Going back to school is a big decision — and for many adult learners, writing the college application essay feels like the hardest part.
The good news?! It’s not about being a perfect writer. Admissions teams want to hear your story – your motivation, your goals, and the path that brought you here. Whether you’re changing careers or finishing a degree you started years ago, your experience is your greatest strength.
Here’s are some tips for how you, the adult learner, can write a college application essay that truly stands out.
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Start With Your Story
First, think about your why. Why have you decided to return to school? Is it for career growth? Personal aspirations & fulfillment? A new direction and chapter of life entirely? THAT’S going to be the foundation to your essay.
Trust us, the admissions staff who read through these things value authenticity. They want and are looking for those submissions that personality and persistence come through in.
If you need a starting point, try this little exercise. Take the below blurb and tailor it to fit your why:
“After years of working in customer service, I realized how much I love helping others problem-solve. Returning to college to study business administration will give me the tools to grow into a leadership role.”
Connect Your College Application Essay to the Program
Show how the degree you’re pursuing directly supports your future plans (your why). Schools want applicants who have clear purpose and motivation.
Pro tip: Use your life experiences to show how prepared you are for success and how this degree will take you to that next level (not just what you hope to achieve).
Here is another example of what this might look like. Again, feel free to take this example to help guide your essay draft:
“Earning my bachelor’s in healthcare management will help me qualify for supervisor roles and make a bigger impact in my organization.”
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Keep Your Essay Focused and Organized
Again, the admissions staff at these institutions review HUNDREDS of essays at a time. As we mentioned earlier, authenticity will have an impact in how your essay is received by the admission staffer lucky enough to read it, but so will your essay’s clarity. Make sure your application follows this format (yes, elementary we know, but still very important!):
- Introduction: Your WHY to returning to school.
- Body: The key life experiences that have shaped your decision.
- Conclusion: What you will achieve with this degree.
There will more than likely be instructions to submitting your college application essay. Be sure to adhere to ANY essay requirements outlined by the institution (such as word counts and formatting) as admissions staff typically review these details FIRST when sorting through applications. Essays that don’t meet the stated guidelines may be set aside and omitted for consideration of acceptance.
Use Real Life Examples
As an adult learner, you are probably also considered ‘non-traditional.’ Meaning you have some real life demands and experiences under your belt. Be specific and intentional with what you share and try to stay away from vague statements such as “I’m motivated.” List examples that help paint the picture of who you are and what you are working towards.
Another example of what this might look like for you is as follows:
“While working full-time and raising two kids, I completed a professional certification and was reminded of how much I truly enjoy learning new things.”
Make your essay something memorable and don’t shy away from being personal. Schools want students who bring real-world experience and maturity into the classroom.
Edit, Review, and Refine
Even professional writers edit their work and often more than one time. As Ernest Hemingway said, “The only kind of writing is rewriting.” Again, great writing isn’t about getting it perfect the first time, it’s about taking the time to refine and strengthen your message. Here’s a quick checklist to help you feel confident before you hit submit:
✅ Read it aloud to hear how it flows. This can help to catch any awkward phrasing you may otherwise miss!
✅ Double-check spelling and grammar so that admission staffers clearly understand your story.
✅ Phone a friend, colleague, or mentor for peer review and feedback.
After working through the checklist, step away for a bit. Let your mind and eyes wonder and think about things elsewhere before coming back to it. You’ll be surprised by what you notice upon your return and how much stronger your essay feels after one more thoughtful review.
Submitting Your College Application Essay
As we’ve said many times throughout, your college application essay is more than words on a page, it’s your story, your voice, and a reflection of everything that has brought you to this moment. You’ve already done the hard part in deciding to return to school and invest in your future.
Stand and share in your truth with clarity and courage. Be specific about your goals, your experiences, and the moments that shaped you. As Anne Lamott reminds us, “Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor.” Your power lies in honesty, purpose, and perseverance. You’re not starting over, you’re building forward, authoring the next chapter of your journey with everything you’ve learned along the way.
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