Can Humor Make Your College Essay a Winner?
College admission essays are crucial for the whole application process, and a lot of students feel tremendous pressure to make their essays stand out from the crowd.
Admissions officers say that – even though personal statements detailing difficult journeys toward personal growth are a mainstay for a lot of students – it’s okay to have some fun with the essays. In fact, entertaining, humorous essays may stand out far better than stories of trauma and pain.
So, how do you use humor effectively without making your essay sound forced or unprofessional? Here are some tips:
Know Your Audience: They’re Admissions Officers, Not Comedians
Remember, your essay will be read by adults – likely professors, administrators, or counselors – who are evaluating your readiness for college. While these readers appreciate a good sense of humor, they’re not looking for stand-up comedy. Avoid humor that’s too edgy, inappropriate, or that risks offending anyone.
A better approach is to aim for subtle, clever humor that adds personality without overshadowing your core message. For example, self-deprecating humor, light exaggeration, or witty observations about your experiences can make your essay more relatable and fun to read.
- Example: “My first attempt at artistic expression was memorable – not for my skill, but for the fact that I somehow managed to cover all my bedroom walls in marker before someone stopped me.”
This type of humor shows personality without crossing any boundaries or being offensive. From there, you can start talking about your artistic journey and what drives you.
Use Humor to Make a Candid Point About Yourself
Sometimes, humor can help you make a statement about your personality, interests or how you see the world. A well-placed piece of wit can make you – and your story – feel more grounded and approachable. It can also create a “plot twist” that shows the differences between expectations and reality and serve as a launching point for you to talk about what you’ve learned.
- Example: “When I joined the Robotics Club, I thought I’d have a robot capable of taking the prize in “Robot Wars” by the end of a month. The reality was that I spent most of my time sorting tiny screws and reattaching loose wires. By the end of a year, I learned that patience is the most important part of engineering.”
This approach adds a subtle element of humor that allows you to highlight your personal growth as a student, a scientist, an engineer or a human.
Final Thoughts About Using Humor Wisely in Admissions Essays
It’s also important to remember that humor is subjective, so make sure that you get plenty of feedback on your essay from others. What you find funny may not land the same way for someone else. Humor can add authenticity to your voice if you’re naturally witty – but it may fall flat if you’re not, so don’t force it.
Ultimately, you never want humor to distract from the main message of your piece. You’re aiming for a balance of lightheartedness and depth in a way that showcases your personality while still letting the admissions committee know who you are.