Last night we had a fantastic webinar with Ben Urwand, founder of Real College Essays, and he dropped some real wisdom on how to approach the college essay. Here are some highlights:

Authenticity > clichés
Ben reminded us that the best essays don’t sound like every other application. Forget the “object essay” or the neat little summary of your achievements—what admissions officers want is to see you, in all your complexity.

Your story is more interesting than you think
Many students worry they don’t have a “big” story to tell. Ben’s advice: look closer. Even a small setback, a quirky challenge, or an unusual experience can become powerful if you reflect honestly on it.

Personal growth is the real theme
Essays should reveal new aspects of who you are—not just what you’ve done. That means a little introspection goes a long way. Ben often nudges students to talk through their experiences first; those conversations usually spark the most compelling ideas.

On AI and shortcuts
Ben didn’t mince words here: a lot of scholarship essays now sound AI-generated—and it shows. Essays that lean on formulas, hacks, or bots might look polished, but they’re missing the spark of genuine thought. The strongest applications always come back to personal expression.

The Common App essay is key
Ben stressed that the main essay should come first. Nail that down, and the supplemental essays will feel much easier. His process? Brainstorm, structure, draft, and revise—with plenty of feedback along the way.

Takeaway
Whether you’re writing about a major life event or something seemingly small, what matters most is how you reflect on it. The essay is your chance to make admissions officers feel like they know you—and Ben showed us just how powerful that can be.

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