How to Write a Compelling Private School Application Essay (Demonstrated with an Example)

Here are four keys to writing a standout private school application essay.

1. Reflect on the Experiences and Achievements that Have Shaped You

You may have heard it said before that “first impressions are lasting ones.”

Well, in the world of high school admissions, I’d say that there’s certainly some truth to that. How, then – in an ultra-competitive admissions environment – does one create a positive first impression?

More often than not, your best chance to make a positive first impression is to craft a standout application essay. Think of your essay as an extended opportunity for you to introduce yourself to the admissions office. 

Considering this, your first step in writing a standout application essay is to take a moment and ask yourself:

What are some key features of my holistic life experience – as an athlete, club team leader, etc – that I want the admissions office to know about?

For example, if you are a talented actress, you may want to communicate that, in addition to your stellar academic record, you have been committed to your craft for several years. You may also want to go further into how you plan to pursue an acting profession upon graduating from their institution.

Why is providing this window into your personality important? It’s important because it demonstrates that you are a well-rounded student capable of handling competing priorities while exhibiting academic leadership. 

Admissions officers want to know you as a whole person. Don’t be afraid to give them insight into the clubs, activities, and passions that have made you who you are.

2. Express What Makes You Stand Out from Your Peers

Now that you’ve reflected on your unique experiences, it’s time to strategize. Admissions officers receive hundreds of applications for a limited number of spots – what makes you stand out from your peers?

Is it your drive and determination? Is it an achievement you earned through nights of hard work and dedication?

To be in the position you’re in, you’ve demonstrated that you are an academic leader. However, when it comes down to your statistics and those of a student with a similar record, admissions officers are going to look for what separates you from the rest of the competition.

Think deeply about what has driven you this far and what will continue to drive you as you continue your education. Perhaps it is a personal motivation, family circumstance, or sacrifice your loved ones have made to support your education. However your journey looks, take the opportunity to use your application essay to tell your story boldly and confidently. 

Remember, you’re an all-star! Your application essay is just a chance to communicate that with the admissions office.

3. Share How Your Experiences Have Led You to the Apply to this School

This is a critical point. When I read application essays on behalf of admissions offices, I was always most excited to read how applicants expressed themselves in this way. 

Why did I enjoy it so much? Well, I loved seeing applicants connect the dots between who they are, what separates them from others, and why our specific school community is where they needed to be.

I know this may be surprising, but I want to let you in on a truth that is widely misunderstood. 

Popular opinion sometimes leads us to believe that admissions officers are looking for reasons why they shouldn’t admit applicants, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth – admissions officers are always looking for reasons why they should admit you.

Prior to writing this significant portion of your essay, take this truth into account. Admissions officers want to know that they are admitting a student who feels connected to their institution and its school community. To stand out from your peers, be sure to communicate how the breadth of your experiences have aligned you with the school you’re applying to. For example, perhaps you’ve been preparing to apply to your dream school for several years – use your application to express exactly why that is.

Trust me, if you do, your story will resonate with the admissions officers deeply.  

4. Demonstrate That You Will Be a Contributor to the School Community At-Large

Admissions officers and school administrators believe that strong school cultures are shaped by the people within them, and the unique talents and experiences they bring to the community.

When populating an incoming class of students, admissions officers are building a class like they are putting together a puzzle. Each student they admit has their own shape, size, and role to play within the larger picture – academically, socially, athletically, etc.

In your application essay, you have a tremendous opportunity to communicate how you will add to the life of the school and the experiences of your classmates. Think of all the ways your unique experiences have prepared you to contribute to the community at-large. This can be through participation in your favorite clubs and activities, or through community service organizations and affinity groups. 

Regardless of the form, you want to communicate that your admission will add value to the vibrancy of the entire community. By doing so, you will demonstrate that you are a well-rounded candidate who is willing to share their talents for the benefit of the school community. 

Putting it all Together!

In all, writing a captivating application essay can really set you apart from your fellow applicants.

As you embark upon this exciting journey, let’s take one more look at our four keys to writing a standout private school application essay.

1️⃣ Reflect on the Experiences and Achievements that Have Shaped You

When writing a standout private school application essay, beginning with a specific, memorable story helps bring your personality to life.

Example: 

It was Friday night, and I was standing center stage with my a cappella group. After weeks of preparation, it was now time for me to lead our group in song. Standing there, I felt a familiar blend of excitement and nervousness. As we began our performance, I was reminded of the power of teamwork and collaboration – how individual voices, each unique in their own experiences, can harmonize to create something greater than the sum of its parts. This moment – the biggest of my life to date – captures my middle school experience: learning how to step forward, take risks, and grow into the kind of leader who performs well under pressure. 

2️⃣ Express What Makes You Stand Out from Others

Admissions officers at selective schools often look for students who bring a combination of leadership, character, and initiative.

Example:

As captain of our field hockey team, I’ve learned that leadership is about supporting your teammates and not wielding power. On the field, I build camaraderie with my teammates by pushing them to do their best, even when situations are difficult. Off the field, I found another outlet for expression through the school newspaper and yearbook clubs, where I tell stories that reflect our community’s spirit. Balancing athletic commitments, the arts, and academics – while maintaining a 3.9 GPA and the honor of being named valedictorian – has taught me how to lead with consistency, focus, and heart.

3️⃣ Share How Your Experiences Have Led You to Apply to This School

A standout private school essay should always connect your values to what the school offers.

Example:

The more I’ve grown as a leader, the more I’ve realized how much I value being in spaces that challenge me to think deeply and lead thoughtfully. Since I was a younger student, I’ve always dreamed of attending [Enter School’s Name]. From your interdisciplinary humanities curriculum, to your student-leadership programs, club organizations, and athletic programs, I see a place where I can continue to grow as a whole person. 

4️⃣ Demonstrate That You Will Be a Contributor to the School Community At-Large

Standout private school admissions essays close with a forward-looking statement that shows how the student will contribute to campus life.

Example:

If admitted to your prestigious institution, I’ll bring the same energy, focus, and team spirit that I’ve shown while leading in the classroom, on the soccer field, and on the a cappella stage. I will also bring my experience editing our yearbook and writing for the school newspaper. I’m ready to contribute to the [Enter School’s Name] community as an academic, an artist, a teammate, and a leader who values collaboration, curiosity, and hard work. I know this next chapter will stretch me in new ways, and I’m excited to grow in such a talented community.

By addressing these four points in your essay, you will craft a standout final product that leaves a positive first impression with the admissions office and sets you up for success in your high school admissions journey. 

Remember, you’re already an all-star – your application essay is just a chance to communicate that with the admissions office.

Looking for help with your private school application? Book a free consultation today with one of our academic advisors. At Crimson, our tutors use a multi-step system to help students write creatively, to identify the most impactful anecdotes and show rather than tell their skills and passion. Our system is especially helpful for students who are "perfectionists" or think they are bad writers, as we help them get out of their heads.

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