how to start an essay about a life changing event

Essays About Life-changing Experiences: 5 Examples

Discover our guide for writing essays about life-changing experiences that combine three different elements: narrative, description, and self-reflection. 

Each of us has gone through life-changing experiences that shaped us into the individuals we are today. Because of how powerful they are, these events make for fascinating topics in writing. This subject doesn’t only let us tell our life stories, and it also pushes us to evaluate our behavior and reflect on why an incident happened.

Attract your readers by creating an excellent introduction and choosing a unique or exciting encounter. Paint a picture of the events that describe your experience vividly and finish with a strong conclusion.

5 Essay Examples

1. long essay on experience that changed my life by prasanna, 2. life-changing events: personal experience by anonymous on studycorgi.com, 3. my example of a life-changing experience by anonymous on gradesfixer.com, 4. life-changing experience: death essay by writer annie, 5. a life-changing experience during the holiday season by anonymous on studymoose.com, 1. life-changing experience: defined, 2. the experience that changed my life, 3. life-changing events and how they impact lives, 4. everyday events that change a person’s life, 5. the person who change my life, 6. books or movies that changed my life, 7. a life-changing quote.

“Experiences can be good and sometimes terrible that results in a positive or negative impact on one’s life. Life is full of many unexpected challenges and unknown turning points that will come along any time. People must learn and grow from every experience that they go through in life rather than losing yourself.”

In this essay, Prasanna discusses her father’s death as her most challenging life-changing experience. She was cheerful, immature, and carefree when her father was still alive. However, when her father left, she became the decision-maker of their family because her mother was unable to.

Prasanna mentions that she lost not only a father but also a friend, motivator, and mentor. That sad and unexpected experience turned her into an introverted, mature, and responsible head of the family. Ultimately, she thanks her father for making her a better person, and because of the devastating incident, she realizes who she can trust and how she should handle the real world. You might also be interested in these essays about choice .

“In life, certain experiences present challenges that change the way people relate to themselves and their families. Certain life events mark life-changing moments that alter lives either positively or negatively. It matters how people handle their relationships at such critical moments.”

This essay contains two life events that helped the author become a better person. These events taught them to trust and appreciate people, be responsible, and value family. The first event is when their best friend passes away, leading to stress, loss of appetite, and depression. The second circumstance happened when the author postponed their studies because they were afraid to grow up and be accountable for their decisions and actions.

The writer’s family showed them love, support, and understanding through these events. These events changed their behavior, attitude, and perspective on life and guided them to strengthen family relationships.

For help picking your next essay topic, check out our 20 engaging essay topics about family .

“I thought it was awkward because he looked and acted very professional. In that moment I thought to myself, ‘this person is going to have a great impact in my life!’. I was very curious to meet him and get a chance to show him my personality.”

This essay proves that you should always believe in yourself and not be afraid to try something new. The author recalls when they had many problems and met an extraordinary person who changed their life. 

When they were in sixth grade, the writer had life issues that caused them to be anxious about any future endeavor. The author then says they don’t usually open up to teachers because they fear their reactions. Then they met Mr. Salazar, a mentor who respects and values them, and the writer considers him their best friend.

“When the funeral was over and he was laid to rest, I had a feeling I can’t even describe. It was almost an empty feeling. I knew I had lost someone that could never be replaced.”

Annie never thought that she’d go through a life-changing experience until the sudden death of her father. Her thoughts and feelings are all over the place, and she has many unanswered questions. She says that although she will never wish for anyone to experience the same. However, her father’s passing improved her life in some ways.

Her mother remarried and introduced a new father figure, who was very kind to her. Living with her stepdad allowed her to explore and do things she thought she couldn’t. Annie still mourns the loss of her birth father, but she is also grateful to have a stepdad she can lean on. She gradually accepts that she can’t bring her birth father back.

“This story as a whole has really changed me and made me an even better person in life, I’m so thankful that this happened to me because now I have a greater appreciation for the little things in life.”

The essay shows how a simple interaction on a cold day in December can completely change a person’s view on life. It starts with the writer being asked a small favor of an older man with Alzheimer’s disease to help him find his car. This experience teaches the writer to be more observant and appreciative of the things they have. The author was inspired to spend more time with loved ones, especially their grandfather, who also has Alzheimer’s disease, as they learned never to take anything for granted.

7 Prompts for Essays About Life-changing Experiences

Everyone has their definition of a life-changing experience. But in general, it is an event or series of events profoundly altering a person’s thinking, feelings, and behavior. Use this prompt to explain your understanding of the topic and discuss how a simple action, decision, or encounter can change someone’s life. You might also be interested in these essays about yourself .

For this prompt, choose a specific memory that made you re-evaluate your views, values, and morals. Then, discuss the impact of this event on your life. For example, you can discuss losing a loved one, moving to another country, or starting a new school. Your conclusion must contain the main lessons you learned from the experience and how it can help the readers.

Various positive and negative life-changing experiences happen anytime and anywhere. Sometimes, you don’t notice them until they substantially disturb your everyday life. 

To begin your essay, interview people and ask about a momentous event that happened to them and how it influenced their way of living. Then, pick the most potent life-changing experience shared. Talk about what you’d do if you were in the same situation.

Some life-changing events include common things such as marriage, parenthood, divorce, job loss, and death. Research and discuss the most common experiences that transform a person’s life. Include real-life situations and any personal encounters for an intriguing essay.

