenticity comes from being genuine and true to yourself.
• Tell Your Story : Share personal anecdotes and insights that show your unique perspective.
• Be True to You : Focus on what matters to YOU (as long as you're on topic!). Write about what is meaningful and important to you rather than what you think admissions officers want to hear.

Above all, be open . Showing introspection and self-awareness in your essay will show any admissions committee who you are beneath the surface, as well as your personal growth.

You can also begin your essay being as random and silly as you'd like . It goes hand-in-hand with other important factors like vulnerability and authenticity. But don't get too crazy . Beginning your essay with something strange will definitely draw readers in. Let me show you what I mean.

• Example 1 : I start my mornings off in silence and solitude to keep people away from me.
• Example 2 : Sometimes, I like to circle big words in complex articles to learn new words. Yeah, but to also keep one in my back pocket for later use.
• Example 3 : Being the youngest child means getting away with everything you want, and that's exactly how I like it.

Do you see how each sentence draws you in? Not only are they light-hearted, but they also make you want to know why you want to keep people away in the morning and what kind of weapon you're forming against others with new words. And every youngest sibling will attest to feeling that exact same way. All of these examples are sure to make your essay fun, show who you are, and leave readers wanting more.

Years of writing college essays have taken me through every high and low of the process possible. And when they're good, they're great! But for some reason, my mistakes stick out more than anything. So, I've compiled a list of common mistakes to avoid when writing your college essay .

• Avoid Being Cliche - While you want to be captivating, you want to avoid overly used syntax and phrases that could potentially lose your reader's curiosity. For example, "in today's day and age," "follow my heart," "don't judge a book by its cover," etc. are all cliches that can be avoided by thinking outside of the box.
• Using Vocabulary to be Impressive - I know you want to impress the admissions committees, but it's important to stick to what you know and not what you can allude to. That is, use verbiage that resonates with your personality. Using extravagant words can work against you, and they can also sound forced. College admissions officers want to see the real you, so show it to them.
• Steer Clear of Controversy - Though it's not said enough, your college essay should tell your personal story and not touch on things that can stir the pot. For instance, talking about politics and religious beliefs may not be the route you want to take UNLESS it's called for in the college essay topic. And if so, stay on track with the essay prompts.
• Procrastinating : Waiting until the last minute to start writing your essay will bite you in the butt. You will feel rushed and end up writing a poorly crafted piece. Give yourself enough time to complete an essay draft, edit the draft, and repeat this two-step cycle until your essay is complete.
• Lack of originality : This goes hand-in-hand with avoiding cliches. Your college essay should exude a lot of your personality, so show admissions officers and teachers who you are! Include your cultural background, test scores that you're proud of, any future aspirations, etc. This all depends on the essay prompts, of course, but in my experience, every essay topic has room to show who you are.
• Ignoring the prompt : This is a major key. STAY ON TRACK. Make sure to carefully read and understand the essay prompt, and write your essay accordingly. The last thing you want to do is write a college essay that has nothing to do with the prompt. Reading is essential here.
• Lack of focus : If you want to know how to start a college essay, that means knowing how to stay focused. Find a quiet space, turn off electronics, hide your phone, and really nestle into how you want to capture your reader's attention. This will help you use your five senses clearly, keep your writing strong and not write an overly wordy essay. Focus is the tool here.
• Poor organization : Make sure your essay has a strong structure with clear transitions between paragraphs. An outline will work best to accomplish this. If you go into starting your college essay without a plan, be prepared to hit all roadblocks.
• Neglecting to Revise and Edit : Like procrastinating, don't fail to revise and edit your work. Always, always, always proofread your essay for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors , as well as clarity and coherence.
• Not Seeking Feedback : Listen, I know that completing an essay is an accomplishment in itself, and you immediately want to submit it, but it's so beneficial to have others read your essay for feedback. You can only spot so many holes in your work when your eyes are constantly reviewing it, so a second, third, or even fourth set of eyes can help point out areas for improvement.

Above all, trust the writing process. Though I do want you to be aware of your jargon, don't get too wrapped up in thinking you're making a mistake. That's what editing is for! Once you complete your college essay, you should always revise and edit accordingly . What you thought sounded good might make you edit it to sound great. Just keep in mind that many colleges are looking for honesty and authenticity vs how well you can sound on paper . So, if you're aware of these factors, you'll be good to go.

Ways to Overcome Writer's Block

Take it from someone who has suffered from chronic writer's block, it's a pain to get through . Imagine being on a writing streak so good that when you stop, the entire essay writing process stops as a whole. It's definitely a challenge, but after 10 years of writing essays and really honing my craft, I learned a few things that have helped me get through even the thickest of writer's blocks, and I want to share them with you. Check them out:

• Take a break : This works every single time. Take a short break and step away from your computer to clear your mind and come back with a fresh perspective. For me, 15 minutes is all I ever need. If you need more time, that's okay. Just try not to make your break a rest.
• Freewriting : Sometimes, I'd start writing without worrying about my structure or grammar to get the ideas flowing, and surprisingly enough, I found my essay taking a pleasant turn.
• Change your environment : Move around. Don't underestimate the effects of a different location or workspace to stimulate creativity. Try coffee shops, bookstores, a park, or a new room in your house. New environment, new energy.
• Set small goals : This one is actually the most important. Some people get overwhelmed with the word "essay" for things like lack of proper writing skills, pressure to write a great essay, etc. But if you try breaking down your writing task into smaller, manageable chunks to make it less overwhelming, it can help. For example, set a goal of three paragraphs one day, take a day to edit those paragraphs, two more the next day, and so forth. Find a formula that works for you.
• Brainstorming : Write down all your ideas--everything. No matter how small you think the idea is, write it down. Even if these ideas seem unrelated, they will help you generate new thoughts and connections.
• Read or listen to music : It took me a while to realize this helps, but engaging in other forms of art can inspire new ideas and break through mental blocks. And new creativity can lead you to impress admissions officers.
• Talk it out : As a writer, it's hard to let people in on the creative process, but discussing my ideas with a friend, family member, or colleague helped me gain new perspectives and insights.
• Relax and Meditate : Hear me out: it works! Practice deep breathing and/or meditation to reduce stress and anxiety that may be contributing to writer's block.

I won't sugarcoat it: the college application process can be intimidating , but it doesn't have to throw you off your game. When it comes to college essays, I see them as opportunities to be fun and expressive. Trust me when I say if you have fun with it, you'll attract the reader's attention , paint vivid details, and write an essay that will leave the admissions officer wanting you at their school. So, take it one step at a time and watch your personal statement come to life.

How can I make my college essay stand out to admissions officers?

Simply put, be yourself. As long as you stay on track with the essay's topic, showing pieces of yourself will allow admissions officers to know more about who you are. Essays are meant to show readers who you are, how you feel, and what you think naturally, not robotically, so be authentic in your writing, and you'll be sure to stand out amongst the rest.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a college essay?

Some common mistakes to avoid in your essay are using cliches and boring wording. You also want to avoid procrastinating, wasting time, not focusing, not editing, etc. When writing your essay, you want to make sure you give your writing the time and attention it deserves, so make sure you're aware of what is pulling you away from your writing. This will help you stay focused. If you have any other doubts, refer to the section about mistakes in this article and let it guide you to success.

How important is the college essay in the admissions process?

Your college essay is key in the admissions process . It's an admissions committee's first impression of you as a writer and potential student, so it should be taken very seriously. Trying to cut corners or rush through the writing process will be obvious, and it will stand out more than things like test scores, academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and any other positive influence you've had in your life. So, don't take the easy way out and really work on your essay.

Feeling confident in your college essay skills and want to explore some other essay content? Explore our blog on the comma splice to enhance your technical writing skills!

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Best Words to Use in Good College Essays

Why is using good vocabulary so important in an essay?

Using strong vocabulary in college admissions essays is crucial to articulating your skills and competencies, but also central in showing admissions officers that you can express yourself clearly in written English. Although vocabulary may not be the main aspect of your essay that the admissions committee pays attention to, using appropriate and sophisticated vocabulary will nearly always make your essay more compelling. 

Choosing which vocabulary or words to use can be difficult for anyone but it can be even more challenging if English is not your first language. This article suggests some useful words to effectively describe yourself and your experiences when writing college admissions essays.

Table of Contents 

• How to Choose Vocabulary for College Admissions Essays

How to Choose Vocabulary Terms for College Applications Essays

Writing a college essay is all about describing who you are and how you fit into the school you are applying for. Therefore, an important question to ask yourself here would be “Who are you?” rather than trying to boast with elevated and “sophisticated” words that do not quite fit in your essay. It is recommended to first brainstorm and outline the aspects you would like to highlight about yourself in order to choose the right words to use.

