The best essays tell a story about the applicant. The “My Story” essay does not have to be the biography with a list of whole life events, but rather a glimpse of it—one that is rich with meaning, alive with imagery, and clear in purpose. It often helps to think about the impact that past events have had on you. A good strategy is to select one significant event that you can expound upon at length, using vivid details and thoughtful commentary.
You should begin with an engaging introduction, drawing your reader into the story. A creative way to do this is to drop the reader into the middle of the action and then fill in the before-and-after facts: Consider director Quentin Tarantino’s movie “Pulp Fiction” as an example of how to engage your audience by telling your story out of sequence. Then present the rest of your anecdote, followed by insightful analysis of the experience—why it was important, what you learned, and how it will help you in the future. Stay away from creating an introduction that includes clichéd ideas or generalizations and then inserting your anecdote. By the time the admissions officers get to your experience, they may already be soured by generic assertions. See the “Tell us Your Story” essay examples posted on our blog.
“My Story” Essay Examples And Comments
- Well Done Story Essay
- Poorly Done Story Essay
EssayEdge Extra: Words of Wisdom from Admissions Officers
“My own college application essay might serve as a useful illustration. I wrote about seeing the statue of Michelangelo’s David during a trip to Florence, Italy. Up to that point in my life, I hadn’t seen any art that really influenced me; I grew up in a rural area without many opportunities to view masterpieces of fine art. I saw in the statue of David his conflicting feelings of determination and fear. Upon returning to New York, I thought about that in relation to my stage of life, and I saw an analogy: I was determined and ready to take on the challenges of college but I was also scared of the unknown. I wrote about other instances in my life when I was willing to take on tremendous challenges and learned from my successes and failures (yes, it is all right to admit you are human in this process).”—Admissions Officer, Columbia University
Next: Common Flaws
How do you tell a story in an essay?
If you want to tell a story in your paper, think of the six plot elements (character, setting, tension, action, climax, resolution) and the other three story essentials (main theme, chronology, purpose).
How do you write a college essay that tells your story?
An essay that tells your story is usually called a narrative essay. It's often assigned in college, and students consider this type of writing the easiest. However, «telling your story» doesn't mean summarizing your whole life. It should focus on something important to your personality and your development, especially if it's an admission essay. Filling out a word count by the useless information isn't the best approach.
How can I make my essay better?
Build an outline of the main content. Before you start writing your academic essay, you'll need to do your research to ensure your capturing all the best main points of your argument. Use the traditional essay structure. Use an active voice. Proofread your essay.
How do I start an essay about myself?
Did you face writer's block and don't know how to start writing? Here are a few prompts for you to boost your inspiration. Write about a setback that influenced you, just tell a story about your personality, what are you long-term career goals and how you plan to achieve them, what challenged you faced in life and how did you overcome them, etc.
How do you write a college application essay?
The quality of paper you submit defines your future life. Be responsible when writing and think of each and every word you use. Ensure your content reflects your personality and explains why you're good candidate. Don't forget to add some information about the college you're applying to — it'll show you're really interested in your studies.
What a good college essay looks like?
The best way to tell your story is to write a personal, thoughtful essay about something that has meaning for you. Be honest and genuine, and your unique qualities will shine through. Admissions officers have to read an unbelievable number of college essays, most of which are forgettable.
Professional essay editor and proofreader with 10+ years of experience. Education: Cornell University. PhD in English Studies and M.F.A in Creative Writing.
Update: August 23, 2022.
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