It’s normal to meet other people, but connecting with someone who will significantly impact your life is a blessing. Use this prompt to discuss that particular person, such as a parent, close friend, or romantic partner. Share who they are and how you met them, and discuss what they did or said that made a big difference in your life. 

Movies like “The Truman Show” help change your viewpoint in life. They open our minds and provide ideas for dealing with our struggles. Share how you reached an epiphany by reading a book or watching a movie. Include if it’s because of a particular dialogue, character action, or scenes you can relate to.

While others use inspirational quotes for comfort and to avoid negative thinking, some find a quote that gives them the courage to make drastic changes to better their lives. For this prompt, search for well-known personalities who discovered a quote that motivated them to turn their life around.  Essay Tip: When editing for grammar, we also recommend spending time and effort to improve the readability score of your essay before publishing or submitting it.

Essay Prompt: Describe a Life Event Which You Feel Has Prepared You to be Successful In College

This guide has been updated and is accurate for the 2024-2025 essay prompts.

Background Information

Before we embark on this introspective journey, it is essential to understand the concept of "college success." It encompasses more than just academic achievements; it encompasses personal growth, adaptability, effective communication, critical thinking, and time management skills. College success requires the ability to navigate through challenges and capitalize on opportunities, ultimately shaping one's future endeavors.

The transition from high school to college is a significant milestone in one's educational journey. It is a time of new beginnings, expanded horizons, and increased independence. However, with this newfound freedom comes a set of challenges that can be overwhelming for many students. The college environment demands a high level of self-discipline, self-motivation, and a strong work ethic.

What Is "College Success"?

Academic success in college is not solely dependent on intelligence or prior knowledge but also on a range of skills and qualities that enable students to effectively navigate the complex world of higher education. These skills include effective time management, critical thinking, problem-solving, adaptability, and effective communication.

Time management is a crucial skill for college success. With the multitude of academic responsibilities, extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, and social commitments, students must learn to prioritize their tasks, manage their time effectively, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Critical thinking and problem-solving are essential skills that enable students to analyze information, evaluate different perspectives, and make well-informed decisions. College coursework often requires students to think critically, apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations, and generate innovative solutions to complex problems.

Adaptability is another crucial aspect of college success. The college environment is dynamic and ever-changing, requiring students to adapt to new situations, adjust their study strategies, and embrace new learning methods. Flexibility and the ability to navigate through unexpected challenges are key to thriving in the college environment.

Effective communication is a skill that transcends academic success and is vital for personal and professional growth. College life involves interacting with professors, peers, and other stakeholders, both in and outside the classroom. Good communication skills enable students to express their ideas clearly, collaborate effectively, and build meaningful relationships.

In summary, college success is not solely determined by academic prowess but also by a range of skills and qualities that enable students to thrive in the college environment. Effective time management, critical thinking, problem-solving, adaptability, and effective communication are all essential components of college success. As we explore the life event that has prepared me for college success, we will delve deeper into these skills and understand how they can be honed through personal experiences.

Example Execercise Analysis & Walkthrough

Now, for those of you thinking, "Well, I can't think of anything right now," fret not! Let me share a fictional event, and we can explore it together:

Made-Up Event: The Midnight Library Project

A student named Alex once initiated a project called "The Midnight Library." It was an endeavor to keep the school library open until midnight during the exam weeks, ensuring students had a quiet place to study. Alex had to persuade the school's administration, manage the logistics, and ensure students abided by the library's rules. It wasn't easy, but by the end, students had a conducive environment to prepare, leading to an overall improvement in exam scores.

Now, whether you have your own event or you're following along with Alex's story, let's dive deep into it:

 1.  Emotions and Challenges: Think about the feelings and hurdles associated with your event. What did you feel during its inception, its challenges, and its conclusion?

   â€¢ Alex's Story: Can you imagine the nervousness Alex felt while presenting the idea to the school board? Or the frustration when some students left a mess behind?

 2.  The Growth Curve: How did you grow or change as the event unfolded?

   â€¢ Alex's Example: From our story, Alex not only learned about leadership and responsibility but also understood the nuances of negotiation and diplomacy.

 3.  The "So What?" Factor: Now, think about why this event was significant. How did it impact others or the community?

   â€¢ Using Alex: The Midnight Library wasn’t just about extended library hours. It was about creating an environment of dedication, mutual respect, and collective growth.

 4.  Skills for College: Alright, here's the fun part! Extract the skills or lessons you've learned and think about how they'll serve you in college.

   â€¢ For Alex: The ability to rally peers around a cause can be instrumental in group projects. Negotiating with the school's administration? Sounds like skills that would come in handy during college club leadership!

 5.  Your Personal Reflection: How do you view the event now? With nostalgia? Pride? A mix of emotions? Dive deep and be honest.

   â€¢ Alex's Takeaway: Every time Alex sees a library, there's a sense of pride in creating something lasting for future students.

Alright, your turn! Reflect on your chosen event and follow the path we've just discussed. By the end, you won't just have an event but a narrative, a story that reflects who you are, and the college-worthy skills you've honed.

Remember, whether it's the Midnight Library or your unique tale, it's not just about what happened, but how you tell it.