Best Words to Use in College Admissions Essays

The following list of adjectives , verbs and nouns are the words commonly used in college admissions essays. Using these words will help you to effectively express yourself in a short essay of about 650 words. Let’s find out why they are effective terms using some specific examples within admissions essays. 

Adjectives to Use in Essays

Adjectives are words that provide information about a noun. When it comes to formatting college admissions essays , using strong adjectives will not only make your essay more visual and distinctive but also help you demonstrate that you can communicate well in English. The following adjectives signal to admissions officers that you are both a good college candidate and a capable writer.

Definition : Able to express ideas and feelings clearly in words

Example : I am an articulate writer and I always aim to intrigue audiences with my message using precise words.

Definition: Able to do things well

Example : Having part-time jobs during the semester helped me become capable at handling multiple things at once. 

Detail-oriented

Definition : Interested in and paying great attention to detail

Example : When working on a scientific report, taking a detail-oriented approach is crucial.

Definition : Giving a lot of attention to one particular thing

Example : My mentor encouraged me, saying that I would do well in college because I am very focused on my studies.

Goal-oriented

Definition : Laser-focused on achieving good results on given tasks

Example Today’s society is goal-oriented , requiring problems to be resolved quickly.

Inspirational

Definition : Making people feel full of hope or encouraged

Example : Students who share their stories of how they successfully completed degrees in foreign country are often inspirational to those who are planning to study abroad.

Definition : Very enthusiastic or determined out of a strong desire to do something

Example : Colleges often seek highly motivated people who will not readily drop out of courses.

Definition : Arranged according to a particular system

Example : My father is one of the most organized people I know, and there is no doubt that I inherited this attitude from him.

Definition : Based on or acting on good judgment and practical ideas or understanding

Example : My colleagues strongly agreed to adopt the sensible suggestions I made. 

Definition : Giving encouragement and/or providing support in the form of action

Example : Knowing that I am a supportive member of the student council, the teachers used to ask me to advocate on behalf of other students.

Verbs to Use in Essays

Verbs are used to describe an action, state, or occurrence. In college admissions essays, it is essential to choose verbs that would most appropriately describe your past experiences. Similar to verbs in resume and CVs , using appropriate verbs in your admissions essay can add to the detail and action, enthralling your reader and improving your chances of acceptance.

Definition : To succeed in finishing something or reaching an aim, especially following a significant amount of work or effort

Example : I aim to achieve my goals through continual academic and extracurricular efforts. 

Definition : To express a thought, feeling, or idea so that it is understood by other people

Example : I carefully chose my words to convey the proper amount of urgency about the matter.

Definition : To effectively organize so that all the parts work well together

Example : My role was to coordinate the reports from each department in school and send them to the principal.

Demonstrate

Definition : To clarify something by way of doing it in front of others

Example : As the leader of the after-school cooking club, I demonstrated each step of the recipe to introduce new menus. 

Definition : To improve or increase (especially a skill, feeling, or metric)

Example : Studying abroad was a great opportunity for me to enhance my communication skills.

Investigate

Definition : To examine a crime, problem, statement, etc. carefully, especially in order to discover the truth

Example : It is always important to investigate the terms and conditions before signing any contract.

Definition : To succeed in doing or dealing with something, especially something difficult

Example : After engaging in numerous debates, I managed to learn how to effectively communicate.

Definition : To (cause to) work, be in action or have an effect

Example : Having the ability to operate machines and systems is crucial for systems engineers.

Participate

Definition : To take part in an event or become involved in an activity or group

Example : Students are encouraged to actively participate in discussions and decision-making during the student council meeting.

Definition : To watch a person or activity to ensure that everything is done correctly, safely, and/or according to the rules or guidelines.

Example : I was responsible for supervising students during the event to prevent any possible accidents.

Nouns to Use in Essays

Many strong nouns exist that can be introduced in college admissions essays to help students better express their abilities, talents, achievements, etc. The following nouns will help you articulate the valuable experiences you had in the past and the abilities you gained accordingly. Be careful not to use nouns that you do not understand or that might not sound natural in your essay.

Definition : Something that needs great mental or physical effort in order to be done successfully and therefore tests a person’s ability

Example: My challenge was to motivate the survey participants to provide honest responses.

Definition : Understanding of or information about a subject that you get by experience or study, either known by one person or by people generally

Example: Having relevant knowledge in a given field is a power that can only be unlocked through extended hands-on experiences. 

Opportunity

Definition : An occasion or situation that makes it possible to do something that you want to do or have to do, or the possibility of doing something

Example: I am honored to be given the opportunity to apply for this faculty position.

Definition : An ability to do an activity or job well, especially because you have practiced it

Example: Through various projects, I learned that communication skills are key when working with others. 

Definition : The action of working together in a group with other people; especially used when the action is successful

Example: Seamless teamwork can drive the most satisfactory outcomes.

If you are currently writing a college admissions essay, see our Admissions Resources page for articles on writing application essays to get into any school, including How to Answer the Common App Essay Prompts. And don’t forget to receive professional English proofreading services , including essay editing services for any of your application documents.

328 Adjectives to Describe Yourself for College

by Talha Omer, MBA, M.Eng., Harvard & Cornell Grad

In adjectives.

Some of my favorite words to describe yourself for college are:

Knowledgeable

Resourceful

In the competitive world of college admissions, effectively describing oneself using personal adjectives is crucial. These adjectives will help you stand out among similarly qualified candidates by creating a vivid, engaging self-portrait that aligns with a college’s ethos. Consistent use of these descriptors enhances the coherence and genuineness of your application, highlighting unique qualities like resilience, creativity, or leadership. 

Below is a long list of adjectives, words, and superlatives that you can use to describe yourself for college. These words have been divided into categories, each listing the adjectives that convey your personality and strengths. 

In this Article

Words to describe your Intellectual Qualities

Words to describe your academic skills, words to describe your leadership qualities, words to describe your personal traits, words to describe your creative attributes, words to describe your social skills, words to describe your emotional intelligence, words to describe your work ethic and determination, words to describe your adaptability and flexibility, words to describe your cultural awareness, words to describe your problem-solving skills, words to describe your interpersonal skills, words to describe your moral and ethical traits, words to describe your passion and enthusiasm, adjectives to avoid when describing yourself for college.

Inquisitive

Intellectual

Philosophical

Perspicacious

Disciplined

Detail-oriented

Critical (as in critical thinking)

Innovative (if it relates to new ideas in academic work)

Questioning

Charismatic

Influential

Authoritative

Motivational

Collaborative

Mentorship-oriented

Goal-oriented

Conscientious

Compassionate

Independent

Introspective

Imaginative

Unconventional

Avant-garde

Experimental

Approachable

Communicative

Accommodating

Facilitative

Harmonizing

Negotiating

Understanding

Emotionally aware

Nonjudgmental

Considerate

Emotionally intelligent

Industrious

Hardworking

Persevering

Unrelenting

Open-minded

Change-embracing

Transformative

Multifaceted

Acclimatizing

Culturally competent

Global-minded

Appreciative

Multicultural

Ethnically aware

Enlightened

Progressive

Cosmopolitan

Culturally sensitive

Socially conscious

Broad-minded

Integrative

Solution-oriented

Investigative

Troubleshooting

Encouraging

Team-oriented

Sympathetic

Trustworthy

Integrity-driven

Responsible

Enthusiastic

Wholehearted

When describing yourself in a college application, it’s important to avoid adjectives that might be perceived negatively, are overly vague, or could be misinterpreted. Here are the adjectives that are generally best to avoid:

Perfectionist: Can imply that you’re unable to accept mistakes or imperfections.

Obsessive: Might suggest an unhealthy focus on certain tasks or subjects.

Laid-back: Could be interpreted as a lack of motivation or seriousness.

Stubborn: Indicates inflexibility or unwillingness to consider other viewpoints.

Aggressive: Can be seen as confrontational or hostile.

Shy: While not necessarily negative, it might suggest a lack of confidence or difficulty in social interactions.

Overconfident: Can come off as arrogance or a lack of self-awareness.

Impulsive: Might suggest a lack of planning or forethought.

Sarcastic: While it can be humorous in social contexts, it might not convey the right tone in an application.

Unconventional: Although it can be positive, without context, it might imply nonconformity in a negative way.

