Hey everyone, I’m getting a head start on my Common App essays and Prompt 2 is really tripping me up. I’m just not sure how to approach writing about an obstacle I’ve faced and how I’ve overcome it without sounding cliché. Have any of you tackled this prompt? What angles did you consider that felt truly personal and unique?
It's fantastic that you are beginning your essays early and giving thoughtful consideration to how you present your experiences. With Prompt 2, the key is to delve into the introspection and growth aspect rather than the obstacle itself. Everyone faces challenges, but what admissions officers are really interested in is what you've learned and how you've changed because of the experience.
For example, rather than focusing on the difficulty of an injury, you could explore how it taught you about the psychology of recovery and led you to form a support group for others. The most personal essays often focus on smaller incidents instead of more common 'large' life events. Small moments can reveal a lot about your character and worldview. Think about a conversation that changed your perspective, or a seemingly insignificant challenge that had a significant impact on how you approach problems. This can help you avoid clichés and make your essay stand out.
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