The Power of Personal Reflection in College Essays
Embracing the Profound in Everyday Experiences
Most seventeen-year-olds can’t boast of climbing Mount Everest, conducting groundbreaking scientific research, or conquering enormous obstacles. It seems like having these experiences would make writing college essays easier. And it might make it easier to choose a topic - but it wouldn’t necessarily make the essay better.
The stories that connect people to one another, and resonate with readers (including admissions officers) aren’t always the big, adventure-focused topics. Instead, readers connect to stories that explore the universal human experience hidden in the fabric of everyday life.
In essay topics—like gifts, and puppies—good things often come in small packages.
The Essence of Simplicity
When you’re thinking of writing a personal statement, it is natural to want to create something impressive - a thrilling ride that will capture the attention of readers. However, the truth is that even a simple moment can lead to profound insight. Perhaps it is a life lesson gained from a setback or a strategy you’ve developed through a particular activity. Or maybe you have an interest (in an extracurricular, hobby, or project) outside of school that really meant something to you.
The thing that captures a reader isn’t a spectacular achievement; in fact, it’s often the opposite. What resonates with a reader is when they can relate to the story being told. Something about the story should ring true: which is why we recommend not using generative AI like ChatGPT to write your admissions essays.
Read more: ChatGPT and the College Essay
Expanding on Personal Experiences:
Instead of relying on extraordinary anecdotes, a successful college essay emphasizes the significance of introspection and self-discovery. Even the smallest experience can reveal the most profound insights when viewed through the right lens. The ability to recognize those insights and relate them to a reader is one of the highlights of a college admissions essay.
A compelling narrative might cover a community service project, focusing on the importance of gaining a new perspective or being exposed to different ideas. Or, it could highlight the intricate process of honing a skill (for example in sports, art, or music) and the personal growth or learning achieved along the way.
Contextualizing Passion:
Passions, in their purest form, transcend the activity itself. A passion is a catalyst for personal growth and can drive an individual’s understanding of themselves and the world around them. By exploring the broader impact of our passions, we can shed light on the values and aspirations that drive us.
For instance, an essay discussing the love for music may not solely focus on technical proficiency but also emphasize how this pursuit fosters self-reflection, emotional well-being, and empathy. Such reflections can provide readers a glimpse into our character and reveal the depth of our experiences - and create meaningful connections that resonate with college admissions teams.
The power of a well-written college essay does not depend on the adventure described in an individual activity. Instead, it often lies in embracing the profound within everyday experiences. Recognizing that no story is too small when accompanied by authentic reflection and growth helps writers to craft compelling narratives.
The essence of a personal journey is not in the extraordinary but in the simple moments that shape our character, values, and aspirations. Ultimately, through introspection and genuine storytelling, we can transcend the expectations of college essays and create narratives that resonate with admissions officers.
