essays that got me into Stanford

Summary

In her video, Jazelle Ransom shares her experience writing college essays for Stanford, emphasizing authenticity and creativity. She discusses her personal essay, which reflects her identity as an African-American woman through the metaphor of a painting, and reviews the eight supplemental prompts. Ransom encourages applicants to be bold, express different facets of their personalities, and connect themes across essays. She advocates for a unique approach, suggesting that applicants should not fear unconventional formats or humor. Her advice inspires viewers to embrace their individuality while crafting compelling narratives for their college applications.

Takeaways

• 😀 Start writing your college essays early to allow time for revisions and thoughtful reflection.
• 📝 Focus on a central theme in your personal essay to create a cohesive narrative.
• 🌍 Be bold in your responses; don't shy away from expressing strong beliefs in your supplemental essays.
• 👩‍⚕️ Highlight personal experiences that shaped you, such as family history or challenges faced.
• 🎨 Use creative approaches in your essays, including unique formats or structures.
• 💡 Each essay should showcase a different aspect of your personality and values.
• 🚀 Share your curiosity and passions, particularly related to your future academic interests.
• 💬 Engage your reader by using an informal tone in certain essays, like writing a letter to a future roommate.
• 📚 Embrace your experiences with challenges, such as learning disabilities, to demonstrate resilience.
• 🎉 Be yourself and let your personality shine through; the admissions committee wants to know who you truly are.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Jazelle Ransom's video?

The video primarily focuses on Jazelle's college essay and application process for Stanford University.

How long before the early admissions deadline did Jazelle start writing her essays?

Jazelle began writing her essays three weeks before the early admissions deadline.

What theme did Jazelle use in her personal essay?

Jazelle centered her personal essay around her life as an African-American woman, using the analogy of a painting to describe how society shapes her story.

What was the prompt for Jazelle's first supplemental essay?

The prompt asked her to identify the most significant challenge society faces today, which she responded to by discussing system rebuilding.

What personal connection did Jazelle make in her response to the historical moment she wished to witness?

She wrote about her great-grandmother, who was one of the first black nurses in Seattle, highlighting her admiration and the challenges she faced.

What approach did Jazelle take in the note to her future roommate?

Jazelle wrote an informal letter, sharing her hobbies and personality, and included light-hearted jokes.

What core values did Jazelle express in her essays?

Jazelle listed her five core values literally in one of her supplemental essays.

What advice does Jazelle offer to others applying to college?

Jazelle advises applicants to be bold, show their personality, maintain a theme throughout their essays, and be creative in their approach.

How did Jazelle's experiences with dyslexia influence her essays?

Jazelle discussed her journey with dyslexia in her essays, emphasizing how it shaped her resilience and determination.

What unique format did Jazelle use in her essays to express her values?

In one essay, she used a bullet-point list to literally outline five important things, showcasing a creative approach to answering the prompt.