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Zae'onna
Student
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Questions
Updated
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When writing an college essay what exactly am I supposed to say?
What specifically am I supposed to talk about? And how soon am I supposed to write this essay?
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10 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Zae'onna !
These are very good questions as you start to explore applying for colleges !
As for "how soon" you're supposed to write the essay, that will be at the time you prepare your application for a college. If they ask for an essay, it's usually part of the application documentation. So the essay would be sent with the completed application before the particular deadline to apply to a particular college. The application or a separate page will have application instructions for you to follow.
Keep in mind that it's not a "college essay", it's an application essay as part of the college admissions application. You won't know the theme or question until you read the information. These questions or topics are most usually about you. You know yourself better than anyone else, so this should be easy for you as far as content goes. Here are some example topics that colleges ask for the application essay, but not necessarily the ones you'll write. Just for example: "Describe a facet of yourself, background or story that is essential to who you are." "Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it." "What interests you or is your favorite subject ? How does it shape who you are now or who you might become in the future ?" "Describe a time when you had a positive impact on others. What were the challenges? What were the rewards?" "Has there been a time when an idea or belief of yours was questioned? How did you respond? What did you learn ?" "What success have you achieved or obstacle have you faced? What advice would you give a sibling or friend going through a similar experience ?" "Write an essay on a topic of your choice." "Discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved."
So now that you are familiar with the basic theme (which is you, you write about yourself) maybe it's a bit more clear as to "what" you write. It's based upon your own actual life experience. If you are not used to writing or if it's not your best subject, just write a rough draft, double spaced and print it out. Bring the rough draft to a few people, parents and any adult who can help you edit the essay. It should have correct punctuation, spelling and sentence structure. Don't try to use vocabulary that you do not ordinarily use. The people that look over your rough draft can make marks where changes need to be. Spelling is crucial - always use Spell Check or an online dictionary.
I always advise students that if they have to write about a hardship and how they overcame it, to make it an upbeat essay from the start. There's a way to keep things confident and appealing and not make it a sob story even if what you're writing about was a huge challenge. I also wouldn't write anything about your personal information such as family, health, etc. You can address the questions in the context of any employment, volunteer work or experience at high school. I just think it keeps it in an academic and achievement perspective if you don't reveal too much personal information that people do not need to know.
So even though no one can tell you exactly what you'd be writing, keep in mind that your writing proficiency will be taken into consideration, have a few adults edit your rough first draft and reflect on your life experiences a while before deciding what to write. The Essay is just part of the application and only one thing colleges consider. Your high school GPA, transcripts, involvement in extracurriculars or volunteer work, and SAT scores will mean a lot, but try to offer a polished essay for the complete package.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
These are very good questions as you start to explore applying for colleges !
As for "how soon" you're supposed to write the essay, that will be at the time you prepare your application for a college. If they ask for an essay, it's usually part of the application documentation. So the essay would be sent with the completed application before the particular deadline to apply to a particular college. The application or a separate page will have application instructions for you to follow.
Keep in mind that it's not a "college essay", it's an application essay as part of the college admissions application. You won't know the theme or question until you read the information. These questions or topics are most usually about you. You know yourself better than anyone else, so this should be easy for you as far as content goes. Here are some example topics that colleges ask for the application essay, but not necessarily the ones you'll write. Just for example: "Describe a facet of yourself, background or story that is essential to who you are." "Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it." "What interests you or is your favorite subject ? How does it shape who you are now or who you might become in the future ?" "Describe a time when you had a positive impact on others. What were the challenges? What were the rewards?" "Has there been a time when an idea or belief of yours was questioned? How did you respond? What did you learn ?" "What success have you achieved or obstacle have you faced? What advice would you give a sibling or friend going through a similar experience ?" "Write an essay on a topic of your choice." "Discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved."
So now that you are familiar with the basic theme (which is you, you write about yourself) maybe it's a bit more clear as to "what" you write. It's based upon your own actual life experience. If you are not used to writing or if it's not your best subject, just write a rough draft, double spaced and print it out. Bring the rough draft to a few people, parents and any adult who can help you edit the essay. It should have correct punctuation, spelling and sentence structure. Don't try to use vocabulary that you do not ordinarily use. The people that look over your rough draft can make marks where changes need to be. Spelling is crucial - always use Spell Check or an online dictionary.
