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How to approach the 'Reflect on an idea or experience' Stanford essay?

Hey everyone! I'm working on my Stanford application and need some advice on how to approach the 'reflect on an idea or experience' prompt. Have any of you tackled this essay before? What's the best way to choose a unique idea or experience while showcasing my character and interests?

a year ago

Hi there! The 'Reflect on an idea or experience' Stanford essay gives you a great opportunity to showcase your intellectual curiosity and personal growth. To create an essay that stands out, consider the following tips:

1. Choose a topic that genuinely fascinates you: Pick an idea or experience that has had a significant impact on your life or thought process. Instead of trying to guess what the admissions officers want to read, focus on what truly interests or excites you. This will make your essay more authentic and engaging.

2. Be specific and detailed: Try to zoom in on a particular moment or experience that illustrates the idea you're discussing. Include vivid details and anecdotes to make your essay lively and memorable. This will also help give your essay a narrative structure that's easy for the reader to follow.

3. Reflect on the impact of the idea or experience: Discuss how the chosen idea or experience has influenced you, your values, and your perspectives. This is a chance to demonstrate your ability to think critically, analyze, and draw meaningful connections. You can also touch upon any subsequent actions or decisions you've made as a result of your reflections.

4. Connect your idea or experience to your interests and goals: This essay is an opportunity to showcase your passions and ambitions. Think about how the idea or experience relates to your academic or extracurricular interests and how it has shaped your aspirations for the future. This way, you're building a cohesive narrative that ties in with other parts of your application.

5. Edit and polish your essay: After writing your initial draft, make sure you revise and proofread your essay. Ensure that your essay flows well and clearly conveys your main points. Additionally, check for any grammatical errors or awkward phrasings.

For example, if you're passionate about environmental sustainability, you could write about an experience that opened your eyes to the impact of plastic waste. You might discuss a specific moment, such as participating in a beach cleanup, and how it inspired you to reflect on the broader consequences of our actions. Explain how this experience changed your perspective and led you to get involved in environmental activism, thereby showcasing your character and interests.

Remember, the goal is to show the admissions officers who you are and what you're passionate about. By following these tips and choosing a unique idea or experience that truly resonates with you, you'll create a memorable essay that helps you stand out in the admissions process. Good luck!

a year ago

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