Average: Undermines your unique qualities and achievements.

Lazy: Directly implies a lack of effort and motivation.

Indecisive: Suggests difficulty in making decisions, which can be a drawback in academic and social settings.

Cynical: Can convey a negative or overly skeptical worldview.

Naive: Implies a lack of experience, wisdom, or understanding.

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Some of my favorite adjectives that start with letter s include: Serendipitous - Occurring or discovered by chance in a happy or beneficial way. Scintillating - Sparkling or shining brightly; brilliantly and excitingly clever or skillful. Surreal - Having the...

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• Applying For Scholarships

About Yourself Scholarship Essay Examples (2023)

Jennifer Finetti Sep 28, 2022

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A popular scholarship essay prompt is “Tell us about yourself.” This question is relatively open-ended, which may make it difficult to answer at first glance. What should I tell them about myself? My struggles, my goals, my passions…? These may all be fitting topics, depending on the scholarship. We’ll show you some scholarship essay examples about yourself, along with writing tips to guide you along the way.

What they want to know about you

As you prepare to write, think of the topics the scholarship committee would be interested in. These may include:

• Your current degree, as it applies to your overall career goals. You can explain why you chose your current educational path and what you want to do with that.
• Your short-term and long-term professional goals . Frame your answer as if to say “Where will you be in 5 years? Where will you be in 10 years?” Scholarship committees like to reward people with defined aspirations.
• Past experiences that sparked your passions. You could talk about an influential person in your life, but make sure most of the essay focuses on you. After all, you are talking about yourself.
• Something about you that relates to their organization. With any scholarship essay, you should try to connect yourself with the organization providing the funding. Don’t force a connection. Find one that naturally fits. Mention hobbies, experiences and goals that match what the review committee is looking for.
• Something unique that sets you apart from other applicants. This may be volunteer experience, career specialties, situational differences (growing up in an area that didn’t encourage education), etc.

Note that you do not have to throw all this information into one essay. Choose the elements that best fit the scholarship. If you were on the review board, what would you want to learn about each applicant? What would make you choose one applicant over another? Keep this in mind as you develop your thoughts.

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What they don’t want to know about you

There is plenty of information you could include in an about yourself scholarship essay. There is just as much information to avoid though. Some topics to keep out of your essay include:

• False information. Do not make up stories or fabricate goals to fit the prompt. The scholarship committee can instantly tell when someone is lying, and they will disqualify you immediately.
• Past struggles that do not pertain to the essay topic. You can briefly mention struggles from your past, as long as you mention how you’ve learned from them. Do not make your essay a long story about the hard life you’ve led. Focus on your triumphs, not your obstacles.
• Vague goals and aspirations. Scholarships are usually given to students who have a plan. If you say, “I’m not sure what I’m doing yet,” the committee will select a more motivated candidate. If you have a plan and a backup plan, that’s fine. Just make sure you mention both options and show which one you favor.
• Cliché stories that most people tell. There is something that makes you stand out as a person. Use that to your advantage. Don’t rely on generic information they’ll find with other applicants.
• Unrelated elements of your personal life. In most cases, you should not mention your significant other in the essay. You might mention a spouse if you need to reference your children or a turning point in your life, but these personal details do not fit most essays. Any information that seems frivolous or ill-placed should be removed from the essay.

Read through your essay carefully. If you stop at one point to say, “Why did I mention that?” get rid of the corresponding information. Showcase the best elements about yourself in a fluid and cohesive manner.

Short scholarship essay example: Tell us about yourself (100 Words)

With 100 words, you can only focus on one or two elements of your life. Think about your biggest selling points – the things that show you are the ideal candidate. Start by introducing yourself and your educational status. Then jump into the main topic of the essay. You may not have room to mention how the scholarship will help your education. Instead, mention how your education can help your career. The other information will be implied.

My name is Christian Wood. I am a high school senior who will be attending the University of Nevada, Reno in the fall. I want to become an online journalist. My goal is to work for the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Huffington Post, or another news outlet that has a strong online presence. Most people already get their news on the internet, and the industry will be even bigger by the time I graduate. Getting a degree in journalism with a focus on digital media will set me up for a fulfilling, fast-paced career fit for the future.

Word Count: 96

Medium scholarship essay example: Tell us about yourself (250 Words)

With a mid-length scholarship essay, you have more space to explain how your past has influenced your present and future goals. You should have rom for an intro paragraph, a few body paragraphs, and a conclusion (maybe incorporated into the last body paragraph). Think of a few main points you want to touch on, and write those down first. If you still have room, you can add more details about yourself.

My name is Sarah, and I spent most of my childhood on the wrong medication. I experienced a problem common in clinical psychology – misdiagnosis. Professionals provide inaccurate diagnoses for many reasons – f rom antiquated testing methods to limited education. I want to open my own psychological testing facility and help change that. Therefore, I am pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Neuropsychology.  I was diagnosed with ADHD as a child because I had trouble focusing in school. The medication m y doctor prescribed to me only made me numb to the world around me. I couldn’t think or process emotions, or had no emotions at all. After several years my parents finally decided to get a second opinion. I saw a specialist and she concluded that I didn’t have ADHD , but a combination of dyslexia and dysgraphia (difficulties with reading and writing). She sent us to a therapist who helped me learn how to work around my conditions, and my life improved tremendously. I went from being a lifeless student with barely passing grades to an honor roll student full of joy and excitement. Unfortunately, my story is not one of a kind. There are countless children in America who are put on mind-altering medications that do not adequately address their needs. I cannot help all of those children, but I can provide a better alternative for the ones in my area. Through proper education, funded by financial aid, I can learn about psychological evaluations and provide the most accurate diagnoses possible.

Word Count: 249

Long scholarship essay example: Tell us about yourself (500 Words)

Scholarship essays that are 500 words or longer let you tell the whole story. You can discuss your past, present and future in a comprehensive manner. Avoid rambling and make sure each topic contributes to the overall essay. If one piece feels out of place, remove it and elaborate more on the existing elements. By the end of the essay, the reader should have a full understanding of who you are and what you want to accomplish.

My name is Sierra Breault, and I am a junior at Murray State University. I am double-majoring in Criminal Justice and Forensics Science, and I will graduate in 2024 with two bachelor degrees. My career goal is in social justice, so I can contribute to criminal justice reform. I want to ensure that those who commit crimes are treated fairly.  I come from a small town where excessive force and even death by cop incidents are often committed, especially against minorities. A few years ago, one of my relatives was charged for a crime although the crime scene evidence wasn’t properly obtained, catalogued and analyzed.  This experience played a big part in my wish to study criminal justice. I started exploring the career more when I decided that a desk job just wasn’t for me. Throughout high school I struggled because of the routine nature of it all. I saw the same people and attended the same classes every single day. I knew I didn’t want a job that would be that stagnant. That’s when I got the idea to work in law enforcement, because there would always be a new challenge for me to tackle. After researching the field even more, I set my sights on crime scene investigation. I have performed much better academically in college than I ever did in high school. That’s because there is no routine to the experience. Every week, I have new projects to complete, tests to study for, and activities to try. I have been involved with the campus Crime Stoppers organization all three years of college, and I was elected president for the upcoming term. This lets me work closely with law enforcement to supplement my college education and further my career.   After graduating, I will apply for work as a dispatcher in a state organization, such as the Department of Criminal Investigation. While my ultimate goal is to work as a forensic analyst or crime scene investigator, those positions usually only go to people within the organization. Dispatch is the most direct option for career entry, giving me the best chance to pursue my dream career. I am applying for this scholarship to help me finish the last two years of my degrees. As a college junior and soon-to-be senior, my scholarship opportunities are limited. Most awards are reserved for freshmen. I took advantage of those early on, and I have one recurring scholarship that covers half of my tuition. However, I need additional financial aid to cover the remainder of my academic costs. I appreciate your consideration, and I hope that you can help me pursue a profession in criminal justice. This is my passion, and I have a clear plan to turn that passion into a lifelong career.

Word Count: 463

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• Scholarship Essay

Jennifer Finetti

As a parent who recently helped her own kids embark on their college journeys, Jennifer approaches the transition from high school to college from a unique perspective. She truly enjoys engaging with students – helping them to build the confidence, knowledge, and insight needed to pursue their educational and career goals, while also empowering them with the strategies and skills needed to access scholarships and financial aid that can help limit college costs. She understands the importance of ensuring access to the edtech tools and resources that can make this process easier and more equitable - this drive to support underserved populations is what drew her to ScholarshipOwl. Jennifer has coached students from around the world, as well as in-person with local students in her own community. Her areas of focus include career exploration, major selection, college search and selection, college application assistance, financial aid and scholarship consultation, essay review and feedback, and more. She works with students who are at the top of their class, as well as those who are struggling. She firmly believes that all students, regardless of their circumstances, can succeed if they stay focused and work hard in school. Jennifer earned her MA in Counseling Psychology from National University, and her BA in Psychology from University of California, Santa Cruz.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, writing a college essay about my background.

