10 answers
Jineen
Student
Fremont, California
2
Questions
Asked
1414 views
What are some ways I can personalize my application essays (most likely going to major in nursing)?
For some reason I tend to just be blank out whenever I try to think an ur memories or moments that I would be able to write about. What are some tips for remembering things like that too?
Login to comment
10 answers
Katie Bann
Entertainment professional and management
2
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Katie’s Answer
If you are looking to personalize, I would recommend thinking about what makes you -you! Outside of your passion for nursing and care.
What are your hobbies, interests and passions? what do you like to do for fun? For example, do you like to read, or sing with the theatre choir, or go fishing? Do you play video games, love to Ski, or love making Banana bread? Do you like camping, or biking?
Truly, make sure you can see a clear picture of yourself separate from the nursing. Then layer that in. Maybe with silly one-line comments, or little jokes. Let the panels and application committees see you as a rounded person, who would be a wonderful addition to their team and class. Someone who can be human around patients and colleagues.
Your opening sentences could literally be " To whom it may concern, My name is -----------, a prospective student for your nursing program. I am a huge Red Sox fan, a lover of historical fiction books, and I make a mean Beef Brisket. But most of all, I love to care for people and figure out what makes them feel better. I think I would be an excellent choice for your program because I am committed to my studies, have a positive view on the world. I always try to be a glass half full, because in medicine, sometimes things can be surrounded with sadness and tough choices. But my can-do attitude and consistent behaviors are what sets me apart from others.
What are your hobbies, interests and passions? what do you like to do for fun? For example, do you like to read, or sing with the theatre choir, or go fishing? Do you play video games, love to Ski, or love making Banana bread? Do you like camping, or biking?
Truly, make sure you can see a clear picture of yourself separate from the nursing. Then layer that in. Maybe with silly one-line comments, or little jokes. Let the panels and application committees see you as a rounded person, who would be a wonderful addition to their team and class. Someone who can be human around patients and colleagues.
Your opening sentences could literally be " To whom it may concern, My name is -----------, a prospective student for your nursing program. I am a huge Red Sox fan, a lover of historical fiction books, and I make a mean Beef Brisket. But most of all, I love to care for people and figure out what makes them feel better. I think I would be an excellent choice for your program because I am committed to my studies, have a positive view on the world. I always try to be a glass half full, because in medicine, sometimes things can be surrounded with sadness and tough choices. But my can-do attitude and consistent behaviors are what sets me apart from others.
Appreciate the advice!
Jineen
Ruth Suarez
Enrollment Advisor
3
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Ruth’s Answer
Take the time to think about skills and qualities that nurses have. For example, nurses wear many hats. They are caretakers, educators, communicators, problem solvers. What about your experiences can reflect this? Have you ever been tasked with having to think outside the box? How did you problem solve? How can that be applied in a clinical setting
Sijoy Sagar
Program Manager
148
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Sijoy’s Answer
Hi Jineen,
Feeling stuck while writing application essays is completely normal, especially when you are trying to find meaningful moments to share. The great news is that your story doesn't have to be dramatic. Even small, everyday experiences can reveal your true character and motivation.
Some ways to make your essays more personal:
Connect to your nursing which you love - Reflect on why it appeals to you. Was there a time you helped someone, cared for a family member, or admired a nurse? Even simple acts of care can be powerful.
Highlight values and show qualities like empathy, resilience, and curiosity. Share moments that showcase these traits, even if they are not academic.
Show the growth aspect and choose experiences where you learned something about yourself, like overcoming a challenge, balancing responsibilities, or discovering patience.
Be more Specific: Instead of saying "I want to help people," describe a moment when you actually did and how it made you feel.
Some personal tips which i use for remembering meaningful moments:
List events or activities from each school year. Seeing them in order can help jog your memory this is a timeline exercise.
Think about places like a classroom, hospital, or family gathering. What did you see, hear, or feel there? this is about sensory recall of the moments.
Share stories with friends or family. They often remind you of things you have forgotten.
Spend 10 minutes writing about "a time I felt proud" or "a time I helped someone." Focus on capturing the memory, not grammar. Document the way you like it.
Remember, your essay does not need to be perfect right away. Start with raw notes and shape them into a story. By reflecting now, you are showing you care about being genuine, and that's exactly what admissions teams want to see.