Final Thoughts: Embrace Your Journey to College Success

In this blog post, we have explored the essay prompt that asks us to describe a life event that has prepared us for success in college. Through introspection, we have delved into a significant life event, and developed an outline to start writing!

By reflecting on this life event, we have discovered the valuable skills and lessons learned that directly apply to college success. Effective communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, adaptability, and personal growth have all been enhanced through this transformative experience. We have seen how these skills are essential for navigating the challenges and opportunities that college presents.

It is important to recognize that each individual's journey to college success will be unique. The chosen life event may vary from person to person, but what matters most is the ability to reflect on personal experiences and extract meaningful lessons. Whether it be participating in leadership programs, engaging in community service, overcoming personal hardships, or pursuing passion projects, the key is to identify the skills and attributes developed through these experiences and apply them to college life.

As you embark on your own college journey, I encourage you to explore your own life events and experiences. Take the time to reflect on the challenges you have overcome, the lessons you have learned, and the skills you have developed. Embrace the growth that has taken place within you and recognize the invaluable tools you possess for college success.

Eventually, you will find your community and get into college. I highly suggest MeetYourClass , it is the largest and most centralized platform to find other students going to college. Find roommates, friends, and learn about campus life.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, how should i describe a life event in my essay that prepared me for college.

So I'm drafting my college essay and I've got this life event that really impacted me and I think it shows I'm ready for college. But how do I describe it in a way that's compelling and not just telling a story? Any advice from those who tackled something similar?

When you're describing a life event in your college essay, it's important to focus on reflection, rather than merely recounting the event. Think about how this experience has shaped your perspective, influenced your goals, or contributed to your character development.

Start by setting the scene to engage the reader, then swiftly move to express how this event was pivotal in your personal growth. Show rather than tell; for example, if you're writing about how you overcame a challenge, detail the steps you took and the resourcefulness or resilience you displayed with active descriptions and action rather than a passive explanation. You want to make it clear why this event makes you a strong candidate for college by connecting it to attributes like determination, leadership, or a passion for learning. Remember to close your essay by looking forward; explain how the event has prepared you for the challenges of college and beyond, and how it will inform your contributions to the college community.

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Ideas for an Experience That Changed My Life Essay

By: Henrique Bertulino

A college essay provides you with a unique opportunity to reveal your personality creatively. For example, professors may ask you to describe an experience that changed my life essay. What an exciting topic!

Pick an Interesting and Unique Personal Experience

Create an introduction to hook the reader, paint a vivid picture, write a powerful conclusion, sample essay: my experience that changed my life, introduction, how to finalize an essay about a life-changing event.

However, to complete this academic assignment successfully, you must not only share a significant life experience but also ensure your essay is well-structured, interesting, easy to follow, and submitted on time. Read ahead for all the essential tips on writing a captivating essay about a good or bad experience that changed your life.

Steps for Writing a Memorable Essay About a Life-Changing Experience

The good news is that this essay topic gives you the freedom to write about anything you want. The main challenge is to ensure that it reveals your character's unique and strong sides and proves your ability to write and think critically about yourself. Here are some essential tips to get you started on writing a great essay:

Choosing a good topic is the first step to write high-quality and impressive research papers. It would help if you wrote about something that interests you instead of picking a theme that your readers would supposedly like to hear. After all, only your passion for the chosen topic can make the audience care about the experience you are describing. Here are some examples:

• The first time traveling abroad
• The day you visited an elderly home
• A successful internship you've completed
• Your move from one city/country to another
• A meeting with your idol
• A certain experience in high school

Ensure that your essay introduction can interest the readers and make them care about a particular life experience and its outcomes. For example, you can start your academic paper with memorable details from the experience climax and then go back to it chronologically in the main body. This way, the readers will want to read your essay to the last word.

Once you start writing the main body paragraphs, your goal is to hold the readers' attention. That is when adding some details comes in handy. They can be your most effective tool to convey the importance of an event and describe your emotions. For this section, you will need to use adjectives, as they are the means to create a memorable description. Here is a list of useful adjectives you may consider including when describing a situation:

This element is crucial for any personal descriptive essay because it's all about your reflection on how a certain life experience changed you. A strong conclusion helps to set your academic assignment from the others. You can include the development of your character traits, such as compassion, leadership, and maturity. In other words, mention what makes the event you've experienced life-changing for you.

To get a better understanding of what it takes to write a great essay, let's take a look at a sample text provided by Dave, a college freshman:

An experience that changed my life is the COVID-19 pandemic. This event has happened unexpectedly and managed to affect the whole world, myself being no exception.

The coronavirus has taken many lives while forcing countries to go on lockdown and introduce a variety of preventive measures against contamination. Even though I was lucky enough not to lose any loved ones to the virus, living in New York has given me a taste of the massive changes caused by the COVID infection.

As a freshman year college student, I was expecting to have a lot of fun. However, instead of parties and social gatherings, my group mates and I have faced distance learning and strict lockdown measures. Yet, the first-year college students agreed to arrange a zoom call to get to know each other, and I have already managed to make some friends! Meeting them in person, as the lockdown measures softened, was a one-of-a-kind experience. Besides, I had more time to spend with my family members!

Studying online is also not easy. I feel like distance learning puts a lot more responsibility on the students' shoulders, requiring more motivation and self-discipline. After several tries, I have managed to come up with a strategy that allows me to be productive.

