Writing Guide

• Self-Reflection: Take the time to self-reflect and journal significant moments in your life. This is your time to explore who you are and how your personal experiences have shaped you. 

• Plan: Schedule multiple uninterrupted sessions in a quiet space where you are able to concentrate and answer the following questions:

• What pivotal moments in your life stand out to you and have shaped the person you are today?

• Are there any descriptive words or ideas that come to your mind as you capture the essence of these moments?

• What personal stories stand out the most to you?

• Did you know that universities value students who demonstrate self-awareness? Take the time to reflect on your experiences and brainstorm thoughtfully.

• As these ideas and thoughts start to flow, journal and write them down or type them. Allow room for imperfections, there’s no need to edit at this stage. 

• Sometimes, during periods of deep personal reflection, ideas may come to you at unexpected times. You might consider carrying around a small notepad or tablet and write down ideas as they come to you throughout the day.

• Brainstorming takes time. You may decide to allow yourself several weeks to months as you reflect on your life’s experiences. 

• Don’t worry if time is limited — just a few planned brainstorming sessions can help you get started and set you on the right path

• Take time and focus on words that describe you as an individual. There are no right or wrong answers. 

• Be authentic.

• Use your own voice and story

• Write at least 10 adjectives that you believe best capture your unique personality attributes (e.g., ambitious, driven, curious, creative, etc.).

• Pick out several of your top favorite descriptors, and try to think of how you might incorporate these adjectives in your essay. 

• Think about specific memories or stories from your home life, extracurricular activities, school, and sports. How have these experiences influenced who you are today? 

• Explore aspects of your cultural identity and how diversity has shaped you.

• How have your personal experiences influenced other qualities such as leadership? For example, maybe you had to lead and take care of your younger siblings for extended periods of time. Or, maybe you had to supplement the family income and work an outside job. 

• Do you have any special talents in sports, arts, music, etc.? Did your involvement in these areas lead to a leadership or a head position?

• Think about how your personal experiences have possibly overlapped into your community outreach, leadership, or your ability to overcome challenges.

• What are your personal hobbies and interests? 

• What motivates and inspires you?

• How do you like to spend your time?

• Consider how you interact with other people in your personal, academic, and community life. 

• How have you served or contributed to the people in your life and your surrounding community? 

• Do you belong to any clubs or organizations that focus on community service or making a positive impact on others?

• How do you see yourself as a part of a larger group? 

• How might you contribute to your future college campus? Do you plan on involving yourself in any clubs, groups, extracurriculars, or community service opportunities while pursuing your undergraduate degree?

• What kind of a roommate would you be?

• Based on your life experiences, how might other students learn from you?

• Consider how your personal qualities could contribute to the student body as a whole—whether through leadership, teamwork, collaboration, or active involvement in student life activities—to enhance the experience of your peers.

• Reflect on the leadership roles you’ve taken on and the impact you’ve made.

• Have you led in your family, school, community, sports, workplace, or internships? 

• Were you a part of any clubs, nonprofits, or organizations? (Note: Write out the full name of these clubs. Acronyms might be unfamiliar to the admission’s team.)

• In what ways have you shown initiative in your pursuit of leadership?

• What drives you as a leader? In what ways do you think your personal drive or intrinsic motivation has inspired you to pursue leadership?

• Do you consider the unique needs of other people, especially pertaining to cultural awareness and differences as you lead?

• Be specific about your leadership experiences. For instance, you may write about:

-How many people you have led

-The duration of your leadership 

-Time commitments involved 

-Specific skills that you obtained during your experience.

• Were you part of the JROTC or were you a drum major?

• In what ways have you shown grit and perseverance as you've navigated leadership roles and progressed through high school?

• Even when situations were tough, were you able to continue pushing through as a leader, regardless of the challenges or circumstances you faced?

• In what ways do you demonstrate maturity, discipline, or serve as a role-model to other people?

• Are you inquisitive? Do you actively reach out to others to ask questions and seek clarity when you need help?

• If you have founded a company, non-profit, or school organization, make sure to include details and specific examples of your leadership. Include information about:

  -How you developed the concept

  -How you managed a team

  -Did you mobilize a group to achieve a common goal

  -How did you overcome challenges in order to achieve success?