I was thinking about writing my college essay discussing my unique background and how it has shaped who I am today. Can anyone share some examples or tips on how to effectively discuss this topic without sounding like everyone else? Any advice is greatly appreciated!

When discussing your unique background in your college essay, it's crucial to showcase your individuality and highlight aspects of your experience that have profoundly influenced your personal growth. To avoid sounding similar to others, focus on the following tips:

1. Be specific: Instead of simply stating that you come from a unique background, provide detailed examples of how your specific cultural, familial, or personal experiences have positively impacted your perspectives and values.

2. Show personal growth: Describe the journey you underwent as a result of your background and the lessons learned along the way. This could include overcoming challenges, embracing your identity, or discovering new interests.

3. Balance your story: While you want to celebrate your background, avoid casting yourself as a victim or emphasizing only the struggles. Instead, share both challenges and achievements to give a comprehensive view of your growth.

4. Reflect on the present and future: Explain how your unique background has informed your current goals, values, and aspirations. Show how you plan to utilize your experiences to contribute to the college community and beyond.

Ultimately, your essay should focus on your own experiences and provide a window into your life, showing how your unique background has shaped your identity and aspirations. By reflecting on your personal story and analyzing its significance for your current and future goals, you can create a memorable and engaging essay that sets you apart from other applicants.

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CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 250+ words to describe yourself in any situation.

General Education

One skill everyone should have, whether you’re applying to college or for a job, is how to describe yourself in a way that's both accurate and unique. In other words, what are some interesting, eye-catching words to describe yourself with?

We list more than 250 describing words and give you tips for figuring out how to pick words that best suit you and your personality. But first, what are some situations in which you’d need to know describing words?

Why Might You Need to Describe Yourself?

Before we dive into our list of words to describe yourself, let's answer an important question: why would you actually need to know any of these words? Put differently, in what situations would you need the following words to describe someone or yourself?

Here are some key instances you’ll want to use these words to describe yourself:

• Cover letter: A cover letter is required for most job applications; it emphasizes the best and most impressive aspects of yourself as a job candidate. As a result, you'll need to pick words that really make you stand out in a positive light.
• Job interview: It’s common for an interviewer to ask you to describe yourself in a number of words; therefore, it’s important that you know some unique words you can use if you end up getting asked this basic interview question.
• College application/personal essay: Most college applications require applicants to submit a personal statement (though not all do !). Your essay will stand out if you have some original and interesting words to describe yourself.
• Online profile: Spice up your personal online profile, such as a dating profile or social media profile, by sprinkling in a few eye-catching adjectives.

Furthermore, if English is not your native language, this list of words to describe yourself can be a really great study resource you can use to learn some new vocabulary words!

List of 250+ Words to Describe Yourself

Most of these words are adjectives, but you’ll also come across some nouns, too. We’ve divided up our list of words to describe someone in the following categories:

• Cover Letter/Job Interview
• College Application
• Online Profile

All words are listed in alphabetical order.

Words to Describe Yourself in a Cover Letter/Job Interview

You can use these professional words to describe yourself on a cover letter or in a job interview.

Interviewers often ask candidates to describe themselves in one to three words , so familiarizing yourself with some particularly interesting (and, of course, truthful!) words you can use to describe yourself should give you a leg up in the interview process.

We’ll also give you a list of words you should not use to describe yourself on a cover letter and in a job interview.

• Accomplished
• Accountable
• Adept [at something]
• Collaborative
• Communicative
• Community-minded
• Compassionate
• Conscientious
• Constructive
• Cooperative
• Customer-focused
• Detail-oriented
• Encouraging
• Enterprising
• Entrepreneurial
• Experienced
• Extroverted
• Goal-oriented
• Hardworking
• High-achieving
• Imaginative
• Independent
• International
• Introverted
• Knowledgeable
• Level-headed
• Multilingual
• Open-minded
• Perfectionist
• Perseverant
• Problem solver
• Professional
• Receptive [to criticism]
• Resourceful
• Responsible
• Results-driven
• Revenue-focused
• Self-disciplined
• Self-reliant
• Self-starter
• Team player
• Trustworthy
• Understanding

Words to NOT Use to Describe Yourself in a Job Interview

All the words above are fair game for a cover letter and/or job interview, just as long as they’re true about you and you use them in a way that doesn’t make it come across like bragging .

Now, here are some words you should avoid using in a professional situation, as they can make you sound self-centered, pretentious, or simply unoriginal:

• Intelligent

In addition to these words, you should avoid any words with a clearly negative connotation , such as "lazy," "loud," "moody," and so on.

Words to Describe Yourself on a College Application

College applications are all about showcasing your biggest strengths, how you'll fit with the school, and your authentic self.

Unlike job interviews and cover letters, you’re typically allowed (and encouraged) to get a little more personal on college applications , especially with the personal essay, which highlights your positive qualities and who you are as a person.

Here are some words to describe yourself on a college application. (Note that many of these words overlap with those on the list above.) Afterward, we’ll give you some examples of words you should avoid in your college application.

• Down-to-earth
• Enthusiastic
• Social butterfly
• Strong-willed

Words to NOT Use to Describe Yourself on a College Application

• Deserving [of something]
• Noncommittal
• Unmotivated

Words to Describe Yourself in an Online Profile

This last set of words to describe yourself can be used in more casual, relaxed spaces, such as an online dating profile or a social media account .

You could also use these words to describe someone else, such as a character in a work of fiction you’re writing.

• Adventurous
• Affectionate
• Alternative
• Approachable
• Competitive
• Conservative
• Considerate
• Controversial
• Family-oriented
• Good listener
• Instinctive
• Interesting
• Kindhearted
• [Noun] lover
• Philosophical
• Progressive
• Self-assured
• Soft-spoken
• Sophisticated
• Spontaneous
• Traditional
• Unconventional
• Warmhearted

Words to NOT Use to Describe Yourself in an Online Profile

How you talk about yourself in an online profile is really up to you and can be pretty casual, too (as long as it’s not a professional LinkedIn profile). You’ll want to stick to predominantly positive words, but sometimes words that describe your funny or entertaining flaws could be worth including.

That said, here are some words you should never put down in a profile as they can make you come across as highly self-centered, rude, and frankly unapproachable !

• Inconsiderate
• Thoughtless

How to Describe Yourself: 4 Tips for Finding the Right Words

It’s not easy choosing the right words to describe yourself —b ut knowing exactly what you want to highlight about yourself can help you figure out the best describing words to use, whether they're for a cover letter, personal essay, or online dating profile.

Here are four tips to help you brainstorm and find the right words to describe yourself with.

#1: Consider Your Audience

One of the most important things you’ll need to consider before writing down tons of adjectives to describe yourself is your audience, or the person/people who will be hearing or reading the words you choose to use.

Your audience will play a fairly significant role in the words you ultimately choose, as you’ll need to make sure you’re coming across to them the way you want to.

For example, if your audience is a potential employer, you should use describing words that make you sound like an ideal fit at the company and that help you stand apart from other candidates (if you’re not memorable, you likely won’t get the job!).

Here are the general types of describing words different audiences will want to hear when it comes to describing yourself:

• For job interviews/cover letters: Positive describing words that emphasize your (relevant) skills, experience, professional interests, and company fit
• For college applications: Positive words that express your authentic personality, academic accomplishments/skills, ambitions, and overall school fit
• For online profiles: Positive words (though it might be worth throwing in some "flaws" for humorous effect or to stand out from others!) that stress your individual personality traits, skills, and interests — keep it casual, too!

Once you’ve got your audience down, it’s time to start thinking about your biggest strengths and most prominent personality traits.

#2: Think About Your Biggest Strengths

Whenever you’re describing yourself, you should always emphasize your biggest strengths, that is, your very best qualities!

These can be any describing words that you personally see as strengths (even if others don’t think the same — it’s OK to try to change their minds). More importantly, these should be words that you feel best encapsulate who you are .

For example, I was once asked to describe myself in three words during a job interview. One of the words I used was "introverted" because I’ve always felt a strong connection to this word.