I always advise students that if they have to write about a hardship and how they overcame it, to make it an upbeat essay from the start. There's a way to keep things confident and appealing and not make it a sob story even if what you're writing about was a huge challenge. I also wouldn't write anything about your personal information such as family, health, etc. You can address the questions in the context of any employment, volunteer work or experience at high school. I just think it keeps it in an academic and achievement perspective if you don't reveal too much personal information that people do not need to know.
So even though no one can tell you exactly what you'd be writing, keep in mind that your writing proficiency will be taken into consideration, have a few adults edit your rough first draft and reflect on your life experiences a while before deciding what to write. The Essay is just part of the application and only one thing colleges consider. Your high school GPA, transcripts, involvement in extracurriculars or volunteer work, and SAT scores will mean a lot, but try to offer a polished essay for the complete package.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1942
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Zae'onna strive to write a compelling college essay, focusing on authenticity and and tell a story that showcases your unique perspective.
WRITE SOMETHING REAL
Admissions officers are looking for students who are genuine and true to themselves. This means that your college application essay should sound like you. Write as if you’re talking to a trusted friend or mentor, and avoid trying to impress with overly complicated words or grandiose statements. Authenticity is crucial—it’s what allows your personality to shine through. Admissions officers sift through thousands of college essays, so choosing a story that captures your unique perspective is crucial. Go beyond listing achievements; explore what drives and defines them. The most compelling stories often stem from personal challenges or experiences that ignited transformation. If you’re not sure where to start, you could try doing a simple personal details brainstorm or doing a personal values exercise. For example, one of the most memorable personal essay topics could be a setback or failure that helped you understand what it truly means to succeed. If you faced a personal or academic challenge, explore how it forced you to rethink your priorities, discover new strengths, or develop resilience. These types of essays give admissions officers a deeper look into your character and perseverance.
CONCLUSION
Imagine you’re a college essay reader at an upstanding academic institution and it is your job to read dozens of essays a day, every day, for weeks on end. Ninety percent of the essays that pass your desk are stone-cold boring, and maybe ten percent break through the fuzz and force you to pay attention. As an applicant, you want your essay to shine a bright light in the face of that oft-bored reader. No matter what your subject, serious, uplifting, sentimental or pithy, your essay should aim to entertain. This will require many elements working together in harmony. You will need a compelling subject, a direct and powerful narrative, impeccable grammar and a memorable style. A little laughter never hurts either.
Hope this was helpful Zae'onna
WRITE SOMETHING REAL
Admissions officers are looking for students who are genuine and true to themselves. This means that your college application essay should sound like you. Write as if you’re talking to a trusted friend or mentor, and avoid trying to impress with overly complicated words or grandiose statements. Authenticity is crucial—it’s what allows your personality to shine through. Admissions officers sift through thousands of college essays, so choosing a story that captures your unique perspective is crucial. Go beyond listing achievements; explore what drives and defines them. The most compelling stories often stem from personal challenges or experiences that ignited transformation. If you’re not sure where to start, you could try doing a simple personal details brainstorm or doing a personal values exercise. For example, one of the most memorable personal essay topics could be a setback or failure that helped you understand what it truly means to succeed. If you faced a personal or academic challenge, explore how it forced you to rethink your priorities, discover new strengths, or develop resilience. These types of essays give admissions officers a deeper look into your character and perseverance.
CONCLUSION
Imagine you’re a college essay reader at an upstanding academic institution and it is your job to read dozens of essays a day, every day, for weeks on end. Ninety percent of the essays that pass your desk are stone-cold boring, and maybe ten percent break through the fuzz and force you to pay attention. As an applicant, you want your essay to shine a bright light in the face of that oft-bored reader. No matter what your subject, serious, uplifting, sentimental or pithy, your essay should aim to entertain. This will require many elements working together in harmony. You will need a compelling subject, a direct and powerful narrative, impeccable grammar and a memorable style. A little laughter never hurts either.
Hope this was helpful Zae'onna
Melanie Anderson
Associate Director
58
Answers
Elmont, New York
Updated
Melanie’s Answer
Hello Zae'onna!
