Which Common App Essay Style Is Right for You? A Breakdown of Montage and Narrative Approaches

When it comes to writing the main Common App personal statement, high school students often get stuck on one big question: How do I tell my story? There’s no one right way to do it, but two proven structures help bring clarity, depth, and impact to your writing: the montage essay and the narrative essay. Understanding the difference can help you decide which approach will let your voice shine.

1. The Montage Essay: A Thematic Collage

A montage essay is built around a central theme or idea, not a chronological story. It’s a collection of short scenes, moments, or topics that connect back to one unifying concept. Think of it like a highlight reel or a mosaic. The power of the montage comes from showing different angles of who you are, tied together by something meaningful.

Example: A student writes an essay around the theme of "bridging gaps." She starts with translating for her parents at medical appointments, moves to leading a coding club that helped non-tech students build websites, and ends with how she helped mediate arguments between friends. Each scene is different, but they all support the idea that she’s a connector—someone who builds understanding across divides.

Montage essays work well for students who want to show breadth: multiple interests, strengths, or identities that don’t necessarily fit into one story but are deeply connected by a common thread.

2. The Narrative Essay: A Single, Compelling Story

A narrative essay, on the other hand, tells one cohesive story, usually following a clear beginning, middle, and end. It often zooms in on a specific moment or challenge and shows personal growth, change, or realization. This format is powerful when you have a life experience that shaped your identity.

Example: A student writes about training for her first marathon. The story follows her through early struggles with self-doubt, learning discipline and time management, and finally crossing the finish line. Through this lens, the essay reveals her resilience, values, and approach to adversity.

Narrative essays are a great fit if you have a defining experience or story that reveals something essential about you and allows you to reflect meaningfully.

Which Should You Choose?

There’s no “better” option—it depends on what story you want to tell and how you want to say to it. If your identity or values are best revealed through a theme that ties together different life experiences, go with a montage. If one pivotal moment shaped your worldview or character, a narrative might be the stronger choice.

Either way, your goal is the same: give the reader insight into who you are, beyond your grades and test scores. Choose the format that helps you do that with the most authenticity and impact. Having trouble deciding? Explore Resume All Day’s college essay coaching services.

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