5 Personal Achievements to Include in Your College Essay: Examples and Tips

Are you struggling to write a compelling college essay? A great college essay is more than just a summary of your accomplishments and aspirations. It’s an opportunity to showcase your personality and tell your unique story. One way to make your essay stand out is by including personal achievements that have shaped who you are today. In this article, we’ll discuss five personal achievements that you can include in your college essay, along with tips on how to do so effectively.

1. Overcoming a Challenge

Everyone faces challenges at some point in their lives, but overcoming them can be a powerful personal achievement. Your challenge could be anything from overcoming a physical injury to dealing with a difficult family situation. Whatever it is, the key is to focus on how you overcame it and what you learned from the experience. For example, if you struggled with a learning disability, you could talk about how you developed study strategies and advocacy skills that helped you succeed.

2. Pursuing a Passion

Have you ever pursued a passion so passionately that it became a defining element of your life? If so, you should definitely include this in your college essay. Whether it’s playing music, participating in a sport, or volunteering for a cause you care about, pursuing a passion shows your commitment, dedication, and discipline. Be sure to talk about the impact pursuing this passion has had on your life and the lessons you’ve learned along the way.

3. Making a Difference

Many people want to make a difference in the world, but few actually do so. If you have volunteered, started a non-profit, or engaged in other service activities, this is a great personal achievement to include in your college essay. Be specific about what you did, why you did it, and how it impacted the people or community you served. Also, discuss how this experience has shaped your values and goals.

4. Achieving Academic Success

Academic achievements are often the first things that come to mind when writing a college essay. While it’s important to talk about your grades and test scores, it’s equally important to highlight any academic achievements that demonstrate your passion, dedication, or intellectual curiosity. For example, if you won a research competition, published a paper, or designed a new experiment, discuss how this experience has influenced your academic interests and goals.

5. Overcoming a Fear

Overcoming a fear can be a powerful personal achievement that demonstrates your bravery and determination. Whether it’s conquering a fear of public speaking or facing a fear of heights, you can use this experience to showcase your resilience and growth mindset. Be sure to talk about the steps you took to overcome your fear and the impact it had on your life.

Conclusion

In summary, personal achievements can be powerful tools for showcasing your personality, values, and goals in your college essay. When including personal achievements, be sure to focus on how you overcame challenges, pursued passions, made a difference, achieved academic success, or overcame a fear. Also, provide specific examples and insights that demonstrate the impact these achievements have had on your life. Good luck with your essay, and remember to be true to yourself!

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