Episode 6: The Common App's Prompt #5 (The Accomplishment Essay)

Summary

The College Essay Advisors podcast explores common app prompt number five, focusing on personal growth through accomplishments, events, or realizations. Hosts Stacy Brook and Becca Myers discuss the importance of balancing the event with personal insights, offering examples from students' essays that highlight the broad range of experiences and skills gained. They emphasize the value of processing moments and the creative potential of the prompt for brainstorming and idea generation.

Takeaways

• 📚 The podcast is focused on discussing how to write college admission essays that stand out.
• 👩‍🏫 Stacy Brook is the founder and chief advisor, and Becca Myers is the director of advising at College Essay Advisors.
• 📝 They discuss Common App prompt number five, which asks students to discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that led to personal growth.
• 🤔 The prompt offers a lot of flexibility, allowing students to choose from various life experiences for their essays.
• 🔍 It's important to not just recount the event but to also reflect on the personal growth and new understanding that resulted from it.
• 💡 The podcast suggests that personal growth is as important, if not more so, than the accomplishment or event itself.
• 👷 An example given is about a student who worked in a firehouse and learned humility and a range of skills from menial tasks, leading to a deeper respect for all types of work.
• 🎭 Another example involves a student who, after not making it into a musical, found fulfillment in working behind the scenes as a stagehand, realizing their preference for that role.
• 🧬 A student with type 1 diabetes used her condition as a prompt to discuss problem-solving skills and personal growth.
• 🌍 A student connected with his South African heritage not through travel but through making a traditional delicacy with his father, leading to a deeper understanding of his roots.
• 📖 The podcast encourages creativity within structure and provides examples to illustrate the wide range of possible topics for the essay.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the 'College Essay Advisors Podcast'?

The main focus of the podcast is to provide guidance on writing college admissions essays that stand out and increase the chances of acceptance.

Who are the hosts of the 'College Essay Advisors Podcast'?

Stacy Brook, the founder and chief advisor, and Becca Myers, the director of advising, at College Essay Advisors.

What common application prompt are they discussing in the podcast?

They are discussing prompt number five, which asks students to discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked personal growth and a new understanding of themselves or others.

Why is the personal growth aspect emphasized in the podcast?

The personal growth aspect is emphasized because it is considered equally, if not more important, than the actual accomplishment or event, as it shows how the student has processed and learned from that moment.

What is the significance of discussing conjunctions in the context of essay writing?

Discussing conjunctions is significant because it highlights the importance of understanding sentence structure and ensuring that the essay does not unnecessarily address every aspect of the prompt when it includes choices like 'and/or'.

What is an example of a tangible accomplishment that could be discussed in an essay?

An example of a tangible accomplishment is getting a job offer, which is a concrete achievement that can be discussed in the context of personal growth.

What is an example of an abstract accomplishment that could be included in an essay?

An abstract accomplishment, such as gaining self-confidence, can be included in an essay to show personal growth that is not tied to a specific event or achievement.

What is the importance of balancing the discussion of the event with personal growth in an essay?

Balancing the discussion of the event with personal growth is important to show the transformation and insights gained from the experience, which is the core of the prompt.

Can you provide an example of an essay discussing an event that led to personal growth?

One example is an essay about a student who worked in a firehouse, initially expecting to be a firefighter but learning valuable skills and gaining respect for the job by performing mundane tasks, leading to personal growth.

How can a student's experience with a hobby or interest contribute to their essay?

A student's experience, such as trying out for a musical and then finding fulfillment in working behind the scenes, can contribute to their essay by showing personal growth and a new understanding of their interests and passions.

What is the significance of discussing a student's cultural heritage in their essay?

Discussing cultural heritage can be significant as it provides a deeper understanding of the student's identity and how their background has shaped their personal growth and worldview.

How can a student use a metaphor in their essay to convey personal growth?

A student can use a metaphor, such as the process of making a dried meat delicacy, to symbolize their connection to their heritage and the realization of their rich cultural background, showing personal growth through the metaphor.

What advice do the hosts give regarding the structure of the essay in response to the prompt?

The hosts advise that while the prompt allows for creativity, it is important to maintain a structure that balances the discussion of the event or accomplishment with the personal growth that resulted from it.

Why is it beneficial to read the prompt slowly and break it down when brainstorming for essay ideas?

Reading the prompt slowly and breaking it down helps to identify multiple paths for brainstorming and idea generation, ensuring that the essay is comprehensive and addresses all aspects of the prompt.

How can a student's experience with overcoming a challenge, such as managing a chronic condition, contribute to their essay?

A student's experience with overcoming a challenge like managing type 1 diabetes can contribute to their essay by demonstrating problem-solving skills, resilience, and personal growth in the face of adversity.