The lockdown also made me pay attention to those in need. Somehow, before the pandemic, I was rather numb to the issues going on in real life in the other parts of the world and even in my own country. However, nowadays, one of my strongest desires is to contribute to charitable organizations and become a volunteer for a cause I believe in whenever the situation allows.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected my lifestyle a lot. As an extrovert, I found self-isolation extremely challenging. However, the global situation has taught me that being flexible and knowing how to adapt is a crucial quality in today's world. I have become more empathic and have found a calling for improving the world. All these factors make the pandemic a truly life-changing experience for me.

The Strong and Weak Points of the Sample Essay

Dave's essay is a typical example of a college student's essay. But, even though the text is not bad, it isn't likely to receive the grade Dave's hoping for. However, this written work can be improved in a few simple steps.

But first, let's highlight the positive aspects of Dave's essay:

• a powerful topic that is captivating and relatable
• the presence of self-analysis
• the description of qualities developed and improved throughout the experience

The elements that need to be improved include:

The introduction of Dave's essay doesn't make his work stand out, even though he selected a fascinating topic. Besides, it is too short and doesn't provide enough information to make the reader relate to the author. An improved version of the introduction could look like this:

My life-changing experience started in November 2019 and is still taking place. It is an event that affected not only me but also you, your neighbors, and even the people living on the other side of the ocean - nearly every person's life. Today, I will be giving you an insight into how the COVID-19 pandemic has turned my worldview upside-down.

Would you be interested in finding out what happened to the author? That's the power of a well-written introduction in action!

Dave does a great job describing his experience, using adjectives, and assessing the situation from different perspectives. However, the main body of his essay is not specific enough. Some examples of this issue are:

• "Meeting them in person ... was a one-of-a-kind experience."
• "After several tries, I have managed to come up with a strategy."
• "Become a volunteer for a cause I believe in."

These are all awesome pieces of information. However, they do not reveal the details. How did the meet-up with the group mates go? What is Dave's strategy for productivity? What is the cause he believes in? All this information would help the reader connect with the author and relate to their experience. Here is one example of a concise experience description:

Seeing how vulnerable elderly people are in the face of the pandemic, I have realized that I have never been sensitive enough when it comes to the older generation. I got inspired by the idea of volunteering in old people's homes whenever I get a chance to do so. This idea is dear to my heart and makes me believe I can become a better person and make a difference in the world by helping those in need.

Such a paragraph reveals what kind of person Dave is, what he has learned, and describes his future plans, making his written work stand out.

The conclusion written by Dave is good. However, to make it even more masterful, it would be great to include a memorable element, such as this sentence:

I am a believer that light can be found even in the darkest times - we just have to keep our eyes wide open.

It is a beautiful metaphor that is relevant to the topic and demonstrates the author's poetic side.

Personal experiences are perfect for academic writing, but choosing the right one and adding emotional honesty can be out of the comfort zone for many students. You need to brainstorm possible ideas and reflect on an important life experience to impress readers.

Don't forget to check the grammar and proofread your essay to find and fix all minor and major mistakes. If you have any difficulties, think about entrusting this task to a qualified and reputable writing service , such as Studybay!

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this was interesting

I'm hopeful and interested to learn to write essays

Jhaywhale Jones

I basically came online to find information on how to write about 'events that changed your life.' Yes, it is an assignment. After reading this, I have many ideas and much more information on how to direct the story's narrative.

Essays are usually very complex, and they don't come easy to me. So, I find it pretty confusing to describe any event that may have changed my life. I already have issues talking about something like that. However, I do look forward to improving my writing skills.

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How to Write a Personal Growth Essay: Examples + Tips

By Eric Eng

Have you ever had an experience that completely changed how you see yourself or the world? Maybe it was a challenge you didn’t expect or something that pushed you out of your comfort zone. These are the kinds of experiences that personal growth essays are all about.

Writing a good personal growth essay is one of the best ways to stand out during the admissions process. You need to tell real stories that show your personality, your drive, and what you’ve learned along the way. Let’s go over some examples and tips to help you write a personal growth essay that feels both authentic and compelling.

Personal Growth Essay Examples

How to start a personal growth essay, frequently asked questions.

In a personal growth essay, you need to show how specific experiences have shaped you.  Aside from looking at your grades, colleges also want to understand how you’ve grown as a person. Here are a few detailed examples of personal growth topics you can use in your essay:

Overcoming academic challenges

A lot of students write about how they’ve overcome academic struggles in their personal growth essays. Maybe you failed a test or found a subject really difficult. Instead of giving up, you worked harder—maybe through tutoring, extra studying, or asking for help from your teacher. This kind of story shows colleges that you’re resilient and that you can bounce back from challenges.

For instance, you could talk about how you bombed your first chemistry test, but instead of letting it defeat you, you set a goal to improve. You might write about how you managed to go from a D to an A by the end of the year. This type of example highlights your determination and shows that you’re willing to put in the effort to succeed, even when things get tough. A story like this can make a compelling personal growth essay.

Developing leadership skills

Another great example for a personal growth essay is learning to be a leader. Maybe you took on a leadership role in a club or on a sports team and learned a lot from that experience. You could write about how, at first, you were unsure of yourself, but over time, you figured out how to communicate with your team and lead them to success.