Wishing you confidence and clarity as you write and i am sure you have got this.
Feeling stuck while writing application essays is completely normal, especially when you are trying to find meaningful moments to share. The great news is that your story doesn't have to be dramatic. Even small, everyday experiences can reveal your true character and motivation.
Some ways to make your essays more personal:
Connect to your nursing which you love - Reflect on why it appeals to you. Was there a time you helped someone, cared for a family member, or admired a nurse? Even simple acts of care can be powerful.
Highlight values and show qualities like empathy, resilience, and curiosity. Share moments that showcase these traits, even if they are not academic.
Show the growth aspect and choose experiences where you learned something about yourself, like overcoming a challenge, balancing responsibilities, or discovering patience.
Be more Specific: Instead of saying "I want to help people," describe a moment when you actually did and how it made you feel.
Some personal tips which i use for remembering meaningful moments:
List events or activities from each school year. Seeing them in order can help jog your memory this is a timeline exercise.
Think about places like a classroom, hospital, or family gathering. What did you see, hear, or feel there? this is about sensory recall of the moments.
Share stories with friends or family. They often remind you of things you have forgotten.
Spend 10 minutes writing about "a time I felt proud" or "a time I helped someone." Focus on capturing the memory, not grammar. Document the way you like it.
Remember, your essay does not need to be perfect right away. Start with raw notes and shape them into a story. By reflecting now, you are showing you care about being genuine, and that's exactly what admissions teams want to see.
Wishing you confidence and clarity as you write and i am sure you have got this.
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Jineen
Tammy Ta
Accounting
3
Answers
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Tammy’s Answer
Hi Jineen,
When I struggled with essay topics, I found it helpful to remember that you don't need a perfect story. Often, the best essays come from everyday experiences that shape how you see the world.
Try keeping a simple daily or weekly journal. Write about:
What you did
Why it mattered
Any challenges you faced
What you learned
How you helped someone or worked with others
As you do this, you'll start to remember experiences from school, volunteering, activities, work, or family that might seem small but are meaningful. Write them down.
Another idea is to create an "accomplishment profile" to track:
Awards and recognitions
Degrees, certificates, and courses
Volunteer and leadership experiences
Projects you're proud of
Thank-you notes or positive feedback from teachers, supervisors, or teammates
Personal reflections and milestones
Every few weeks, review your notes and highlight what feels most meaningful. These often make the best essay topics because they're real and personal. Share your stories with family, friends, or mentors. They might see strengths in you or remember moments you've missed, sparking great ideas.
Since you're interested in nursing, focus on moments that show compassion, resilience, teamwork, or a desire to help others. Admissions committees want to know who you are and why you're drawn to healthcare.
The good news is your stories are already there. You just need a way to capture and connect with them.
Good luck with your applications! You've got this. 💙
Start with daily or weekly journal
When I struggled with essay topics, I found it helpful to remember that you don't need a perfect story. Often, the best essays come from everyday experiences that shape how you see the world.
Try keeping a simple daily or weekly journal. Write about:
What you did
Why it mattered
Any challenges you faced
What you learned
How you helped someone or worked with others
As you do this, you'll start to remember experiences from school, volunteering, activities, work, or family that might seem small but are meaningful. Write them down.
Another idea is to create an "accomplishment profile" to track:
Awards and recognitions
Degrees, certificates, and courses
Volunteer and leadership experiences
Projects you're proud of
Thank-you notes or positive feedback from teachers, supervisors, or teammates
Personal reflections and milestones
Every few weeks, review your notes and highlight what feels most meaningful. These often make the best essay topics because they're real and personal. Share your stories with family, friends, or mentors. They might see strengths in you or remember moments you've missed, sparking great ideas.
Since you're interested in nursing, focus on moments that show compassion, resilience, teamwork, or a desire to help others. Admissions committees want to know who you are and why you're drawn to healthcare.
The good news is your stories are already there. You just need a way to capture and connect with them.
Good luck with your applications! You've got this. 💙
Tammy recommends the following next steps:
DEVI DIMALIBOT
OR nurse
3
Answers
Fairfield, California
Updated
DEVI’s Answer
My advice is to focus on what makes you unique and why nursing is meaningful to you. Your essay does not need to tell an extraordinary story. Sometimes, the simplest experiences make the most powerful essays.
