A piece in which I say YES YOU CAN and tell you a story about my sour relationship with math. Will My Weaknesses Work Against Me in My College Essay? I had a parent reach out and ask if their kid was hurting their chances in their college essay by writing so articulately about their weaknesses. The answer is: no. Not if other ingredients are there. To be articulate about your weaknesses, to reckon with them honestly and without self-pity, to show transformation in your character (as this student did), these themselves are strengths. (And also commendable qualities in grown-up people: I know many who still can’t do this without elaborate defenses, and yelping ego). To also write well in the process, and think methodically? Well, these are prized traits in college admissions essays. So I want to take a minute to experiment with writing about one of my weaknesses--starts with an M, ends with an H, and has AT in the middle. 4 letters. Guess it yet? Continue Reading …
flaws
Be believable in your college essay
Perfect isn't believable Even Olympic Champions have their weaknesses: your college essay may be only as believable as yours. Take a step back and look at your intentions for your admissions essay: are you trying to be, to sound, perfect? So that the admissions committee will have not a shred of doubt about bringing you to their school? Actually, your humanity is far more believable and appealing if you admit (so to speak) to knowing your weaknesses. Lately, I've been getting great lessons in this from reading about gymnast Simone Biles. She's so inarguably tremendous, yet flawed just like the rest of us. Include your flaws because you're a character now Simone Biles is considered "the best gymnast in the world"; but she's also a teenager. As perfect as her gymnastics is, her humanity is evident. We can point to so-called imperfect traits (I culled these from recent journalism). She's afraid of bees. She won't quite call the guy she's seeing her "boyfriend." But she can land dazzling, nearly impossible jumps that would have the rest of us in the emergency room, or worse. My point should be your point: Take a good look at not only what makes you a super star (each of us can get a gold in something), but also what weakness makes you believable as a character. I'll tell you if you tell me...or, let's both tell everybody! We know it can feel like dicey terrain to admit to weaknesses when stakes are high. At Essay Intensive, we practice what we preach, so here goes: I get really territorial around vegetables. I need a lot of them in my fridge at any one time to be safe and comfortable. I need at least half my plate to be taken up by vegetables. I'm lucky to have access to them. I get all squirmy when a meal is served without enough of them. Oh, and will I lose cred in your eyes if I tell you I often get long division incorrect? Or come up with two different answers to the same problem? Or that I went bald from thinking too hard trying to do Continue Reading …
For a flawless college essay, use your flaws
For a flawless college essay, use your flaws- wisely. (We're not actually sure anything is "flawless"-- but humor us.) "But don't I want colleges to think I have No Flaws?" you might object cautiously. No! It's a sign of maturity to know and name your flaws, and then treat them as opportunity for growth (crucial!). That, in short, is learning! And colleges want applicants committed to learning. So here's how to use what you've got for what you want to get. (Admitted. Admit it.). What should you do with your flaws to tell a good story and also showcase your strengths? Well first, notice your flaws. Honestly. Start by watching your mind for 1-5 minutes. Set a timer, close your eyes and observe "your" thoughts go by like rush-hour traffic. Examine their content objectively: errors in judgment about yourself or others; weak places in your character that could use reinforcement. Insecurities and doubts. Find the right story: Ask yourself what anecdotes or events from your life--don't overlook the small stuff!-- could inform your reader how you're working with and through these flaws. If you're timid, did you finally get up the nerve to ask your boss for a raise? If you're easily overwhelmed, did you regain balance through service, by sorting cans for a food bank? And now what? Another approach: look at the flawed world and make analogies Many of us have an easier time looking outside than inside ourselves. If that describes you, I suggest you start by using the above technique anyway (watch your mind). Then try commenting on the flaws in the world as a mirror to look inward for similar themes. Plus, this approach works your observation and "critical eye" muscles. And gives you material to be snarky about. Read this example from my life; then try your own. I start with the context: There is a sub-par Indian restaurant near my house; they do so much of their business take-out that they will basically pay you to eat the place. To Continue Reading …