Related: and unique ways to think about your college essays. Create a preview. Map out what you are going to write by making a plan. The architects use a blue print. A web page is made up of code; Typically, college admission essays are words. Some colleges and programs require them to be shorter or longer, but in general, plan for your essay to be around this length. A college admissions essay does not necessarily follow the same essay structure that you use when writing essays for class. Writing a great college application essay doesn't have to be a daunting process. In this episode of College Admissions Insider, presented by Bucknell University, Brooke Thames and Bryan Wendell share proven tips to help students write a college application essay. Our guest is Bucknell associate Josh Wilkinson. A student must write a college application essay that sets them apart from other applicants. For example, writing about playing a specialized instrument or winning an Olympic medal can help students stand out from other applicants. It also demonstrates how your distinctive qualities will contribute to life on campus. 5.1. Be authentic. One of the most essential parts of how to format a college application essay is to be authentic. The college wants to know who you are and will read dozens of essays a day. The best way to bring out yours is to simply be yourself instead of focusing on what you think they want to hear.