Here are a few tips:
Think about small moments. Have you ever helped someone who was sick, comforted a friend, or cared for a family member?
Ask family and friends. Sometimes, others remember meaningful moments about us that we have forgotten.
Look through old photos or journals. These can help bring back memories and experiences.
Reflect on your strengths. Think about experiences that taught you compassion, patience, responsibility, or perseverance.
Be genuine. Don't write what you think the admissions committee wants to hear. Tell your own story in your own voice.
As a nurse with many years of experience, I believe nursing is not just about medical knowledge. It is about compassion, resilience, and the desire to make a difference in someone's life.
Remember, your story does not have to be extraordinary to be meaningful. It just has to be yours.
Best wishes on your nursing journey!
Here are a few tips:
Think about small moments. Have you ever helped someone who was sick, comforted a friend, or cared for a family member?
Ask family and friends. Sometimes, others remember meaningful moments about us that we have forgotten.
Look through old photos or journals. These can help bring back memories and experiences.
Reflect on your strengths. Think about experiences that taught you compassion, patience, responsibility, or perseverance.
Be genuine. Don't write what you think the admissions committee wants to hear. Tell your own story in your own voice.
As a nurse with many years of experience, I believe nursing is not just about medical knowledge. It is about compassion, resilience, and the desire to make a difference in someone's life.
Remember, your story does not have to be extraordinary to be meaningful. It just has to be yours.
Best wishes on your nursing journey!
Wendy Lowe
Director of Student Engagement
8
Answers
Abingdon, Virginia
Updated
Wendy’s Answer
Personalizing your application responses will allow you the opportunity to stand-out. You can show your genuine personality and interest in the field of study. Using your example of healthcare, I'd lean on any of your life experiences were you were able to help someone or improve a situation. Healthcare workers have such empathy in situations. It's the personal touch and caring ways that make you feel safe and secure in that environment. Their soft skills and then their technical skills combined are what helps solve situations and improve them. I am excited for you to learn into your own experiences and share how those equip you for this career path. When you are able to show your true passion and interest, your words will stand out. Start with an outline and then put some details in to bring it to life.
Paige Washle
Enrollment
3
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Paige’s Answer
Hello Jineen,
Great question. Depending on the essay questions, I recommend utilizing previous experiences to answer questions about why you are interested in pursuing nursing specially. Whether is a personal experience, volunteer or professional experience, leaning on this experience will assist with assist with the why behind your interest in pursuing this career path. Try to let your voice be heard in your writing as it's important this is a reflection of who you are and your career goals. Reflect on what it is that draws you to this helping profession specifically. Best of luck to you!
Great question. Depending on the essay questions, I recommend utilizing previous experiences to answer questions about why you are interested in pursuing nursing specially. Whether is a personal experience, volunteer or professional experience, leaning on this experience will assist with assist with the why behind your interest in pursuing this career path. Try to let your voice be heard in your writing as it's important this is a reflection of who you are and your career goals. Reflect on what it is that draws you to this helping profession specifically. Best of luck to you!
Thank you!
Jineen
Michael Wilson
Placement Specialist
4
Answers
Clyde, Texas
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Start silly. Think of something that has happened to you or been a part of your life and see if a "nursing" twist comes to you. I blanked out forever writing my entry essays and wrote a joke essay about how much I hated fish sticks (I would have to make fish sticks every Wednesday for my younger siblings while my parents worked). It started as a frustrated joke to my mom, but then ended up turning into my actual essay I submitted. Getting past that blank screen of death is the hardest part, so start anywhere!
Michele Federle
Instructional Coach
5
Answers
New Berlin, Wisconsin
Updated
Michele’s Answer
The strongest essays are usually the ones that show who you are beyond your grades and activities. Admissions committees read hundreds of essays about "wanting to help people," so personalization is what makes yours memorable. Start with a moment that changed you; a personal moment instantly makes the essay yours.Think about experiences that shaped your interest in healthcare:
Caring for a family member
Volunteering at a hospital, nursing home, or community organization
A personal illness or injury
Babysitting, mentoring, or caregiving responsibilities
Working in customer service and learning communication skills
Sports, clubs, or leadership experiences that taught teamwork
The key is explaining how the experience influenced your desire to become a nurse or go to college.
