Essay Help: Describing Myself

I'm currently in the process of writing my college essays and one of the prompts asks me to describe myself in a paragraph. I'm having a hard time summarizing who I am in just a few sentences. Would anyone be able to share examples or tips for writing this type of essay?

Responding to a prompt that asks to "describe yourself" can indeed seem daunting, because it's essentially asking to condense your life up until now in a couple of sentences. But fear not! There is a way to approach it that might make it a bit more manageable.

First, consider the audience: i.e., the college admissions officers. In this paragraph, they want to get to know you beyond what your grades and test scores can show. They want a glimpse into who you are, what you value, and what unique qualities you could bring to their campus.

So, start by identifying a few key aspects of your personality or experiences that you believe define who you are. This could be your love of helping others, your dedication to a particular hobby, or a defining experience you've had that has shaped you. Keep in mind that these should highlight positive aspects about you. I would suggest picking a theme, because it can provide a thread of coherence to your description. For example, if your defining feature is your resilience, then weave all the facts you give about yourself around this theme.

For example, you might write:

"Being the first trombonist in our school band, I am known for my ability to keep my tempo unwavered. That might be surprising to some given that I triple major in school and juggle tutoring on Saturdays, but I am a person who thrives in staying busy and achieving goals. This same unwavering tempo, characterized by resilience, is seen in my approach towards solving problems. Whether it is resolving a complex mathematical equation or supporting a friend facing a difficult situation, I bring the same tenacity."

Remember, be genuine and stay true to yourself. It might feel uncomfortable to seemingly "brag" about your achievements or qualities, but this is exactly the place to do it. Do your best to strike a balance between confidence and arrogance, boasting about your accomplishments while remaining humble.