Though the word tends to have a slightly negative connotation, I took a bit of time to explain to my interviewers exactly why I saw introversion as a strength and how this trait would actually help me effectively perform my job.

So what’s the lesson? Don’t be afraid to be yourself — use words that reflect what you value in life and what you like most about yourself.

#3: Ask Others How They Would Describe You

If you’re struggling to figure out how to describe yourself, it’s a great idea to ask others close to you how they would describe you if asked by somebody else. Doing this can give you a clearer, more objective view of your strengths (and weaknesses) and help you figure out what types of words are most applicable to you.

If possible, ask a range of people to describe you, from family and friends to former coworkers.

For example, if you’re applying to college, it'll help to get describing words about you from those connected to the college application process , such as your teachers and recommendation letter writers .

Simply ask them to write down a few words (adjectives or nouns) that best describe you and your academic or personal strengths, based on what they know about you.

#4: Be Careful Not to Exaggerate

Finally, take care to avoid any describing words that exaggerate your strengths or make you seem different from who you really are.

Remember that the point of describing yourself is to paint an authentic, positive portrait of yourself to your audience , whoever they are. If you lie or exaggerate something about yourself, then you're not accurately revealing who you are, which could confuse, anger, or disappoint your audience.

For instance, you probably wouldn’t (and shouldn't) use the word "artistic" to describe yourself if you only ever painted a few pictures for an art class years ago and didn’t enjoy the process.

Think of your interests and any personality traits or skills that come with these; this could help narrow down specific traits that are more relevant to you.

What’s Next?

Applying to college? Then you'll need to know what a personal statement is . Once you've got the gist of it, check out our guide to how to write a great college essay and look at our compilation of 100+ college essay examples .

Got an interview coming up for a job or for college? It's important to be prepared.  Aside from being asked to describe yourself, you might get asked any of these 14 questions .

Hannah received her MA in Japanese Studies from the University of Michigan and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel.

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The low-income lens in college essays

Students from low-income backgrounds may not realize that they have a unique perspective to present to admissions officers. If your identity has been shaped by financial difficulties and other obstacles, consider writing about these challenges in your college essays so that admissions officers understand the full context of your successes and academic accomplishments.

Bring us into your world. We want to know you. We want to know your truth.

Student challenges and extenuating circumstances

You may describe specific challenges that you have risen above in your college essays, such as:

• You hold significant responsibilities in your household, such as providing care for an ill family member, babysitting siblings, or preparing family meals.
• You have a part-time job to pay for school activities or household expenses.
• You live with people other than your immediate family or have been in foster care.
• You experienced homelessness or other temporary housing situations.
• A parent has passed away or is not present in your life.
• You commute a long distance to attend school.
• Your family or community is not supportive of your educational goals.
• You faced obstacles because English is not your first language.

Proper tone for college essays

If you choose to write about challenges in your life, be careful to avoid using overly critical or negative language when writing a college essay. This is a good opportunity to emphasize your emotional maturity and how challenges in your life have helped you grow as a person. You may compromise that impression if your tone is resentful or excessively dramatic.

College essay topic choice

Giving admissions officers a window into difficult experiences can present your story in your college application, but there are other topics that can also make for a strong essay (e.g. a favorite book, a community service project). Whichever angle you select to tell your story, highlight the most important things that have shaped and continue to shape your identity.

The writing process: brainstorm, outline, and draft

Writing a college essay can seem daunting at first, but it doesn’t have to be. Watch our webinar,  Write a College Essay that Stands Out , and download our worksheet as a template and foundation to help you craft a strong college essay. This college essay format may help you write your essay in a manner that goes beyond just a chronological explanation of your life or an expansion of your resume.

Essay feedback and revisions

Ask teachers, mentors, family, or friends for feedback on your essay. Reach out well in advance of any deadlines, and give them at least two weeks to provide feedback. Ask them in person if you can, but if you cannot, send them an email. If they agree to take a look, you can send them a message with your essay. Download a sample message below.

After receiving feedback, revise! You should plan on going through a few drafts. Here are some things to keep in mind: 

• You do not have to incorporate all feedback. Accept what you think is most helpful. 
• Edits and revisions should not remove your voice or completely alter your writing style. 
• Pay attention to spelling, grammar, punctuation, and even formatting. 
• It may help to read your essay out loud to catch mistakes you might otherwise skim over. 
• Read your college essay from an admissions officer’s perspective.
• For more college essay writing tips, continue reading the FAQs below.

Detailed FAQs about college admissions essays

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What to Say in a College Interview: Responding to ‘Tell Me About Yourself’

What’s covered:, setting the tone, topics to cover, 4 examples of how to respond, topics to avoid, 5 tips to prepare for this prompt.

Are you worried about your admissions interview? If so, you’re not alone. Many students are like you and want to be as well-prepared as possible, which means anticipating and practicing responding to the questions you will be asked ahead of time.

While there’s no way of knowing exactly what you’ll be asked, there’s one question you can always prepare for — the classic, “Tell me about yourself.” Although this question may seem open-ended (and daunting), there are some tips and tricks you can rely on to ensure your response is informative, personal, and natural.

In this post, we’ll outline why this question is important, the topics you should cover in your answer, and a few example responses to inspire your preparation!

You should see the “tell me about yourself” prompt as an opportunity to show the interviewer your most important qualities and give them an initial sense of how you might contribute to the school’s community. In any interview you have over the course of your college years and beyond, this prompt is meant to give the interviewer an idea of what you would bring to the position at hand — in this case, as a member of the college’s matriculating class.

Unsurprisingly, you want to talk about yourself and your background, but in a focused way that paints an accurate portrait of yourself as a productive, insightful member of the incoming freshman class. Stand-alone details and dead-end stories are rarely relevant in answers to this kind of question. Additionally, this is not an invitation to share your life story or overly personal information with your interviewer — doing so will make you appear unprofessional and unprepared.

That being said, you won’t want to sound like just another drone looking to fulfill pre-med requirements at any old college with a good biology program. So, you also want to be careful to not just rattle off a bullet-point list of repetitive or generic information. Rather, you should work to connect your unique past experiences with your future goals, and to explain why this institution is the perfect place for you to achieve those goals.

You should also be aware that this will often be the interviewer’s first question, which means it will set the tone for the rest of the interview. Starting strong is especially important since most college interviewers are alumni volunteers who haven’t, and won’t, see your grades, essays, or anything else in your application. Since they won’t have any prior familiarity with your profile, part of your responsibility when responding to this question is to lay a solid foundation for the rest of the interview, by having a thoughtful, cohesive, but not overly rehearsed answer at the ready.

There’s no one right way to respond to this question, because for different students, certain aspects of their lives will be more or less relevant to understanding who they are. That being said, here is an initial list of topics that many students end up discussing in their answers:

• Where you grew up
• What you want to study (and why)
• Unique personality traits
• Academic interests
• Extracurricular activities
• Why you want to attend the college

Keep in mind that you probably don’t want to talk about every single one of these things, as you don’t want your answer to be too long — about 2-3 minutes maximum. While this question is important, you have a whole interview to go, so you don’t need to jam every single thing you want to say into your first answer. You’ll have plenty of other opportunities to discuss things you don’t get to in this first response. Plus, your interviewer may feel awkward if you start off by monologuing at them for 10 minutes, or confused if you mention dozens of unrelated things.

In general, though, it is a good idea to begin by mentioning the area in which you grew up, or some other foundational aspect of your upbringing, like your parents’ professions or your cultural heritage. Don’t spend too much time discussing the intricacies of your hometown or home life, but try to connect where you’re coming from to your interest in the college’s location, size, or campus culture.

You’ll also want to tell the interviewer about your prospective major, if you have one, or, if you’re undecided, what some of your main areas of interest are. While laying out your academic background, describing two or three of your most important broader personality traits will give your interviewer a clearer sense of why these subjects are important to you. You may also touch on a key extracurricular that further illuminates who you are. End your answer with a quick explanation of why you want to attend this particular college.

Since you should have researched the school thoroughly before the interview, you will hopefully already have a good idea of how your personality, as well as academic and extracurricular interests, will fit in there. Your response should concretely connect your personal strengths and experiences to the school’s offerings and overall culture. 

Crucially, you shouldn’t assume that your interviewer can figure out how your background aligns with the school’s culture on their own. While they are obviously familiar with the school, colleges and universities have hundreds if not thousands of different opportunities available, so they may not have heard of the offerings in your particular area(s) of interest. Be clear about why and how your past experiences have set you up to succeed at this institution.

