Learn by Example: Passion Essays
You should infuse your essay with passion. But it’s not enough to write a laundry list of the things you’ve done that demonstrate your commitment to your passion. An essay about passion should follow the tried and true writing adage: Show, don’t tell.
The key to success in these essays is identifying a specific anecdote that demonstrates your unbridled passion for whatever you do. In the following essays, you will read about how a student’s love for the Beatles became an exploration of new musical experiences, and how another student’s interest in animal languages allowed her to reflect on human communication. Pay close attention to the depth of description all of the students use in discussing their passions. Their passions themselves are not unique— music, medicine, and art are common interests for many people— but the way these writers talk about their passions conveys a sense of excitement. The applicants demonstrate a strong commitment to a particular subject or field, but to make their essays stand out, they use descriptive language and narratives that allow the reader to feel their enthusiasm for what they love.