This is such a GREAT question. I think that sometimes people can see the essay portion of the application as a punishment because they don't know exactly what it is being used for and how important it really is. Your essay can be what propels you into the college or university of your dreams . It is your chance to show the admissions committee that you are more than grades and test scores and that they need you in their school to make it a better place. Please start with recognizing that your essay is a personal statement that lets you share how you think and what you value. These institutions are looking to hear your unique and special voice as well as your strong writing skills. If you can put this into a captivating story than kudos to you. If that is not in your wheel house, no worries because the main idea is that they get a chance to learn who you are. Here are a few things to consider when you are writing your essay:
1. Make sure you highlight your integrity. It is important for everyone and anyone to know that you are honest and truthful. Don't just say it, but provide examples.
2. Try to tell a story about who you are and what you care about. I always say to include juicy details.
3. Make it sound like you! I can't tell you enough how special you are, so let that shine through.
4. Offer not just your experiences but also what you learned and how you grew from it.
5. Of course you should double and triple check your work for clarity, grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, spelling and readability. If you have a teacher who would be willing to read through it, use them as a resource.
6. Make sure you give yourself enough time to make it the best that it can be. Don't put it off until it is too late. Gather ideas early and make an outline.
Please remember the goal is to create a memorable and authentic piece of writing that helps the admissions committee see the wonderful and amazing person behind the application. Put your best foot forward and you will take a BIG step into your dreams!
Melanie
This is such a GREAT question. I think that sometimes people can see the essay portion of the application as a punishment because they don't know exactly what it is being used for and how important it really is. Your essay can be what propels you into the college or university of your dreams . It is your chance to show the admissions committee that you are more than grades and test scores and that they need you in their school to make it a better place. Please start with recognizing that your essay is a personal statement that lets you share how you think and what you value. These institutions are looking to hear your unique and special voice as well as your strong writing skills. If you can put this into a captivating story than kudos to you. If that is not in your wheel house, no worries because the main idea is that they get a chance to learn who you are. Here are a few things to consider when you are writing your essay:
1. Make sure you highlight your integrity. It is important for everyone and anyone to know that you are honest and truthful. Don't just say it, but provide examples.
2. Try to tell a story about who you are and what you care about. I always say to include juicy details.
3. Make it sound like you! I can't tell you enough how special you are, so let that shine through.
4. Offer not just your experiences but also what you learned and how you grew from it.
5. Of course you should double and triple check your work for clarity, grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, spelling and readability. If you have a teacher who would be willing to read through it, use them as a resource.
6. Make sure you give yourself enough time to make it the best that it can be. Don't put it off until it is too late. Gather ideas early and make an outline.
Please remember the goal is to create a memorable and authentic piece of writing that helps the admissions committee see the wonderful and amazing person behind the application. Put your best foot forward and you will take a BIG step into your dreams!
Melanie
Thanks for the help.
Zae'onna
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hello Zae'onna ! When writing a college essay, your goal is to reveal who you are beyond grades and test scores. Admissions officers want to understand your personality, values, experiences, and how you think. You're supposed to tell a story that shows your growth, challenges you've overcome, what you care about, or what drives you.
Specifically, you should talk about something meaningful from your life, like a failure that taught you a lesson, a family tradition that shaped your views, a skill you've developed, or even a small moment that changed how you think. The story doesn't need to be dramatic or big. It just needs to be real and personal. Focus on what the experience says about you, not on trying to impress the reader. What matters most is what your story shows about who you are.
You should try to start your essay in the summer before your final year of high school, or as early as you can. Great essays usually take a few drafts to get right, and it's hard to do that well if you're rushing. Starting early gives you time to plan, write, get feedback, and make changes. This helps you feel more confident in your final version. All the best!
Specifically, you should talk about something meaningful from your life, like a failure that taught you a lesson, a family tradition that shaped your views, a skill you've developed, or even a small moment that changed how you think. The story doesn't need to be dramatic or big. It just needs to be real and personal. Focus on what the experience says about you, not on trying to impress the reader. What matters most is what your story shows about who you are.
You should try to start your essay in the summer before your final year of high school, or as early as you can. Great essays usually take a few drafts to get right, and it's hard to do that well if you're rushing. Starting early gives you time to plan, write, get feedback, and make changes. This helps you feel more confident in your final version. All the best!
Adeola Raji
Academic Research/Consultation
11
Answers
Ede, Osun, Nigeria
Updated
Adeola’s Answer
Great question, Zae’onna! A college essay isn’t about having the “perfect” topic it’s about showing who you are beyond grades and test scores. Admissions officers want to get a sense of your personality, values, and what matters to you. The best essays usually tell a story something personal that shaped you, challenged you, or taught you a lesson.
