Now, conside let's several ideas before you decide what to write about.
With the Common App Personal Statement, consider several different options from the choices offered (a background story, a time when you experienced failure, a time when you challenged a belief, etc.), or you might have several ideas in one area (e.g., several background stories, several places where you are content.)
Here are two examples to help you get started:
Which Prompt? Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. (A background story)
Story Idea/Anchor Story: Teaching Ellie to swim.
Key Details: I worked with her all summer, she was scared, wouldn’t put her face in the water, last day she finally tried it. I didn’t feel frustrated, really wanted to help her. Pool was quiet that day, a little overcast, she was playful and trusted me.
What characteristics does this story illustrate? I am patient and diligent. This was the first time I felt like I taught someone something. I want to do that again, whether as a swim instructor or in other aspects of my life.
Which Prompt? The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? (a time I experienced failure)
Story Idea/Anchor Story: Robotics competition
Key Details: This year we almost won the State championship. Our coach always told us to focus on one important thing at a time. Under pressure, I remembered that advice and encouraged my teammates to follow it. We worked so well together. Even though we didn’t win, it was our best year yet.
What characteristics does this story illustrate? I know how to focus and lead others. I apply the lessons I learn.
Technically, you can write your essay about But remember these tips when selecting a topic.
TIP 1: You want to stand out!
Standing out means choosing a unique topic or one that will help showcase you in a different way than others. It's a good idea to avoid writing about certain topics:
Sports Injuries: Lessons learned from a soccer injury may not set you aside from other students. A lot of students endure an sports injury so it can be really tricky to stand out writing about this topic.
Grandparent Death: While you cherished your grandparent, many students have lost a grandparent that was special to them. Only write about this is you are showcasing something else ie., how your grandfather taught you woodworking skills and you helped make and sell custom furniture that you made with him. It's different because it's not about the loss, but about skills and experience gained.
Big Trip: While you might have learned something from a big trip, but you risk colleges seeing you as privledged.
Sports Wins: How you saved the day by scoring the winning goal in overtime doesn't highlight lessons learned or how you've grown from this experience.
Mental Health Issues: This should be recovered from any mental health condition and not in the midst of handling it so you can demonstrate how you overcame and grew from the experience. However, there is a risk. Doing so may send up red flags and colleges may wonder, “Will this student relapse while transitioning to college?” Schools are mindful of this because if you relapse and end up dropping out, the school loses money and it lowers their graduation rate. Why would they take this risk when there are other applicants that don’t have this concern? So, while it can be done, effectively communicating the proper tone and message can be tricky.
First Love: This is too personal and is TMI that colleges don't want to know!
Personal Confension: Just no. The college essay is not the place to share something illegal that you did or for you to make a grand declaration.
Open Step Brainstorming Ideas in the Essay Folder in the FILES tab in CounselMore and complete the exercise. You will need to have 4 essay ideas to discuss with me when we meet - whether you love them or not. Be as detailed as possible, but remember that these are just conversation starters and don’t need to be perfect.
Look back on the brainstorming exercises that you did in Step 2-1 and consider if you can use any othe those ideas.
We will discuss your ideas in your brainstorming meeting.
Check the “Done” box in CounselMore as you complete each task so I'll know you are finished and ready for me to review it.