Tips for Writing College Essays That Get You Noticed

Written by Ahmed Shahzad 22 Jul 2024

writing college essays
Table of Contents
  1. 1. Find a Topic You Can Work With
  2. 2. Nail Down a Strong Thesis
  3. 3. Organize Your Ideas with an Outline
  4. 4. Write with Clarity and Purpose
  5. 5. Use Evidence Effectively
  6. 6. Edit, Edit, and Then Edit Some More
  7. 7. Conclude with Confidence
  8. Conclusion

We’ve all been there—staring at a blank screen, trying to figure out how to write an essay that’ll actually score well. It’s easy to feel stuck, but writing a high-scoring essay is more about strategy than luck. Once you understand the key elements—structuring your ideas, crafting a solid argument, and keeping your writing clear—you’ll find the process a lot less intimidating.

This guide will break down the steps you need to follow to write an essay that doesn’t just meet expectations but exceeds them. And, if you need an extra push, platforms like Tutorly.ai can give your writing that final polish to ensure it’s clear, concise, and up to standard.

So, stop searching for the best books on essay writing and get all the essential knowledge on this topic right here! Let’s dive in.

1. Find a Topic You Can Work With

First things first—what are you writing about? Whether it be descriptive writing or persuasive writing, picking the right topic is half the battle. You need something that interests you, but more importantly, a topic that you can actually argue about in a meaningful way. A common mistake is going for topics that are either too broad (like "the history of the internet") or too niche (like "the impact of internet memes on global politics").

Strike a balance—choose a topic that gives you enough room to explore different viewpoints but isn’t so broad that it becomes overwhelming.

* Tip: If you’re stuck, try making a list of issues or ideas that grab your attention. Then ask yourself which of those you can back up with solid evidence.

2. Nail Down a Strong Thesis

Your thesis statement is the backbone of your essay. Think of it as your guide—everything you write should support or relate to it. The goal here is to state your position clearly and give your reader an idea of what to expect.

A weak thesis might look like this: "Pollution is bad for the environment."

Instead, aim for something stronger: "Reducing plastic waste is essential for protecting marine life, and governments should implement stricter regulations to limit single-use plastics."

The difference? The second example tells the reader exactly what the essay will argue, setting up a clear focus for the body paragraphs.

3. Organize Your Ideas with an Outline

Now that you’ve got your thesis, it’s time to plan how you’re going to present your argument. Before you start writing, create an outline to keep your thoughts organized. Your outline doesn’t have to be super detailed—just enough to help you stay on track.

Here’s a basic structure you can follow:

4. Write with Clarity and Purpose

Once your outline’s ready, it’s time to start writing. But keep this in mind: clarity is everything. Your reader needs to understand your argument without having to work too hard. That means avoiding overly complicated sentences and jargon that may confuse them.

Stick to simple, direct language, and focus on making your points as clear as possible. Each paragraph should revolve around one main idea, backed by evidence. Avoid stuffing multiple ideas into a single paragraph—it’ll only muddle your argument.

And, if you’re looking for a way to review your draft with fresh eyes, Tutorly.ai can be a great tool to help you fine-tune your wording and ensure your ideas flow logically. It’s perfect for giving your essay that final bit of polish. Although it can generate your essays from scratch, what it is even better at is building upon what you have written, reducing the risks of your content being flagged as AI-generated. It’s the AI app for writing essays of your dreams!

5. Use Evidence Effectively

Strong essays rely on evidence to support the points being made. Whether it’s statistics, quotes from experts, or specific examples, your evidence should be relevant and directly tied to your thesis.

Make sure that every piece of evidence you include has a purpose. Don’t just throw in a statistic because it sounds impressive—ask yourself, "How does this support my argument?" And, of course, be sure to properly cite your sources, whether you're using APA, MLA, or another citation style.

6. Edit, Edit, and Then Edit Some More

You’ve written your first draft, but the work isn’t over yet. Editing is where the magic really happens. This is your chance to tighten up your writing, correct any grammar mistakes, and make sure your argumentative essay is as strong as possible while adhering to the essay rules.

Here’s a quick checklist for your editing process:

And remember, even the best writers benefit from a second pair of eyes. If you’re unsure about something, platforms like

7. Conclude with Confidence

Your conclusion is your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression. Don’t just restate your thesis—rephrase it in a way that shows how your arguments have proven your point. Tie up any loose ends and leave your reader with something to think about.

For example, instead of simply saying, "In conclusion, plastic waste is harmful," you might write, "By taking immediate action to reduce plastic waste, we can preserve marine ecosystems for future generations."

Conclusion

Writing a high-scoring essay doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. With the right approach—starting from picking a topic, building a strong thesis, organizing your ideas, and editing thoroughly—you can craft an essay that stands out. And when you need that extra boost, Tutorly.ai is there to help ensure your writing is on point.