You don’t have to write about something huge like curing cancer or starting a company. Even small moments (helping a family member, overcoming a fear, learning something the hard way) can show resilience, curiosity, or growth. Ask yourself: What’s a story only I can tell?
Here are some questions that might spark ideas for your college essay:
Personal Growth: What’s a challenge you’ve faced (big or small) that changed the way you see yourself or the world?
Passion/Interest: Is there something you love doing so much that you lose track of time? How did you discover it?
Identity/Values: What part of your background, family, or culture has shaped who you are today?
Moments of Impact: Was there a moment when you helped someone, or someone helped you, that really stuck with you?
Turning Point: Is there an experience where you failed, struggled, or made a mistake—but grew stronger or learned from it?
Unique Perspective: What’s something about you that most people don’t know, but explains a lot about who you are?
Looking Forward: What excites you about the future, and how do your experiences so far connect to that?
So: write your story, be authentic, and don’t be afraid to let your voice come through. Colleges want the real you!
You don’t have to write about something huge like curing cancer or starting a company. Even small moments (helping a family member, overcoming a fear, learning something the hard way) can show resilience, curiosity, or growth. Ask yourself: What’s a story only I can tell?
Here are some questions that might spark ideas for your college essay:
Personal Growth: What’s a challenge you’ve faced (big or small) that changed the way you see yourself or the world?
Passion/Interest: Is there something you love doing so much that you lose track of time? How did you discover it?
Identity/Values: What part of your background, family, or culture has shaped who you are today?
Moments of Impact: Was there a moment when you helped someone, or someone helped you, that really stuck with you?
Turning Point: Is there an experience where you failed, struggled, or made a mistake—but grew stronger or learned from it?
Unique Perspective: What’s something about you that most people don’t know, but explains a lot about who you are?
Looking Forward: What excites you about the future, and how do your experiences so far connect to that?
So: write your story, be authentic, and don’t be afraid to let your voice come through. Colleges want the real you!
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Zae'onna
Terez Little
Strategic Communication
5
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Terez’s Answer
Hello. When writing a college essay, ahead of deciding on a topic, ensure the college doesn’t have specific guidelines or questions they may want you to focus on. If they do not, you have an opportunity to write at your leisure, but remember to make sure of a few things…
1. Grab the readers attention.
When you are crafting an essay for a body of people that are reading hundreds of essays, you want to try your best to make yours stand out and keep the attention of the reader. Your first few sentences and paragraphs will make the difference in this. This is not to say they will not read your essay, but you want to at best try to keep their interest.
2. The Topic
If there are no specific topics, you have many options to choose from. You can write about an interesting experience you had that may have impacted your community, you can write about future career ambitions you have and indicate how your education from the University will assist with it. Depending on your area of study, you can be creative and write a short story that displays your ability to write and captivate audiences.
3. Length
Consider the amount of essays the school will receive when you are crafting your work. There are hundreds if not thousands of essays the Universities have to read through. Review the schools FAQ to see what the average is, but 2 pages, double spaced is a start. Remember the quality is more impactful than the quantity at times.
4. Review Process
Proofread your paper aloud to yourself to catch any initial grammatical errors. Then, ask someone to review it for grammar and interest with some recommendations. Limit the use of AI as the intent is for the school to get to know your writing abilities as well as who you are.
1. Grab the readers attention.
When you are crafting an essay for a body of people that are reading hundreds of essays, you want to try your best to make yours stand out and keep the attention of the reader. Your first few sentences and paragraphs will make the difference in this. This is not to say they will not read your essay, but you want to at best try to keep their interest.
2. The Topic
If there are no specific topics, you have many options to choose from. You can write about an interesting experience you had that may have impacted your community, you can write about future career ambitions you have and indicate how your education from the University will assist with it. Depending on your area of study, you can be creative and write a short story that displays your ability to write and captivate audiences.
3. Length
Consider the amount of essays the school will receive when you are crafting your work. There are hundreds if not thousands of essays the Universities have to read through. Review the schools FAQ to see what the average is, but 2 pages, double spaced is a start. Remember the quality is more impactful than the quantity at times.
4. Review Process
Proofread your paper aloud to yourself to catch any initial grammatical errors. Then, ask someone to review it for grammar and interest with some recommendations. Limit the use of AI as the intent is for the school to get to know your writing abilities as well as who you are.