Finally, admissions officers want to be confident that you’ll accept your offer of admission, if you receive one. So, you should make sure to express how interested you are in attending this particular school, rather than speaking about broad goals for college that you could achieve anywhere.

Response #1

“ I grew up in a small town in Connecticut and have lived there my whole life, so I’d really love to experience city life in college. Since I live relatively close to New York, I’ve had the opportunity to visit a few times, and it has so much to offer, especially in terms of the literary scene. I love reading and writing, so I’m thinking of majoring in English or journalism. Journalism seems like a good fit because I’m good at noticing details and know how to dig to the core of an issue. 

My attention to detail is something I’ve been able to rely on to help me overcome challenges. Junior year, I was having a hard time in trig. When I met with my teacher outside of class, though, we were able to determine that I had a solid grasp of simple concepts like sine and cosine, but was struggling with bigger picture concepts. Moving forward, breaking down tricky problems into their core ideas and solving them one step at a time proved to be an effective strategy for me, and I ended up earning an A in the class.

In general, though, my interests are more humanities leaning. I especially enjoy writing and foreign languages, which is why I’m a columnist for my school newspaper and the president of the Spanish club. I also tutor English and Spanish at an after-school program in my town. 

NYU seems like the perfect school for me because it has such strong English and journalism programs, including honors programs in both fields, and amazing study abroad programs through its campuses all over the world–I’d love to learn Italian, Chinese, or Arabic to become tri- or even polylingual!”

This interviewee touches on her interests in a way that shows her qualifications to attend NYU. She references her passion for English, journalism, and foreign languages several times throughout her response, and explains what she has done to explore them both inside and outside school. At the end of her response, she also identifies specific attributes of NYU that appeal to her (honors programs in English and journalism; campuses around the world), which clearly fit with the details she’s provided about her own background.

Additionally, she reveals some of her key personality traits, such as her attention to detail and her resilience, and provides examples that illustrate these attributes. These examples make her response memorable, whereas if she were to just say “I’m a resilient person with good attention to detail,” it would come across as cliché or generic.

Response #2

“As a kid, I frequently visited family in Los Angeles. During those trips, my aunt would take me to see musicals at the Orpheum Theatre, which sparked my love for drama. Since then, I’ve been in over 30 musicals at my school and through my local theater, although my favorite role still has to be Georg von Trapp in “The Sound of Music.” I’m planning to major in musical theater because being in so many productions has made me a talented singer and dancer, and I’m confident in my own skin, both on-stage and off-stage.

I wasn’t always confident, though. Despite my passion for theater, I was incredibly shy as a kid. It took me several years to work up the courage to even audition for a show. I am grateful for how my involvement in theater has helped me become more secure in expressing myself. I also work as an instructor for elementary-aged students at a local dance studio, and I try to bring out that same confidence in them.

Aside from theater, I’m really passionate about reading. I started a book club at my high school that meets weekly, and I also run a book blog, where I analyze and review novels I read. I find that this side project helps me connect more deeply with the characters I play on stage. 

I’d love to attend UCLA because the Ray Bolger Musical Theater Program will give me the opportunity to grow and develop my skills as an actress. As an avid reader, I’m also extremely interested in UCLA’s Comparative Literature minor. Plus, Los Angeles is the ideal location for an aspiring actor to launch his career.”

This response is centered on one of the interviewee’s particular interests, his associated professional goals, and how the school could help him achieve them. He highlights his major of interest (musical theater), and explains how his involvement in theater has helped him become more confident and better and expressing himself — some of his key personality traits.

This interviewee’s discussion of his academic and extracurricular interests frames him as someone who is prepared to thrive at UCLA. Most importantly, though, he doesn’t leave that to be inferred by his interviewer. Rather, he gives relevant, personal reasons for why he’s interested in attending UCLA related to the university’s programs and location.

Response #3

“I come from three generations of farmers. My family lives on a corn farm in a small town in Nebraska. I always thought I would be a farmer, just like my dad, until my family took a vacation to Hawaii after my freshman year of high school. We went snorkeling almost every day, and I became fascinated with marine life. When we returned home, I started researching marine biology majors, and since then, I’ve been set on studying marine biology at the University of Maine.

As part of my pursuit of this goal, last year I became scuba certified, and I started bi-weekly diving lessons at the nearest scuba diving school. It’s a 75-minute drive from where I live, so I’m proud of my determination to continue attending the classes, even when they conflict with my busy schedule. I also play on the football and basketball teams, am the student council secretary, and help my dad on the farm on the weekends.

I’d love to attend the University of Maine because it has such a large concentration of professors who specialize in marine sciences, and access to two research centers, the Darling Marine Center and Aquaculture Research Center. And after spending 18 years of my life landlocked in Nebraska, I am excited for the chance to live near the coast!”

This interviewee tells a compelling story about how he unexpectedly became interested in his intended major, marine biology, and how that in turn led him to apply to the University of Maine. He also shares a story that showcases one of his best character qualities, determination, and how it has helped him advance towards his goal of becoming a marine biologist.

The student also shares some of his on-campus and off-campus extracurriculars to showcase that he is well-rounded. He ends by describing why the University of Maine is a great fit for him, and the unusual perspective he could bring to campus.

Response #4

“I grew up in Atlanta, but my family spends every summer at Tybee Island. I love that Savannah offers a similar small-town feel with plenty of history, art, and culture. It’ll be a refreshing reprieve from the big city, while still providing ample opportunity for an aspiring artist.

I’ve been artistic for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I was always painting, sketching, or drawing. When I was young, my dream was to move to Paris after high school to be an artist. So I started taking French in eighth grade, and now, I’m nearly fluent. However, as college neared, my pragmatic side convinced me to get a degree that led to a more secure career path. Graphic design seemed like a great option because it would give me an avenue to still pursue art, while leaving plenty of professional doors open.

SCAD’s graphic design program is particularly appealing to me because of how many events the program hosts for students to learn from graphic designers who have been successful in the world of business. The cutting-edge technology and facilities available to students will also ensure I’m ready to use all the tools I’ll need as a professional. Maybe most importantly, I’m also interested in studying abroad at SCAD Lacoste to practice my French and finally fulfill my dream of creating art in France!”

In this response, the interviewee explains how her background led her to discover both her major, graphic design, and SCAD. The student highlights her qualifications as an artist, while also giving her interviewer a more nuanced understanding of who she is by describing her practical side.

One unique, especially satisfying part of this response is that the student connects a life-long dream of hers (creating art in France) to a specialized study-abroad program offered by SCAD. Thanks to this connection, her answer comes full circle, which makes it feel like a single, cohesive unit.

Although the “tell me about yourself” prompt may seem entirely open-ended, there are specific things the interviewer does want to learn about you as a candidate, while other aspects of your life may be irrelevant or even inappropriate to mention. Your interviewer does not need to learn everything there is to know about you.

For example, don’t tell your interviewer about personal hobbies that aren’t relevant to the school or interview, or talk too much about friends, family, and other aspects of your life that don’t show your potential as a college student. You should also avoid saying anything negative about the school, or indicate that you are not particularly invested or interested in attending it. 

Weak Response #1

“I grew up in a small town in Connecticut, but I don’t want to stay here. It’s just a little too small. I’m not entirely sure what environment I want to live in as an adult, though. Mainly, I want to enjoy myself while I figure it out, and some neighborhood friends of mine have told me the weather and school spirit at USC are unparalleled!

I definitely want to study Hotel Management, though. My mom’s whole family works in hospitality, so I’ve seen firsthand how many great perks there are if you’re in the industry. For example, my parents don’t make a lot of money, but we’ve been able to travel a lot thanks to discounted stays. I’m looking forward to further broadening my horizons in college, maybe through a study abroad program or just meeting peers from other places in the world.”

While this interviewee comes across as well-intentioned, there are several red flags. First, he doesn’t seem to have any personal connection to USC, and only chose to apply based on others’ recommendations. Feeling uncertain about your future is completely normal, and even something you can discuss in your college interview. However, you want to provide personal, specific reasons why this school will give you more direction, not give only vague or shallow reasons for applying.

Another, related issue is that USC doesn’t have a hotel management major. While the interviewer may not know every program offered off the top of their head, they are going to write a report for the admissions committee after your conversation. Admissions officers are incredibly well-versed in what their institution offers, so they’ll immediately see that this student isn’t genuinely interested in USC.