You could also share how you led your debate team during a state championship. At first, managing conflicts between team members was tricky, but by the end of the season, you had figured out how to keep everyone on the same page and motivated. This type of essay shows colleges that you’re capable of growth and that you can step up when needed.

Adjusting to new environments

Moving to a new city or school can be a great example of personal growth. Many students write about how being in a new place forced them to adapt and become more independent. You can talk about how this big change helped you build resilience and confidence in yourself.

For instance, maybe you moved to a new high school during your junior year, which wasn’t easy at first. You didn’t know anyone, and being away from your friends and familiar teachers was tough. But over time, you stepped out of your comfort zone, made new friends, joined some activities, and built a new support system. This example shows colleges that you can handle change and grow from it.

Learning from failure in extracurriculars

Personal growth can also happen outside of the classroom, especially in extracurriculars. Maybe you were on a sports team or in the school play and experienced a big failure, like losing an important game or missing out on a role you really wanted. Instead of letting it bring you down, you worked harder, practiced more, and eventually succeeded.

You could write about losing your first big tennis match. But instead of quitting, you practiced every day, learned from your mistakes, and came back to win the regional championship the next season. This kind of story works well for a personal growth essay as it shows your determination and ability to bounce back, two qualities that colleges love to see in applicants.

Personal growth through volunteer work

Volunteer work is another area where you might have experienced personal growth. Maybe working with a local charity opened your eyes to some big social issues and made you more aware of the world around you. You could reflect on how volunteering helped you become more compassionate and engaged with your community.

For example, if you spent time volunteering at a food bank, you could talk about how it taught you the importance of empathy and helping others. Maybe it even inspired you to take further action, like organizing a fundraiser or starting a community service project. This would be an excellent story for a personal growth essay because it shows colleges that you’ve grown in terms of social awareness and that you’re motivated to make a difference.

Getting started with a personal growth essay can feel like the hardest part. You need to hook the reader, introduce your story, and set the tone for the rest of the essay. The first few sentences are crucial in making a good impression. Let’s break down each step of starting your essay with clear tips and examples to make the process easier.

1. Choose a focused topic.

The first step in starting your essay is choosing a specific experience that shows personal growth. You don’t want to cover too much ground. Focus on one event or experience that had a significant impact on you. This will give you enough room to get into the details without overwhelming the reader.

For example, instead of writing about your growth over four years of high school, you could focus on one key moment, like when you learned to manage your time between academics and sports. Narrowing your topic gives your personal growth essay more focus and makes it easier to write.

2. Focus on deeper themes.

A lot of students think they’ll impress admissions officers by listing their accomplishments or detailing wins in sports or volunteer work. But that’s not the point. Colleges aren’t just looking for a list of activities—they want to know who you are as a person.

Your personal growth essay should explore deeper themes like personal realizations, changes in perspective, or lessons learned from adversity. For example, instead of just saying you won a soccer game, write about how that win helped you grow as a person, a friend, or a leader.

Connect your experiences to how they shaped your educational journey or future aspirations. What did you learn about yourself? How did these moments shape who you are today? Admissions officers want to know what drives you and how you’ve become the person you are now. This is the deeper level they’re looking for in essays about your personal development .

3. Start with a hook.

A strong opening is important. You want to grab the reader’s attention right away. One way to do this is by starting with a hook—something that draws them in. This could be a question, a bold statement, or a surprising fact. For example:

• “I never thought failing a math test could change my life, but it did.”
• “It only took one conversation with my debate coach to realize I had a lot to learn about leadership.”
• “At 16, I moved to a new city, not knowing a single person. It turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me.”

These hooks create curiosity and make the reader want to learn more. A good hook sets the stage for the rest of your personal growth essay and gets your reader interested in your story.

4. Set the scene.

After your hook, you need to set the stage for your story. Describe the situation you were in and why it was important. Be specific about the time, place, and circumstances. This helps your reader understand the context of your personal growth and connects them to your experience.

For example, if you’re writing about a difficult academic challenge, explain what was happening in your life at the time:

“It was the middle of my sophomore year, and I was struggling in chemistry. No matter how hard I studied, I couldn’t seem to pass my tests. I was frustrated, embarrassed, and unsure of how to move forward.”

This type of detail makes your essay feel personal and relatable.

5. Show the stakes.

Next, explain why the situation mattered to you. What was at stake? Why was this a moment of personal growth? You don’t need to spell everything out, but hinting at the bigger picture will keep the reader engaged.

For example:

If I didn’t find a way to improve my chemistry grade , I would have lost my scholarship. I had to figure out how to turn things around.”

Showing the stakes helps readers understand why the experience was significant. It also makes them more invested in your story.

6. Reflect on your initial feelings.

Before getting into how you grew, take a moment to reflect on how you felt at the beginning of the experience. Were you scared? Unsure of yourself? Confident but later humbled? Letting the reader see your emotional state adds depth to your essay and makes your growth more compelling.

For instance, you could write:

“At first, I thought I had everything under control. I was used to getting good grades, so failing a test was a huge shock. I started to doubt myself and question if I was even cut out for the subject.”

These reflections make your personal growth essay feel more honest and relatable.

7. Introduce the turning point.

Now that you’ve set the scene and explained the stakes, it’s time to introduce the turning point—the moment when things started to change. This could be a conversation you had, a realization you came to, or an action you took that led to personal growth.