Highlight nursing qualities you possess using stories rather than a list .For example, if you are compassionate don’t just say it show it. Such as a time when you offered to help someone and tell the story. If you need help thinking of qualities a nurse may have, here is a partial list:
Compassion
Communication
Teamwork
Cultural awareness
Problem-solving
Resilience
Leadership
Attention to detail
Share what is drawing you to apply to this college or for this major. What are the things that are making you think you want to be a nurse rather than something else or a broad healthcare career? Use those things to show the school that you have thought about what you want to do. For example:
The opportunity to build long-term patient relationships
Advocacy for patients and families
Combining science with human connection
Educating patients
Working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals
Also, discuss a challenge you have overcome. Nursing requires perseverance. A meaningful challenge can demonstrate this. Examples:
Balancing school and work
Recovering from a setback
Supporting family responsibilities
Overcoming academic struggles in a particular subject
Include your future vision such as: "I hope to provide equitable healthcare in underserved communities and eventually pursue certification in pediatric nursing." Your plans do not need to be finalized, but they should sound thoughtful.
Read through the essay and ask yourself if any student could replace your name and send in the essay. If so, you will need to add more personal details such as:
Names of programs or experiences
Specific patient interactions (without identifying information)
Personal reflections
Meaningful conversations
Family influences
Community involvement
A good structure for your essay would be:
Story → Reflection → Nursing Connection → Future Goals
For example:
Describe a meaningful experience.STORY
Explain what you learned.REFLECTION
Connect that lesson to nursing.NURSING CONNECTION
Discuss how it motivates your future career goals.FUTURE GOALS
This structure helps your essay feel authentic and focused rather than like a résumé in paragraph form.
Always have someone you trust proofread your essay to ensure you have covered everything you wanted and it follows the format required.
Caring for a family member
Volunteering at a hospital, nursing home, or community organization
A personal illness or injury
Babysitting, mentoring, or caregiving responsibilities
Working in customer service and learning communication skills
Sports, clubs, or leadership experiences that taught teamwork
The key is explaining how the experience influenced your desire to become a nurse or go to college.
Highlight nursing qualities you possess using stories rather than a list .For example, if you are compassionate don’t just say it show it. Such as a time when you offered to help someone and tell the story. If you need help thinking of qualities a nurse may have, here is a partial list:
Compassion
Communication
Teamwork
Cultural awareness
Problem-solving
Resilience
Leadership
Attention to detail
Share what is drawing you to apply to this college or for this major. What are the things that are making you think you want to be a nurse rather than something else or a broad healthcare career? Use those things to show the school that you have thought about what you want to do. For example:
The opportunity to build long-term patient relationships
Advocacy for patients and families
Combining science with human connection
Educating patients
Working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals
Also, discuss a challenge you have overcome. Nursing requires perseverance. A meaningful challenge can demonstrate this. Examples:
Balancing school and work
Recovering from a setback
Supporting family responsibilities
Overcoming academic struggles in a particular subject
Include your future vision such as: "I hope to provide equitable healthcare in underserved communities and eventually pursue certification in pediatric nursing." Your plans do not need to be finalized, but they should sound thoughtful.
Read through the essay and ask yourself if any student could replace your name and send in the essay. If so, you will need to add more personal details such as:
Names of programs or experiences
Specific patient interactions (without identifying information)
Personal reflections
Meaningful conversations
Family influences
Community involvement
A good structure for your essay would be:
Story → Reflection → Nursing Connection → Future Goals
For example:
Describe a meaningful experience.STORY
Explain what you learned.REFLECTION
Connect that lesson to nursing.NURSING CONNECTION
Discuss how it motivates your future career goals.FUTURE GOALS
This structure helps your essay feel authentic and focused rather than like a résumé in paragraph form.
Always have someone you trust proofread your essay to ensure you have covered everything you wanted and it follows the format required.
Ali Hrasok
Enablement
7
Answers
Oley, Pennsylvania
Updated
Ali’s Answer
Sometimes it helps me to forget that I'm writing an essay. You can try sitting with a blank document or piece of paper and just writing freely any of your thoughts - related or not. It removes blockers from our brains and allows us to be more creative.
Don't be too hard on yourself - you got this!
Don't be too hard on yourself - you got this!
Thank you, Ali for the advice.
Jineen