Finally, even if USC did offer hotel management, this student’s reasons for wanting to study the field come across as superficial, and not rooted in genuine intellectual curiosity. Wanting to travel isn’t inherently a bad goal, but the student should have connected it to his interest in the history of other parts of the world, a desire to learn another language, or something else with more of an academic focus. He also should have been more specific about how USC will help him broaden his horizons, as studying abroad or meeting peers from different backgrounds are things you could do at any school.

Weak Response #2

“Because I grew up in Seattle, my summers were always full of camping or backpacking trips, and I became a total nut about the outdoors as a result. So, when it came time to apply to college, I knew Dartmouth was the place for me.

Dartmouth is also a good fit for me academically, because of the unique possibility of modifying your major. I love economics, but I also have a humanities lean and enjoy learning about American history, so it’s great I won’t have to pick one or the other. And, even though it’s far from home, both my parents went to Dartmouth and I have an aunt in Vermont, so I don’t think I’ll have any trouble making Hanover my home away from home.”

The biggest issue with this response is that the student is making her interviewer do her work for her. While Dartmouth is indeed known to be an outdoorsy school, she doesn’t mention anything specific that tangibly captures that general reputation. Her response would be much stronger if she mentioned something like the First Year Trips program as a means of building community, or her desire to get involved in a Dartmouth Outing Club sub-club to learn a new skill like canoeing.

Similarly, the modified major is unique to Dartmouth, but the student doesn’t explain how she would take advantage of it. Just stating that she has multiple interests isn’t sufficient, because that will be true of just about every applicant to Dartmouth — she needs to describe the intersection(s) she sees between economics and American history, and how the modified major will help her explore them more productively than, say, just double majoring, which you can do at nearly any school.

Finally, while it’s okay to mention connections you have to the school or surrounding area, you need to illustrate how they’ve shaped your own perspective on the institution. For example, this student could talk about how she was originally apprehensive about attending school in such a small town, but attending reunions with her parents showed her that the strength of the Dartmouth community fends off feelings of isolation. Right now, though, that personal element is missing, and thus saying her parents are Dartmouth alums just comes across as name-droppy and braggy.

It’s almost guaranteed that this “Tell me about yourself” question will come up during your interview, often as the very first question. To ensure you aren’t caught off-guard, here are some tips for how you can prepare:

1. Reflect on the Past

Brainstorm at least five important events in your life that have helped shape you into who you are today. Ideally, these events will align with your major and broader goals for the future. Sift through them to decide which story is most relevant to understanding what you have to contribute to a college campus.

It’s especially wise to choose an event that connects to some of your most important character traits. That way, your interviewer will start to get a sense of who you are not only as a student, but as a whole person.

2. Evaluate Your Interests

What are your favorite classes? What clubs or teams are you a part of? Did you start an organization yourself, or do you have a leadership position? What hobbies do you have when you’re not at school? Do you have a part-time job you love?

Your academic and extracurricular interests are given a great deal of weight by college admissions officers. In your interview, you want to be able to easily reference specific examples of how you’ve pursued your passions, as well as how you developed them, so that your interviewer gets to see your eyes light up, so to speak, and gets a clearer sense of what sets you apart from other applicants.

3. Pinpoint Your Major

If you’ve decided on a major, highlight why you’re interested in this major and why the university is ideal for this area of focus. If you’re still undecided, that’s perfectly fine, but you should be able to discuss your broader academic interests and why this college is a good place for you to hone in on one particular area. 

For example, maybe you’re interested in medicine, but also love animals, and don’t know if you want to be a doctor or a veterinarian. You might talk about how Washington State University has excellent graduate schools in both fields, with plenty of courses and extracurriculars available to undergrads as well, and thus is the perfect place for you to figure out which path is right for you.

4. Research the University

One of the best ways you can stand out from other students while answering this question is to connect your background to programs, classes, professors, and other unique offerings at the college, and explain how these resources will launch you into your future. These school-specific details will not only make your answer more thorough, but will also demonstrate that you are well-prepared and genuinely interested in attending the college.

Make sure, though, that you aren’t just saying something generic that could apply to any institution. Perhaps you’ve heard that a school has great professors, but that’s true of most colleges. So, you’ll want to instead zoom in on one or two particular professors whose work aligns well with your own interests, so that your interviewer can clearly see what sets this school apart in your mind.

5. Practice, Practice, Practice

After thinking about how you’ll answer the question, it’s important to run through your response with family and friends. Although you don’t want to sound too rehearsed, as you can then come across as stiff, you also don’t want to be stumbling over your words. Plus, those close to you may have suggestions for details you might include that you didn’t think of yourself.

How Much Do College Interviews Matter?

College interviews matter , but they won’t make or break your application. In fact, they account for only around 5% of an admissions decision. That said, they are a great way to showcase your personality and character, your ability to engage in conversations and answer questions, and your overall maturity and professionalism. Your college interview is unique in that it allows you to put a face, personality, and voice to your name, so you still want to take it seriously and prepare thoroughly.

You can also use your interview as a way to determine if the university is the right fit for you. After all, you’ll likely be matched with an alum who will be able to answer questions about their experience at the school — their insights could be invaluable if you’re eventually accepted and need to decide between this institution and your other options!

That being said, other factors such as academics and extracurriculars will have a much larger impact on your chances of acceptance. If you’d like to know how your profile stacks up, we recommend using our free chancing engine . This tool will give you personalized odds of acceptance at over 1500 schools in the US, based on how well your profile aligns with that of an average accepted student!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Your Best College Essay

Maybe you love to write, or maybe you don’t. Either way, there’s a chance that the thought of writing your college essay is making you sweat. No need for nerves! We’re here to give you the important details on how to make the process as anxiety-free as possible.

What's the College Essay?

When we say “The College Essay” (capitalization for emphasis – say it out loud with the capitals and you’ll know what we mean) we’re talking about the 550-650 word essay required by most colleges and universities. Prompts for this essay can be found on the college’s website, the Common Application, or the Coalition Application. We’re not talking about the many smaller supplemental essays you might need to write in order to apply to college. Not all institutions require the essay, but most colleges and universities that are at least semi-selective do.

How do I get started?

Look for the prompts on whatever application you’re using to apply to schools (almost all of the time – with a few notable exceptions – this is the Common Application). If one of them calls out to you, awesome! You can jump right in and start to brainstorm. If none of them are giving you the right vibes, don’t worry. They’re so broad that almost anything you write can fit into one of the prompts after you’re done. Working backwards like this is totally fine and can be really useful!

What if I have writer's block?

You aren’t alone. Staring at a blank Google Doc and thinking about how this is the one chance to tell an admissions officer your story can make you freeze. Thinking about some of these questions might help you find the right topic:

• What is something about you that people have pointed out as distinctive?
• If you had to pick three words to describe yourself, what would they be? What are things you’ve done that demonstrate these qualities?
• What’s something about you that has changed over your years in high school? How or why did it change?
• What’s something you like most about yourself?
• What’s something you love so much that you lose track of the rest of the world while you do it?

If you’re still stuck on a topic, ask your family members, friends, or other trusted adults: what’s something they always think about when they think about you? What’s something they think you should be proud of? They might help you find something about yourself that you wouldn’t have surfaced on your own.  

How do I grab my reader's attention?

It’s no secret that admissions officers are reading dozens – and sometimes hundreds – of essays every day. That can feel like a lot of pressure to stand out. But if you try to write the most unique essay in the world, it might end up seeming forced if it’s not genuinely you. So, what’s there to do? Our advice: start your essay with a story. Tell the reader about something you’ve done, complete with sensory details, and maybe even dialogue. Then, in the second paragraph, back up and tell us why this story is important and what it tells them about you and the theme of the essay.

THE WORD LIMIT IS SO LIMITING. HOW DO I TELL A COLLEGE MY WHOLE LIFE STORY IN 650 WORDS?

Don’t! Don’t try to tell an admissions officer about everything you’ve loved and done since you were a child. Instead, pick one or two things about yourself that you’re hoping to get across and stick to those. They’ll see the rest on the activities section of your application.

I'M STUCK ON THE CONCLUSION. HELP?

If you can’t think of another way to end the essay, talk about how the qualities you’ve discussed in your essays have prepared you for college. Try to wrap up with a sentence that refers back to the story you told in your first paragraph, if you took that route.

SHOULD I PROOFREAD MY ESSAY?

YES, proofread the essay, and have a trusted adult proofread it as well. Know that any suggestions they give you are coming from a good place, but make sure they aren’t writing your essay for you or putting it into their own voice. Admissions officers want to hear the voice of you, the applicant. Before you submit your essay anywhere, our number one advice is to read it out loud to yourself. When you read out loud you’ll catch small errors you may not have noticed before, and hear sentences that aren’t quite right.