• How do you intend on leaving the world a better place by your involvement and influence on others

• In what ways does your life reflect excellence?

• Do you consider yourself a lifelong learner?

• Does your intellectual curiosity inspire continued growth and learning? 

• Do you know if the universities you are applying to value SAT scores, class rank, GPA, advanced or IB courses, or other academic requirements?  (Typically, you can find out this information on the university’s website.)

• Have you set realistic goals for yourself in relation to the colleges to which you are applying? For example, if the college places high value on SAT scores and you are not in the top quartile of your class, how can you highlight your academic success apart from your SAT score (e.g., through your class rank or GPA)? 

Note: A growing number of universities no longer require SAT scores, while other universities highly value them. Also, Keep in mind that a high SAT score does not replace poor performance on your high school transcript. 

• How does your academic achievement stand out in relation to your peers? If there are instances where your grades did not reflect your abilities, briefly explain these circumstances. A short answer question is often a great place to do this. 

• How have you been able to balance and manage your time between extracurricular activities as well as your academics?

• Did you choose rigorous coursework that aligns with your intended major during your senior year?

  -Admissions teams can see courses for which you are currently enrolled.

-How well do these courses connect with your chosen major?

• It’s best to avoid blaming a teacher or anyone else for not achieving the grades you desired.

*International students- It is good practice to reference the university requirements for the particular program that you are applying to. Typically, this information can be found under an “international students” admissions website page.

• Additional testing and/or specific subject testing requirements will be found on the university’s website or by contacting the admissions department directly.

• List all work experiences, internships, family or financial obligations, or other responsibilities that you have participated in. 

• How has your work and experience contributed to your personal or academic growth? 

• Has your experience made a positive impact on your family, community, workplace, or an organization?

• Were there any promotions in your job or additional responsibilities that were entrusted to you based on your performance?

• How have your past experiences along with your unique personality attributes inspired you to pursue and continue growing in your chosen field? 

• What about your major selection excites and inspires you? 

• If you were to picture yourself in your future career, how do you visualize your impact on future generations?

• Do you see yourself influencing other people or society?

• Do you consider yourself forward-moving or a lifelong learner? How will you use your growth-mindset as you propel into your future career?

• Write down all of the awards and honors that you have achieved throughout your high school career. 

• Include a brief description of the award or scholarship, especially if it is not widely recognized. Avoid assuming that admissions officers are familiar with every award or organization.

• How have these awards and recognitions played a role in your upward growth? 

• Have you faced significant challenges during your highschool years? If so, what are they? 

• In what ways have you had to overcome significant challenges in your life? How have you grown as a person despite the circumstances that you have faced?

• Examples of challenges include but are not limited to:

  -growing up as a first generation student 

  -coming from a low-income household 

  -experiencing the death of a parent or significant person in your life 

  -experiencing war or you are a refugee 

  -navigating physical or mental health challenges or learning disabilities, etc.

  -experienced a harsh school or neighborhood environment

• Are you a first-generation student or considered low-income? Make sure to mark this on your admission’s application when you apply. 

• If you faced significant adversity during your high school years that impacted your grades or limited your involvement in extracurricular activities, be sure to include these details in your application.

  **DO NOT include details about current dangers or abusive situations where you are unsafe in your essay. These matters should not be submitted to our agency or the university. If you are in an unsafe situation, please report it to the appropriate authorities, such as local law enforcement or a trusted support organization, to ensure your safety.

• Why are you interested in the particular university that you are applying to? (Note: We know that applicants apply to multiple universities, but what about this particular university appeals to you?)

• Do you think this university would be a good fit for you?

• Have you researched the university, its campus life, costs, and living accommodations for incoming freshman students?

• How do you see this university serving your future goals and career aspirations?

• In what ways do you see yourself contributing to the legacy of the university?

• Some universities value students reaching out to admissions, visiting the campus, or even attending special events. Have you participated in any such activities? 

• Is there a family tradition pertaining to this university? If so, including this information can be especially helpful when applying to Ivy League universities.