Can you use a collection of short stories for your college essay?
The short answer: Yes. But it’s an advanced, high-risk strategy known as a “montage essay.” Done right, it's brilliant. Done wrong, it’s confusing.
This guide breaks down the two key parts of the strategy:
- Part 1: How to write a montage for your main essay.
- Part 2: The safer, smarter places for your creative writing.
Q: What is a "collection of stories" essay?
A: For your main Common App essay, this means a "montage." You connect several short, distinct moments from your life to explore a central theme.
- Think of it like a movie montage. Each brief scene is different, but together they reveal a core idea, like your resilience or curiosity.
- This is NOT a place for purely fictional, unrelated stories. Every anecdote must be personal and serve your main theme.
Q: What is the absolute "Golden Rule"?
A: Your montage MUST have a strong, crystal-clear unifying theme. Without it, the essay will feel random and confusing to an admissions officer skimming it in three minutes.
- Weak Theme: "Different things I'm passionate about."
- Strong Theme: "A collection of small moments that reveal my identity as a bridge-builder between conflicting ideas."
Q: What are the biggest risks of this format?
A: A weak montage is one of the easiest essays to dismiss. The risks are very real.
- Lack of Cohesion: The reader gets lost and can't find the point.
- Lack of Depth: You spend so much time scene-setting that you forget the personal reflection.
- Failing to Answer the Prompt: It can feel more like a creative writing exercise than a moment of genuine self-reflection.
Q: So, when should I actually use a montage?
A: Choose this format ONLY if you feel one single story cannot possibly capture a core, multifaceted part of your identity.
- It works if a trait like "problem-solving" is best proven through diverse examples: fixing a bike, mediating a family argument, and debugging code.
- If one powerful event truly changed you, stick to a traditional narrative. It's often safer and more impactful.
<>
Smarter Places for Your Creative Writing
While the montage format is risky for a main essay, your stories can be a powerful asset elsewhere. Here are the best places to showcase your talent.
Q: The Smarter Alternative: Supplements
A: School-specific supplemental essays are often a perfect place for a mini-montage or a creative story.
- For a "Why Us?" essay, each "story" can be a different, specific reason you are a fit for that school's unique programs or culture.
- For prompts about community or identity, a short, powerful story can be more effective than a direct statement.
Q: The Perfect Fit: Arts & Writing Portfolios
A: If you're applying to a creative writing program or an arts-focused school, this is the ideal venue. Here, your writing skill is the main point.
- Check if the school accepts a portfolio via Slideroom or their own portal.
- This is where you can submit a collection of your best work—including actual short stories—without needing a unifying personal theme.
Q: The Strategic Hack: The "Additional Info" Section
A: The Common App's "Additional Information" section is an underused but powerful tool for showcasing a unique talent.
- You can use this space to link to an online portfolio or briefly mention a prestigious writing award you won for a short story.
- This allows you to signal your creative talent without sacrificing the focus of your main personal statement.
Q: The Final Verdict: Your Quick Guide
A: Use this simple logic to make the right choice.
- Main Essay: Is your collection of stories a personal montage with ONE unifying theme about your character? If not, don't use it here.
- Supplements & Portfolios: Is your collection of stories meant to showcase your pure creative writing skill? This is the perfect place for it.
<>
The Takeaway: Strategy is Everything
Using a collection of stories is a strategic choice. Whether in a complex montage for your main essay or a creative supplement, the goal is to reveal your unique voice. When you're ready to ensure your writing is cohesive and powerful, a professional college essay editor can help make it unforgettable.