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Zae'onna
Jackson Lagerwey
Consulting
32
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jackson’s Answer
Hi Zae'onna,
I think there are a few things to consider when writing your college essay. Here are some things that come to my mind and things that I considered when approaching mine:
1. Ensure you write a story that feels unique and authentic to yourself. One of the most important parts about writing a college essay is choosing a story or idea to write about, and I think its important to choose one that shows how you really stand out as an individual and one that can easily be differentiated from the rest of the essays that the admissions people are reading. Try to brainstorm a bunch of ideas and see which ones can really represent who you are as a person.
2. General formula to follow: Hook → Challenge/Opportunity → Growth/Reflection → Looking Ahead.
I think that in general, try to follow this formula and setup for your essay. This demonstrates a progression to the admissions office and gives them insight into how you deal with obstacles and how you have grown through them. The really important component here is the growth/reflection stage as that shows how you were able to reflect on this experience and really absorb/learn from it.
3. Show, don’t just tell:
Instead of simply stating qualities like “I’m hardworking” or “I care about others,” bring those traits to life through a vivid story or example. Admissions readers will remember a small, detailed moment that illustrates who you are much more than a list of adjectives. It is also a lot more engaging to read a story that depicts details very well instead of, again, just reading a list of adjectives.
4. Use your own (authentic) voice:
It can be tempting to write what you think colleges want to hear, but the most powerful essays sound like the real student. Don’t worry about using “fancy” words or being overly formal. Write the way you would naturally speak if you were telling a thoughtful story to someone you respect.
Also, do your essays early! This gives you more time to refine and edit your essays and to really think about what you are trying to communicate to the reader. Try to stay organized with all of this as applying to multiple colleges means you will probably need to have a bunch of essays written, edited, and perfected before you send them out.
Hope this helps!
I think there are a few things to consider when writing your college essay. Here are some things that come to my mind and things that I considered when approaching mine:
1. Ensure you write a story that feels unique and authentic to yourself. One of the most important parts about writing a college essay is choosing a story or idea to write about, and I think its important to choose one that shows how you really stand out as an individual and one that can easily be differentiated from the rest of the essays that the admissions people are reading. Try to brainstorm a bunch of ideas and see which ones can really represent who you are as a person.
2. General formula to follow: Hook → Challenge/Opportunity → Growth/Reflection → Looking Ahead.
I think that in general, try to follow this formula and setup for your essay. This demonstrates a progression to the admissions office and gives them insight into how you deal with obstacles and how you have grown through them. The really important component here is the growth/reflection stage as that shows how you were able to reflect on this experience and really absorb/learn from it.
3. Show, don’t just tell:
Instead of simply stating qualities like “I’m hardworking” or “I care about others,” bring those traits to life through a vivid story or example. Admissions readers will remember a small, detailed moment that illustrates who you are much more than a list of adjectives. It is also a lot more engaging to read a story that depicts details very well instead of, again, just reading a list of adjectives.
4. Use your own (authentic) voice:
It can be tempting to write what you think colleges want to hear, but the most powerful essays sound like the real student. Don’t worry about using “fancy” words or being overly formal. Write the way you would naturally speak if you were telling a thoughtful story to someone you respect.
Also, do your essays early! This gives you more time to refine and edit your essays and to really think about what you are trying to communicate to the reader. Try to stay organized with all of this as applying to multiple colleges means you will probably need to have a bunch of essays written, edited, and perfected before you send them out.
Hope this helps!
I appreciate your support, Jackson
Zae'onna
Karthick Natarajan
Postdoctoral Researcher at NYU Langone Health
33
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Karthick’s Answer
What should I say?
Show who you are, your values, and your personality. This is where the admissions team hears your voice.
Instead of listing achievements, tell a personal story that shows qualities like curiosity, resilience, leadership, or compassion. Reflect on what you learned and how it changed you.
What should I talk about?
Answer the specific prompt.
Pick a topic that only you can write about. A small, personal moment, like learning a family recipe, can be more powerful than a big achievement like winning a championship. The best essays are genuine and show how you think.
When should I write this essay?
Start brainstorming the summer before your senior year.
Aim to have a first draft by early fall. Allow several weeks for feedback and revisions. Finish your polished essay at least two weeks before the application deadline to avoid stress.
Show who you are, your values, and your personality. This is where the admissions team hears your voice.
Instead of listing achievements, tell a personal story that shows qualities like curiosity, resilience, leadership, or compassion. Reflect on what you learned and how it changed you.