“After my third failed chemistry test, I decided to stop trying to figure it out on my own. I asked my teacher for extra help and started attending after-school tutoring sessions. Slowly but surely, I started to understand the material.”

8. End your introduction with a transition.

After establishing context, you’re ready to get into the main part of your essay, which is how you grew. Wrap up your introduction with a smooth transition that sets up the rest of the essay.

“What started as a huge academic struggle turned into one of the most valuable lessons I’ve ever learned about persistence and hard work. Here’s how it all unfolded.”

This transition sets the reader up for the main body of your personal growth essay, where you’ll explain how you grew and what you learned.

9. End your essay with a “kicker.”

Finally, end your essay with a “kicker.” In journalism, a kicker is a punchy final line or paragraph that leaves a lasting impression. It wraps everything up in a neat, memorable way and makes the reader feel satisfied with your essay.

“What did I learn from failing that test? It wasn’t just how to study better. It was how to accept failure and move forward—and that’s a lesson I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.”

A strong ending can leave a powerful impact. This way, admission officers will remember your essay . While a great essay can’t guarantee admission, it might just tip the scales in your favor when colleges are choosing between candidates with similar grades and backgrounds.

1. What are some examples of personal growth essays?

Personal growth essays often focus on significant life experiences that led to personal development. These could include overcoming academic challenges, developing leadership skills, adjusting to a new environment, or learning from failure. For example, you might write about how failing a test pushed you to develop better study habits. The key is to reflect on how these experiences shaped your character.

2. What should I include in a personal development essay?

A personal development or growth essay focuses on the experiences that have contributed to your growth as an individual. It’s important to show the progression of your thoughts, actions, and emotions. Rather than just listing accomplishments or activities, focus on moments where you faced challenges and had to develop new skills, adopt new perspectives, or reflect on your beliefs.

3. How long should my personal growth essay be?

When thinking about how to start a personal essay and its length, it’s important to follow the guidelines of the application you’re working on. For instance, the Common App suggests a word limit of 650 words. Keep your essay focused and concise. Admissions officers want to get a clear sense of your story without being bogged down by unnecessary details.

4. How do I choose a topic for my personal growth essay?

To choose a topic, think about moments that had a significant impact on you. Consider experiences where you learned something new about yourself, overcame a challenge, or changed your perspective. Personal growth essay examples could include anything from a difficult academic experience to a transformative volunteering opportunity. The key is to select a story that reveals how you’ve developed as a person.

• Your personal growth essay should focus on the experiences that really shaped who you are. Think about big moments like academic challenges, leadership roles, or even failures that helped you grow. Pick one specific event to get into.
• Start strong by grabbing the reader’s attention with a hook. Then, set the scene by explaining the context of your story—when, where, and why it was important. Make sure to show what was at stake and why the experience mattered to you.
• Reflection is everything. Talk about how you felt before the experience and how your mindset changed as you went through it. Whether you learned to handle failure, became a better leader, or built resilience, explain how you grew.
• Wrap it up with a solid “kicker.” Your ending should not only tie the story together but leave the reader with a clear sense of how you’re ready for what’s next.
• Can’t figure out how to make your personal growth essay stand out? A college admissions consultant can help you turn your experiences into a powerful story that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

Want to assess your chances of admission? Take our FREE chances calculator today!

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A Turning Point: An Event That Changed My Life Forever

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Here’s one of the most popular Common Application essay topics that’s going to be used again in the 2020-2021 admissions cycle: “Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.”

According to the Common Application, in the 2018-2019 cycle, 23.7% of students opted to write about an experience of personal transformation that changed their perception of themselves and others.

What you’re about to read is a significantly updated version of my original article.

Since publishing this article back in 2017, more and more of my own students have written amazing Common App essays on this topic.

As such, I’ve decided to update this article to share more insights into what does and doesn’t work when crafting narratives about experiences of “personal growth.”

Read the whole article or click on one of the following links to jump ahead to any section that interests you:

What DON’T Admissions Officers Want to See in Your Common App Essay?

What DO Admissions Officers Want to Read About in Your “Sparked a Period of Personal Growth” Essay?

Why Are Colleges Interested in Essays on Personal Growth?

What Are Some Unique Ways of Approaching the “Sparked a Period of Personal Growth” Essay?

Stanford Student’s Common App Essay on an Experience that “Sparked a Period of Personal Growth”

What don’t  admissions officers want to see in your common app essay .

Let’s start by stating the obvious.

Your track record—your record of past accomplishments—plays a significant role in the college admissions process.

Many students fixate on this part of how they’re going to be evaluated. Even the most talented students fall prey to this tendency because they want to emphasize all the amazing things they’ve done.

This urge is understandable.

Rest assured that there are plenty of places in your application to showcase your accomplishments.

However, your Common Application essay ISN’T  the place to  just focus on  what you’ve done .

Admissions officers don’t  just want to read an essay that’s all about the end result or the “high impact” of your project, accomplishment, or whatever event it is that you’ve chosen to write about.

Every year, I have myth-busting conversations with students who are suffering under the mistaken idea that the Common App essay needs to be first and foremost a demonstration of some very significant high-impact thing they’ve done.

Pay close attention to my phrasing.

I’m NOT saying you shouldn’t include significant accomplishments in your Common App essay on a “period of personal growth.”

I AM saying that your essay shouldn’t  just be about the accomplishments.

