Viral Doesn't Mean Valuable: Should You Trust College Essay Advice on Social Media?
"This is my college essay that got me into _______ University!"
"Top five tips for writing your college essay!"
"I wrote your college essay hook so you don't have to."
"Annotating all the essays that got me into college last year."
If you're applying to college this year and spend any time on Instagram, TikTok, Reddit, or YouTube, you've probably seen videos like these all over your feed. Whether it's coming from a current college student, a parent of a recent college admit, or an "armchair" expert, you're constantly being flooded with new information about the college essay process. It's easy to see why these videos are popular. Writing college essays can feel overwhelming, and students naturally want tips that make the process easier. But what advice should you take? Who is a credible source to turn to?
Here are some questions to ask yourself before taking essay writing advice from the internet:
Who is giving this advice?
Not all advice is created equal. Before you follow a recommendation, consider where it is coming from and why the person is qualified to give it. The strongest advice typically comes from admissions professionals, experienced counselors, or reputable organizations that can share firsthand knowledge rather than simply repeat advice they have heard elsewhere.
Take social media posts with viral hooks like, "These are the essays that got me into ____ University" or "Topics Admission Officers Want to See" with a healthy dose of skepticism. Short-form content is designed to grab attention, not necessarily provide accurate or nuanced guidance.
Is the advice supported by evidence?
Good advice should be backed by more than personal opinion or a single success story. A reliable source should reference admissions practices, institutional guidance, or patterns observed across many applications, not just one. An expert should be able to explain why a particular strategy is effective and provide thoughtful reasoning, not simply hand out a list of "must-follow" rules.
Be wary of advice based solely on examples of students who were admitted to highly selective colleges. A student's admission decisions are influenced by grades, course rigor, extracurricular involvement, recommendations, institutional priorities, and many other factors beyond their essay. Just because an essay "worked" for one applicant does not mean it will work for everyone.
Can I verify this information elsewhere?
Before accepting advice as fact, see if it holds up when compared with other credible sources. Do multiple reputable counselors, admissions professionals, or college websites support the same recommendation? Can you find official guidance from colleges that aligns with the advice? Cross-checking information can help you separate best practices from myths; if a piece of advice cannot be verified by trusted sources, it may not be worth following.
Does the advice encourage clear thinking or shortcuts?
A lot of online essay advice focuses on hacks, formulas, and shortcuts that promise to make the process easier. The best college essays aren't built from viral formulas. They're built from self-reflection, authenticity, and strong writing.
Seek out advice that helps you reflect on your experiences and communicate your values, interests, and growth, and that pushes you toward authentic storytelling. Avoid advice that encourages you to rely on buzzwords or a specific essay structure that supposedly guarantees success. Admissions officers are far more interested in hearing your genuine voice than reading another essay built from a formula found online.
Remember: The goal is not to write the essay that got someone else into college. The goal is to write the essay that best represents you.
