Hey everyone! I'm having trouble starting my personal essay for college applications. How do you guys approach writing about yourselves in a way that stands out to admissions officers? I feel like my life has been pretty average, and I'm not sure what angle to take.
Hello! It's normal to feel a bit stuck when beginning your personal essay. The key is to focus on finding unique aspects of your life or experiences that will showcase your personality, values, and growth. Reflect on moments or experiences that had a significant impact on your life, or aspects of your identity you feel are important. Choose experiences that other applicants likely won't have, even if they seem small or mundane.
To get started, write down a list of experiences, interests, or stories that truly represent you or have shaped you into the person you are today. These don't have to be massive accomplishments or life-changing events - sometimes, the most compelling essays come from seemingly simple moments or experiences. Consider the lessons you've learned, challenges you've overcome, or personal growth that took place as a result of those experiences.
For example, if you have a unique hobby or talent, such as knitting or playing an uncommon musical instrument like the accordion, you might delve into how this has influenced your life or developed your problem-solving skills. Alternatively, if you volunteer at an animal shelter and had a moment or encounter that changed your perspective, explain how this inspired you and changed your values.
Once you've chosen an experience or aspect that is unique to you, write your essay in a way that effectively tells a story, putting the admissions officer in your shoes and engaging them in your journey. Remember that authenticity and sincerity are crucial, so don't be afraid to let your own voice shine through.
Finally, don't forget to revise and refine your essay multiple times. It's important that your essay is polished and well-structured so that the admissions officers can focus on your story rather than on any grammatical errors or inconsistencies. If you want help refining your essay, consider utilizing CollegeVine's Free Peer Essay Review Tool, or submitting your essay for a paid review by an expert college admissions advisor through CollegeVine's marketplace.
If you want more specific guidance, you can also check out CollegeVine's breakdown of how to tackle the Common App essay, which includes strong examples that can hopefully give you a clearer sense of the tone and overall vibe you should be aiming for: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-common-application-essays/.
Good luck with your essay! Remember, a seemingly average life can still provide unique and memorable experiences for a personal essay.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.