Click here to a ccess all my tips, techniques, and case studies on writing great Common App essays.

What DO   Admissions Officers Want to Read About in Your “Sparked a Period of Personal Growth” Essay?

The reality is that admissions officers are extremely curious about how  YOU have been  transformed by projects, experiences, and accomplishments .

Want to write a great Common App essay on something that “sparked a period of personal growth”?

Then, you need to share your  process of transformation –your before, during , and after .

Just FYI, the best transformation narratives often feature both internal and external transformation.

Many students leap right over the “process” part of the essay. They want to jump from the “before” to the “after” because they feel the process–the “middle” or “during”–isn’t exciting or dramatic.

I know you want to dazzle the people reading your application essays.

However, mere “before and after” narratives aren’t as compelling to admissions officers as those that feature the “during.”

In addition to including the “during” part of your transformation, your “after” shouldn’t  just focus on the external result (especially in the “sparked a period of personal growth” essay). Your “after” should include some philosophical contemplation of your transformation.

I strongly recommend that you read two articles:

“Two Elements of the Best Common Application Essays”

“Techniques Used in the Best College Application Essays”

These articles feature strategies to help you master the art of structuring your Common App essay and include analysis of actual student application essays.

Why Are Colleges Interested in Essays on Personal Growth? 

The answer is simple and sometimes surprising.

Colleges aren’t  just looking at your track record.

They’re also looking forward, out beyond what you’ve already accomplished. Admissions officers need to make what a former Yale president describes as a “hunchy judgement” about your potential.

When Stanford is reviewing your application, they’re looking for signs of your “intellectual vitality”–your “commitment, dedication and genuine interest in  expanding your intellectual horizons” and “the initiative with which you seek out opportunities and  expand your perspective.”

Harvard is considering some key questions when they’re reviewing your application: “Have you reached your maximum academic and personal potential?” Or “do you have reserve  power to do more ?” “How  open are you to  new ideas and people ?” “Will you be able to stand up to the pressures and freedoms of College life?”

Yale is looking for a “desire and ability to  stretch one’s limits.”

GROWTH. EXPANSION. POTENTIAL. OPENNESS.

College is a time of massive intellectual and overall personal growth.

Admissions officers at all colleges are looking for students who are open to this process of growth and have the underlying strategies for handling it .

The best, most memorable college experiences are often ones in which your mind is blow and your perspectives expanded in ways you never could have imagined in high school.

But how can you demonstrate your potential?

How can you demonstrate that you’re ready for the challenge?

Writing your Common App essay about an experience that “sparked a period of personal growth,” especially one that transformed your “understanding of yourself or others,” is an excellent way to show colleges you have the kind of qualities and capabilities described above.

Growth, expansion, openness, and transformation sound lovely. They sound positive. But anyone who has undergone a period of massive growth knows that it’s more complex than it sounds, and there are almost always setbacks and challenges along the way.

The “during” part of your essay is a great place to show that you’ve started cultivating the underlying skills that are essential for navigating your way through the growth process.

What Are Some Unique Ways of Approaching the “Sparked a Period of Personal Growth” Essay? 

There are so many juicy possibilities for writing about an experience that “sparked a period of personal growth.”

Here are some things my students have written about. . .

Getting lost in a foreign city

Losing their passport

Changing a deeply held conviction based on the results of a research project or conversation

Getting called out by an employer for insufficient attention to details

Hurting someone’s feelings by acting in an ungrateful manner

Standing up to someone

Doing something way out of their comfort zone (e.g., working on a farm, going on a solo wilderness hike, etc.)

Taking charge of organizing a family holiday gathering due to a parent’s illness

Student Background:  One of my students who is studying engineering at Stanford was originally planning to write her Common App essay on the time she felt like a failure because she couldn’t answer a judge’s question. ( Click here to read “How to Successfully Apply to Engineering Programs.” )

Problem:  We both agreed that the first draft she wrote felt too stiff and formulaic.

She glossed over the experience with the judge. The experience just seemed like a gimmicky hook that led into a essay that was mainly about the impact her organization had on the young people in her community. That is, she was falling into the trap of trying to write a “LOOK AT WHAT I’VE DONE!!” essay that I mentioned earlier. Plus, the draft featured all the cliches guaranteed to make an admissions officer’s eyes glaze over in “I’ve read this same basic narrative a thousand times” boredom.

There wasn’t sufficient introspection. The juiciest parts of her experience–the ones that would probably matter most to college admissions committees–didn’t even make their way into her essay. The most interesting aspects of her experience had to do with the way she contemplated the implications of her inability to answer the judge’s question about how her project “could change children’s lives” and how this contemplation propelled her into a  process of rethinking the nature of her engineering work and led to the development of her organization.

Solution:  In our conversations, she shared how, up until that moment with the judge, she’d only really focused on pursuing her own intellectual interests. This experience of feeling dumfounded by the judge’s question was painful, but it set her off on a new journey that involved finding applications for her work that could benefit others. She started thinking about the needs of others, not just her own. As it turns out, this was an experience that “sparked a period of personal growth.”

As she worked through the details of this transformation in her goals and approach, she also began transitioning from always being the young person getting mentored to becoming a mentor for the next generation of budding scientists and engineers. One element of her “personal growth” had to do with this shift from always “taking” to being someone who does more “giving.” A fruit of this experience that “sparked a period of personal growth” was her development of what eventually became a high-impact and award-winning program for children in her city. This program was originally the narrative star of her essay (in terms of how much attention she gave it), but now it had even more impact because the whole personal backstory was there.

