Crafting Compelling College Essays: Tips from Ryan Abramson

The college admissions process can be daunting for students and families alike. With increasingly competitive acceptance rates and the rising importance of holistic admissions criteria, students are often left wondering how they can make their applications stand out. For over two decades, Ryan Abramson has helped students tell their stories in powerful and authentic ways. As a trusted communications expert and the principal of Oakridge Leaders, Ryan Abramson specializes in guiding high school seniors through one of the most critical components of their college applications: the personal essay.

In this comprehensive guide, Ryan Abramson shares practical, actionable advice on how to craft a compelling college essay that resonates with admissions officers. Whether you are a student, a parent, or a college counselor, these insights will help illuminate the path to a more authentic and effective narrative.

Understanding the Role of the College Essay

According to Ryan Abramson, one of the most misunderstood elements of the college application is the personal essay. Students often focus on trying to sound impressive rather than being real. "Your essay isn’t about what you think they want to hear," says Ryan Abramson. "It’s about who you are."

Admissions officers read thousands of essays every year. What they remember are not the perfect GPAs or the longest list of extracurriculars—they remember the stories that made them feel something. Your job is to tell your story in a way that reveals your values, your growth, and your unique perspective.

Tip #1: Start with Reflection, Not Writing

Ryan Abramson emphasizes that the first step in the college essay process should be reflection. "Before you even open a Word document, spend some time thinking about your experiences, your turning points, and the people who have shaped you."

He often advises students to make a list of personal moments that have had a lasting impact. These don’t have to be life-altering events; sometimes the most compelling essays come from everyday experiences that reveal something meaningful.

Ask yourself:

• What moments have changed the way I think?

• When have I felt proud, scared, or challenged?

• What do I value most, and where did that value come from?

Tip #2: Find Your Unique Angle

"A common experience doesn’t have to be a common essay," says Ryan Abramson. "It’s all about how you tell it."

Two students might write about the same event—say, a soccer game or a family trip—but the lens through which they view the experience can make one essay forgettable and the other unforgettable. The key is to dig into what the experience meant to you.

For example, a student might write about a frustrating team loss. That in itself isn’t unique.

But if the essay becomes a reflection on leadership, learning to listen, or overcoming internal doubt, it becomes a window into the student’s character.

Tip #3: Use Your Voice

Ryan Abramson constantly reminds students that "authenticity trumps polish." While grammar and structure are important, they should not come at the expense of voice.

"Don’t write like you think a college student should sound," he advises. "Write like you."

This doesn’t mean being overly casual, but it does mean letting your personality come through. If you’re funny, let some humor in. If you’re introspective, dig deep. Admissions officers want to hear your voice in your writing, not the voice of a parent, teacher, or AI.

Tip #4: Show, Don’t Tell

One of Ryan Abramson’s core writing principles is "show, don’t tell." Rather than stating facts or traits, demonstrate them through stories and sensory details.

Instead of saying, "I am a leader," show a moment when you took charge, made a tough decision, or inspired others. Use vivid language that brings the reader into the scene. Let them see what you saw, feel what you felt.

"Stories are sticky," says Ryan Abramson. "They stay with us. Facts fade."

Tip #5: Revise Relentlessly

"The first draft is never the final draft," Ryan Abramson insists. "Good writing is rewriting."

He recommends students write freely in the early stages, then step away from the essay for a day or two. Returning with fresh eyes allows for more effective revisions.

Ryan Abramson often uses a series of questions to help students revise:

• Does this sentence sound like me?

• Is the message clear?

• Am I answering the prompt fully?

• What am I really trying to say?

He also encourages sharing drafts with trusted readers who can offer honest feedback without rewriting the essay for you.

REMEMBER THE PROMPT! Says Ryan Abramson

Tip #6: Don’t Forget the Prompt

This may sound basic, but it’s one of the most common mistakes students make. Ryan Abramson warns that students often get so caught up in telling their story that they lose sight of the actual question being asked.

Make sure your essay clearly addresses the prompt. If you’re writing a supplemental essay for a specific school, tailor it to that institution. Admissions officers want to see that you understand what makes their school unique and that you’ve thought carefully about why it’s a good fit for you.

Tip #7: Embrace Vulnerability

"Some of the best essays I’ve ever read were the ones that made me tear up," says Ryan Abramson. "Not because they were sad, but because they were honest."

Students often shy away from difficult or emotional topics, thinking they should present themselves as flawless. But vulnerability shows maturity. It shows you can reflect, grow, and face challenges with courage.

Of course, discretion is important. You don’t need to share your deepest trauma. But showing growth through adversity can be incredibly powerful.

Real Essay Transformations

Ryan Abramson has worked with hundreds of students over the years, helping them transform vague ideas into vibrant narratives. One student came to him with a generic essay about working a summer job. Together, they uncovered a story about resilience, handling rejection, and discovering a passion for customer service that completely changed the direction—and impact—of the essay.

Another student began with an essay about their love for baking. It became a story about intergenerational relationships, cultural identity, and finding peace during a time of family loss.

"There’s always a deeper story," says Ryan Abramson. "You just have to dig."

The Final Word from Ryan Abramson

If there’s one thing Ryan Abramson hopes every student understands, it’s this:

"You are more than your test scores and your transcript. Your story matters. The college essay is your chance to own that story and tell it in your own voice."

Crafting a compelling college essay doesn’t require a life-changing experience. It requires reflection, honesty, and a willingness to be seen. Through his work with Oakridge Leaders,

Ryan Abramson continues to empower students to embrace who they are and share their

truth with the world.

And for every student sitting in front of a blank screen, wondering where to start, his advice

is simple: "Start with you."

About Ryan Abramson

Ryan Abramson is a communications expert, public speaker, and the principal of Oakridge Leaders, based in Langhorne, Pennsylvania. With over two decades of experience in education, marketing, and strategic storytelling, Ryan Abramson has helped hundreds of students craft compelling narratives for college admissions and beyond. He is a frequent speaker on authenticity, leadership, and communication, and he is passionate about helping individuals find their voice and tell their story.