ANY OTHER ADVICE?

Be yourself. If you’re not a naturally serious person, don’t force formality. If you’re the comedian in your friend group, go ahead and be funny. But ultimately, write as your authentic (and grammatically correct) self and trust the process.

And remember, thousands of other students your age are faced with this same essay writing task, right now. You can do it!

Are you seeking one-on-one college counseling and/or essay support? Limited spots are now available. Click here to learn more.

400 Glorious Adjectives to Describe a Person

May 27, 2024

Whether you realize it or not, you use adjectives all the time in speaking and writing. Anytime you pay a friend a compliment (you’re amazing !) or decide what size fries you want with your hamburger ( large , please), you’re relying on adjectives to help you describe . Without adjectives, our sentences would feel flat , unclear , and dull . Adjectives make our sentences exciting , and sometimes we can’t get our point across without them. Having a broad, diverse , and unique arsenal of adjectives on hand will boost your creativity and help people feel engaged by everything you write.

We use adjectives in so many ways, but in this article, we’ll be focusing on how to use adjectives to describe a person. If you’re ready to flex your descriptive muscles, read on to find out:

• What Is an Adjective?
• How Do I Pick the Right Adjective?
• How Do I Use an Adjective in a Sentence?
• How Do I Use Adjectives to Describe a Person?

Adjective Examples: Positive Adjectives to Describe a Person

• Adjective Examples: Negative Adjectives to Describe a Person

Adjective Examples: Adjectives to Describe a Person’s Actions

• Adjective Examples: Uncommon Adjectives

How Can I Expand My Vocabulary?

400 glorious adjectives to describe a person — what is an adjective.

An adjective is a word that modifies a noun or a pronoun . In plain speech, that means that adjectives are used to help us describe people, places, and things. Adjectives are helper words—they’re added on to make sentences more colorful , powerful , and precise , but that doesn’t mean they’re lesser words. Without adjectives, we wouldn’t be able to say the sky is blue , we wouldn’t be able to tell our neighbor we’re doing great , and we wouldn’t be able to ask a friend if they could turn up our favorite song.

400 Glorious Adjectives to Describe a Person — How Do I Pick the Right Adjective?

Choosing the right adjective is all about two key things: accuracy and tone . If you’re using adjectives to describe a woman with black hair, for example, you wouldn’t want to say her hair is pale or flaxen because those adjectives mean blonde . Some adjectives have the same root meaning but aren’t used in the same way. By definition alone, the words tough, forceful, muscular, tenacious, and iron-willed all have something to do with strength, but some of these words have to do with physical ability and some have to do with mental and emotional resolve.

Adjectives also come with different tones. After we get a haircut, for example, we might use adjectives like great or awful to let our stylist know what we think of our new do. But sometimes words with the same basic meaning also convey more subtle differences in tone. Think of the words mad, irked, irritated, irate, furious, outraged. They all mean angry , but each evokes a different level of feeling. In this case, choosing the correct adjectives to describe a person’s emotional state helps your reader understand exactly how angry they were.

To be strong writers, we need a broad range of adjectives to help convey exactly what we mean in exactly the right tone.

400 Glorious Adjectives to Describe a Person — How Do I Use an Adjective in a Sentence?

Let’s be real: grammar can be complicated. There are exceptions to every rule, but here are three tips to help you make sure you’re putting adjectives in the right place in 99% of uses.

1) If an adjective is modifying a noun, it goes before the noun.

Adjective Examples:

• The sneaky fox stole the chicken.
• She cast a hopeful glance in her crush’s direction.
• It was an elegant party.

2) If an adjective is modifying a form of the verb “to be” in a sentence, the adjective goes after the verb.

• They are so clever .
• The cake is enormous .
• I am certain the movie starts at 8pm.

Because these adjectives ( clever, enormous, certain ) are being used to modify the verb “to be” (are, is, am), the adjective goes after the verb.

3) If an adjective is modifying a “sense” word like look, taste, smell, feel, appear, sound, or seem, the adjective goes after the verb.

• Children tend to feel grumpy before naptime.
• The soup tastes delicious .
• She sounded joyful in her voicemail.

Because these adjectives ( grumpy, delicious, joyful ) modify a “sense” word, they are placed after the verb.

400 Glorious Adjectives to Describe a Person — How Do I Use Adjectives to Describe a Person?

When we use adjectives to describe a person, we’re usually trying to tell a story. Whether you’re sharing a funny memory about a friend or working on a biographical essay or some creative writing , adjectives can help make your writing more engrossing and vivid . As you write, ask yourself:

What adjectives can I use to describe a person’s appearance? Describing how a character looks helps your reader visualize them.

Which adjectives can I use to describe a person’s personality? Describing how a character feels helps your reader understand and relate to them.

What adjectives can I use to describe a person’s behavior? Describing how a character acts helps your reader engaged in the action.

Ready to build a vast and impressive adjective vocabulary? We’ve got 400 outstanding adjective examples for you below.

• Accomplished
• Charismatic
• Compassionate
• Considerate
• Enthusiastic
• Even keeled
• Hard-working
• Imaginative
• Independent
• Inquisitive
• Intellectual
• Knowledgeable
• Open-minded
• Philosophical
• Quick-witted
• Resourceful
• Self-confident
• Straightforward
• Sympathetic
• Trustworthy
• Understanding

Negative Adjectives to Describe a Person

• Absentminded
• Adversarial
• Aggravating
• Antagonistic
• Belligerent
• Challenging
• Coldhearted
• Disappointing
• Disgruntled
• Disobedient
• Exacerbating
• Frightening
• Harebrained
• Impractical
• Inarticulate
• Incompetent
• Inconsiderate
• Inconsistent
• Indifferent
• Infuriating
• Inattentive
• Manipulative
• Melodramatic
• Pessimistic
• Thoughtless
• Adventurous
• Affectionate
• Collaborative
• Competitive
• Encouraging
• Enterprising
• Exploitative
• Extravagant
• Extroverted
• Inconsequential
• Introverted
• Opportunistic
• Patronizing
• Predictable
• Reprehensible
• Responsible
• Scatterbrained
• Threatening

Uncommon Adjectives

• Freewheeling
• Lackadaisical
• Perspicacious
• Meretricious
• Self-righteous

We know, we know—that’s a big list of words above. But don’t be intimidated. Even if you’re not familiar with every word yet, with a little effort, you can quickly expand your vocabulary to include the words on our list. Since adjectives pack a lot of punch, building your adjective vocabulary is one of the best ways to make your writing more detailed, creative , and nuanced . To incorporate the words above into your writing, we recommend a two-step approach that focuses on both memorization and practice .

Memorization: As a first step, pick 10-15 words in the list above that you’re unfamiliar with or that you don’t usually use in your writing. Look up their definitions and put the word, dictionary definition, a personal definition in your own words, and an example sentence on a flashcard. You can use paper flashcards or an app on your phone. Keep your flashcards handy and test yourself whenever you have a free moment.

Practice: Memorization is important, but words won’t stick unless you put them into practice. Once you’ve memorized a set of words, challenge yourself to see where you can use them in your writing. Look for opportunities to work them into school assignments, incorporate them into text messages or notes to friends, or write a short story where you challenge yourself to describe your characters using as many new adjectives as you can.

Additional Resources

Feeling inspired to keep developing your writing skills? Check out these blogs:

• 100 Creative Writing Prompts for Middle & High School
• 100 Tone Words to Express Mood in Your Writing
• 160 Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Students in 2024
• How to Write the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay (With Example)
• How to Write the AP Lang Argument Essay (With Example)

Looking to improve your overall reading skills and vocabulary? We’ve got you covered:

• 250 SAT Vocabulary Words You Must Know
• How to Improve Reading Comprehension – 10 Expert Tips
• High School Success

Christina Wood

Christina Wood holds a BA in Literature & Writing from UC San Diego, an MFA in Creative Writing from Washington University in St. Louis, and is currently a Doctoral Candidate in English at the University of Georgia, where she teaches creative writing and first-year composition courses. Christina has published fiction and nonfiction in numerous publications, including The Paris Review , McSweeney’s , Granta , Virginia Quarterly Review , The Sewanee Review , Mississippi Review , and Puerto del Sol , among others. Her story “The Astronaut” won the 2018 Shirley Jackson Award for short fiction and received a “Distinguished Stories” mention in the 2019 Best American Short Stories anthology.

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