Our conversations focused on mapping out vivid anecdotes that helped admissions officers see her process of inner and outer transformation. She developed super specific “before, during, and after” anecdotes that also shed light on her family background and culture. She took readers on a journey that started with the seemingly simple question from a science fair judge that plunged her into a process of “personal growth” which ultimately resulted in a “new understanding” of herself and others.

Dr. Bernstein’s Commentary: This student’s essay was now far more psychologically and intellectually nuanced.

Her essay wasn’t filled with exaggerated external drama and didn’t have the light, whippy tone that many websites featuring sample application essays love to emphasize.

Once she let go of many of the common misunderstandings about what matters in this kind of essay, she wrote an essays that was true to her experience and style.

Her vivid “before, during, and after” anecdotes made it possible for readers to really see and feel her “aha” moment in action. It’s very satisfying when readers can feel the “aha”–when they can see your mind and heart in action.

Admissions officers aren’t  just interested in the surface level of what your essay is about.

They’re also interested in your habits of mind–the way you make sense of your experiences, your level of self-awareness, and a whole host of other qualities.

Let’s end by connecting the student’s essay back to what I shared earlier about what Stanford, Harvard, and Yale are looking for in applicants.

Now her essay showed how she keeps “questing” and stretching herself. She’s demonstrating how she has “reserve power to do more” because each significant experience she has sparks more personal growth, contemplation, and action. She’s constantly deepening and expanding her perspectives to benefit not only herself but also others. So even though this essay started with what seemed like a moment of failure (not being able to answer the judge’s question), it was really about her own growth.

WAYS TO WORK WITH DR. BERNSTEIN!

Click here to learn how to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Bernstein.

Click here to learn more about Dr. Bernstein’s ongoing private college preparation and college admissions support .

Click here to learn about the online Get Yourself Into College® program .

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Essay on Life Changing Experiences

Students are often asked to write an essay on Life Changing Experiences in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Life Changing Experiences

Understanding life changing experiences.

A life changing experience is an event that changes a person’s life in a significant way. These experiences can be positive or negative. They can happen at any point in our lives. They shape us into who we are and how we see the world.

Types of Life Changing Experiences

There are many types of life changing experiences. Some common ones include moving to a new place, losing a loved one, or starting a new school. These experiences can make us feel different emotions. They can make us feel happy, sad, scared, or excited.

Impact of Life Changing Experiences

Life changing experiences can have a big impact on us. They can teach us important lessons. For example, moving to a new place can teach us to be more adaptable. Losing a loved one can teach us about the value of life.

Dealing with Life Changing Experiences

Dealing with life changing experiences can be hard. It’s important to talk about our feelings with someone we trust. We can also write about our experiences in a journal. This can help us understand and cope with our feelings.

250 Words Essay on Life Changing Experiences

Understanding life-changing experiences.

Life-changing experiences are events that change our lives in a big way. They are like a strong wind that turns our world upside down. We all have different life-changing experiences. They can be happy or sad, big or small.

Types of Life-Changing Experiences

There are many types of life-changing experiences. Some people might have a big change in their family, like a new baby brother or sister. Others might move to a new place and have to make new friends. Some might get sick and have to spend a lot of time in the hospital. All of these things can change a person’s life.

Effects of Life-Changing Experiences

Life-changing experiences can change how we see the world. They can make us stronger, wiser, and more understanding. They can also make us scared, sad, or unsure. But no matter how they make us feel, they always teach us something important.

Learning from Life-Changing Experiences

We can learn a lot from life-changing experiences. They can teach us about ourselves, about other people, and about the world. They can show us what is truly important in life. And they can help us grow and become better people.

In conclusion, life-changing experiences are important parts of our lives. They can be hard and scary, but they can also be beautiful and enlightening. They shape us, teach us, and help us grow. So, let’s embrace them, learn from them, and become better because of them.

500 Words Essay on Life Changing Experiences

There are many types of life changing experiences. Some are joyful, like the birth of a sibling, winning a competition, or moving to a new city. Others might be sad, like the loss of a loved one or a serious illness.

How Life Changing Experiences Affect Us

These experiences can change us in many ways. They can teach us new things, like how to be brave, how to care for others, or how to work hard. They can also change our views, making us see the world in a different light.

Learning from Life Changing Experiences

It’s important to remember that we can learn from all life changing experiences, even the sad or difficult ones. They can teach us about strength, resilience, and the value of support from others.

For example, a student who loses a loved one might learn about grief and how to cope with it. They might also learn about the importance of family and friends during tough times.

Sharing Our Life Changing Experiences

For instance, a student who has overcome a serious illness might share their story to inspire and support others who are facing the same challenge.

Conclusion: The Value of Life Changing Experiences

In conclusion, life changing experiences, whether happy or sad, are a crucial part of our lives. They shape us, teach us, and help us grow. By learning from these experiences and sharing them with others, we can become stronger, wiser, and more understanding. So, let’s embrace these moments, learn from them, and use them to make a positive difference in our lives and the lives of others.

Remember, every experience, no matter how big or small, has the potential to change our lives in significant ways. Embrace these changes, learn from them, and use them to grow into the best version of yourself.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

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