Learn by Example: Overcoming Obstacles

Dec 5

Most everyone has faced some adversity in their pre-college life, whether modest, like getting cut during auditions for the school play, or severe, such as being diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Recounting a story about how you overcame an obstacle or failure is a common essay topic, and it can be compelling regardless of the severity of the obstacle.

All of the successful essays in this group, though, go beyond explaining simply how the writer overcame an obstacle and reflect on how that experience has shaped them as a person. The students in this section describe a time they experienced hardship or failure— sometimes a painful process.

Each applicant tells the story of his or her own hardships with a sense of thoughtful introspection and authenticity. One student describes coping with the death of a parent, while another recounts her struggle to overcome an eating disorder. This essay is your chance to show your readers how you’ve made it through a trying time in your life—one through which you have undoubtedly grown and matured. Use individual anecdotes and striking nuances to let your personal transformation shine to wow admissions officers.

Overcoming Obstacles

Harvard College

Getting Along With Nerves - Harvard - Successful college admissions essay

Harvard College

Ten minutes before my orchestra and I were due to perform what would be my first symphony, our conductor called us into the wings of the stage for a pep talk.

Harvard College

Lessons in Failure - Harvard - College statement advice

Harvard College

I sat in a pair at the starting line for the repechage of the 1000 meter rowing race at the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China. I had trained all summer, twice a day, six days a week, for this level of international competition.

Harvard College

Learning from Asperger’s - Harvard - College statement tips

Harvard College

Family is everything, right? For me, this is especially true. My oldest brother, David, has Asperger’s Syndrome.

Harvard College

Empowerment In Dance - Harvard - College admissions essay advice

Harvard College

As the lively thoughts in my mind battled for priority of investiga- tion, I was more than content sitting in an empty room with bland, white walls and a shabby, old mattress.

Harvard College

Learning From Illness - Harvard - College personal statement tips

Harvard College

I learned the definition of cancer at the age of fourteen.

Harvard College

Enduring Homelessness - Harvard - College admissions essay advice

Harvard College

Two hundred and two Hot Wheels cars, each two by five inches long, adorned with flames and spoilers, lined the edges of my room. My mother would urge me to put them away and go play outside, but I never wanted to.

Harvard College

Eating Disorder Recovery - Harvard - College admissions essay tips

Harvard College

Since childhood, I have wanted to know the why and how of every- thing.

Harvard College

Mother and Daughter - Harvard - Successful college application essay

Harvard College

The event that has most impacted my life and shaped my identity was my mother’s life and death. My mother and I never had a conven- tional relationship. However, we did share a special mother daughter bond.

Harvard College

Topher Williamson

Topher began working at Stanford University’s Career Planning & Placement Center in 1998. His career spans 30 years. At Santa Clara University, he managed Bay Area, Los Angeles and Texas territories where he recruited, evaluated, and admitted athletes, freshman, and transfer applicants. At Ohlone College in Fremont, he served as Interim Director of Admission and Records. Since 2011, he has worked in test prep and college consulting, providing guidance to families preparing their children for college.

Topher sees applicants as they are, then inspires and motivates them to step up and into their potential. His clients have enjoyed extraordinary success at institutions ranging from selective Ivies to renowned public universities.

https://www.essaymaster.com

Learn by Example: Overcoming Obstacles

Learn by Example: Identity

Learn by Example: Experiences Abroad