Writing about High School Memories

Guys, I'm writing my personal essay for college apps and planning to write about high school experiences. But I'm not sure which ones are worth mentioning. Any thoughts on what aspects of high school will colleges find relatable or intriguing?

When selecting a high school experience to write about for your personal essay, look for something that resulted in personal growth or change. This could be an event, a personal project, an interaction with someone who influenced you, or even a specific class or lesson that had a profound impact on your perspective. It's crucial to select a topic that not only intrigues the admissions officers but also offers a unique snapshot of who you are as an individual.

While most students often choose to write about achievement milestones, wins, and leadership roles, it might be more effective to opt for a moment where you faced a challenge, made a mistake, or learned something valuable. This could be a failed experiment in your science class that piqued your curiosity, or a challenging book in your literature class that opened up new perspectives. Remember, the topic you choose should essentially showcase your individuality, curiosity, resilience, or leadership qualities — all factors highly valued by colleges.

Admissions officers read lots of essays about high school experiences, so they appreciate reading about unique experiences, like an unexpected friendship, a hobby you developed in high school, or a part-time job that taught you about responsibility. This will make your essay stand out from others that might be based on more common themes.

Lastly, don't forget the purpose of this essay - to give admissions officers a sense of who you are and what you’ll bring to their campus. So whatever experience you choose to write about, make sure it reflects your values, skills, and qualities that you believe will add value to the university community.