What should I talk about?
Answer the specific prompt.
Pick a topic that only you can write about. A small, personal moment, like learning a family recipe, can be more powerful than a big achievement like winning a championship. The best essays are genuine and show how you think.
When should I write this essay?
Start brainstorming the summer before your senior year.
Aim to have a first draft by early fall. Allow several weeks for feedback and revisions. Finish your polished essay at least two weeks before the application deadline to avoid stress.
Sophie Botko
Revenue Assurance/Corporate Billing
9
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Sophie’s Answer
Hi Zae'onna,
Think about a challenging moment in your life and how you overcame it and grew from it. Make sure your story is unique to you as a student and a person. Be clear about what you want to convey. It's always good to be personable and add a touch of lightheartedness. Keep your tone light but clear. Tell your story like a narrative with a strong beginning and a satisfying resolution. I hope this helps, and good luck with your college essay!
Think about a challenging moment in your life and how you overcame it and grew from it. Make sure your story is unique to you as a student and a person. Be clear about what you want to convey. It's always good to be personable and add a touch of lightheartedness. Keep your tone light but clear. Tell your story like a narrative with a strong beginning and a satisfying resolution. I hope this helps, and good luck with your college essay!
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Zae'onna!
Say what your prerogative is:- 'I HELP PEOPLE.' Talk about reality, not fantasy.
Take a didactic, instructive approach. Tell it like it is. Give information that shall elicit life skills. An example would be nutritional medicine! Have you cured cancer in a loved one? Not talking about that to boast, but to help people!
Old people born at the beginning of the 20th century used to ask me expletively:
"WHAT'S THE GOOD OF YER THEN?" Are you a good person? For example, do you help the elderly for free? Are you honest with money? How would you qualify / quantify your KABV [Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs, Values]? Neo Christian?
Talk about real-life experiences with a happy endings! They may have been arduous trials at culmination but you dealt with them amicably. Mention happy, healthy conclusions, not leaving the reader 'up in the air' or 'in suspense.'
Let us not forget that a college essay is built for a purpose! To basically market yourself, show you are a talented enough writer and a potentially brilliant student! We are individuals who are expected to be highly successful in academic writing. In this manner, you shall be successful, demonstrating the effectiveness of the establishment's teaching program.
I once knew a super nerd we called Jock. Trousers belt really high up. He got in trouble from his parents for not getting 100% for 6 subjects. In senior school he got 100% for 5 out of 6 subjects. The sixth was scripture. He only got 95% for that!
Can you get higher than a high distinction? [99%-100%]. Academic institutions are proud to have students like that. It shows that the institutions know how to impart knowledge, skills, and teach effectively.
Interviewers also like a person who has had some bad experience, and they were able to turn it around, turn a negative into a positive - coming out on top.
JCF
Say what your prerogative is:- 'I HELP PEOPLE.' Talk about reality, not fantasy.
Take a didactic, instructive approach. Tell it like it is. Give information that shall elicit life skills. An example would be nutritional medicine! Have you cured cancer in a loved one? Not talking about that to boast, but to help people!
Old people born at the beginning of the 20th century used to ask me expletively:
"WHAT'S THE GOOD OF YER THEN?" Are you a good person? For example, do you help the elderly for free? Are you honest with money? How would you qualify / quantify your KABV [Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs, Values]? Neo Christian?
Talk about real-life experiences with a happy endings! They may have been arduous trials at culmination but you dealt with them amicably. Mention happy, healthy conclusions, not leaving the reader 'up in the air' or 'in suspense.'
Let us not forget that a college essay is built for a purpose! To basically market yourself, show you are a talented enough writer and a potentially brilliant student! We are individuals who are expected to be highly successful in academic writing. In this manner, you shall be successful, demonstrating the effectiveness of the establishment's teaching program.
I once knew a super nerd we called Jock. Trousers belt really high up. He got in trouble from his parents for not getting 100% for 6 subjects. In senior school he got 100% for 5 out of 6 subjects. The sixth was scripture. He only got 95% for that!
Can you get higher than a high distinction? [99%-100%]. Academic institutions are proud to have students like that. It shows that the institutions know how to impart knowledge, skills, and teach effectively.
Interviewers also like a person who has had some bad experience, and they were able to turn it around, turn a negative into a positive - coming out on top.
JCF
Thank you very much
Zae'onna