How to Find Your Voice in a College Essay

Short answer: Voice typing.

Longer answer: The most natural thing we have when we speak is our voice. We don’t think about it. We don’t consciously try to speak in a certain way — unless we’re giving a speech. The challenge is not finding your voice. The challenge is not giving it away.

What do I mean by that?

College essay voice: I find the juxtaposition of disparate interpersonal commodities to be intoxicatingly philosophical.

Your voice: I love trying to make sense of why a friend often acts differently in what seems like the same situations.

You may write something like the first one — either trying too hard or thinking that’s what will impress an AO — but I doubt you could read it aloud without laughing. If you would never say it, don’t write it that way.

Don’t give your voice away.