Learn by Example: Identity

Dec 5

Who are you? That’s the question the essays in this section attempt to answer. Of course, we are all complex individuals with many interests and experiences, but the applicants in this chapter refuse to get bogged down in trying to exhaustively represent themselves.

Rather, they choose to explore a single component of their identities—one that is often surprising or unexpected. In this section, you will read essays that reveal peculiar interests or shocking experiences—all things that shape the writers’ outlooks on life.

For example, you will read about a student exploring her family history in the context of her own life and a student discussing her love of punk music and countercultural antics. As you try to understand who you are, think about specific defining moments in your life. Chances are, you’ll realize that you have more to write about than you had previously anticipated.

Personal Identity Essays

Harvard College

Distinction in Diversity - Harvard - Free example college statement

Harvard College

My story begins even before I was born. My father lived in a world of oppression and persecution. As a child in Czechoslovakia ravaged by Communism, he was compelled to escape to the United States.

Harvard College

Finding Meaning in Education - Harvard - Free sample college statement

Harvard College

Eleventh grade. This is a combat zone. The American Studies classroom is adorned with shiny gold stars, glimmering like military medallions.

Harvard College

Satisfaction in the Hustle - Harvard - Free example college statement

Harvard College

“Right here,” says my dad, motioning to a large booth on the right. It’s a cold winter morning and we have not eaten yet, but before picking up the menu and even considering food, we both instinctively reach for the white containers at the end of the table holding the sugar packets.

Harvard College

Youthful Optimism - Harvard - College admissions essay tips

Harvard College

Around 2005, my house was constantly strewn with Polly Pockets and Legos. My sister and I liked Polly Pockets, my brother liked Legos, and the amount of time we all channeled into our respective activities was astronomical.

Harvard College

Gay Acceptance - Harvard - College application essay help

Harvard College

I didn’t see many rainbows in India. They hide in the monsoon rains, or are too frightened by the hot, stifling climate. Likewise, I was terrified of showing that side of myself in a homophobic country, especially to the host family I had grown to love.

Harvard College

Just Keep Swimming - Harvard - Free example college personal statement

Harvard College

Once there was a girl who looked within, found divine peace in her soul, and also had great legs. I am not this girl.

Harvard College

Slowing The Process - Harvard - College admissions essay help

Harvard College

It was five o’clock in the morning, and an intruder was in my home. His vile gurgling sounds had crawled into my room and slinked under my covers, and his deafening beeps had yanked me from sleep.

Harvard College

Abundant Interests - Harvard - College application essay help

Harvard College

For the longest time there were two people waking up in my bed each morning, and neither one of them knew who I was.

Harvard College

Learning Differences - Harvard - College admissions essay help

Harvard College

In class on the first day of freshman year, I discovered chewed wads of gum stuck underneath my desk. I found half-eaten chicken wings in toilets.

Harvard College

Life On The Olympic Peninsula - Harvard - Free sample college statement

Harvard College

My town, being average in most respects, doesn’t make it into the news a lot. But when we do, we do it with gusto: one recent event that got us on TV was when a man drove a bulldozer through several neighbors’ houses.

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

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