influential person essay prompt

Sample Essays: Influential Person

Please select from the following sample application essays:

Essay 1: Wellesley | Essay 2: Harvard | Essay 3: Harvard

Note: The following essays were not edited by EssayEdge Editors. They appear as they were initially reviewed by admissions officers.

Sample Essay 1

Wellesley, Influence of mother

It took me eighteen years to realize what an extraordinary influence my mother has been on my life. She's the kind of person who has thoughtful discussions about which artist she would most want to have her portrait painted by (Sargent), the kind of mother who always has time for her four children, and the kind of community leader who has a seat on the board of every major project to assist Washington's impoverished citizens. Growing up with such a strong role model, I developed many of her enthusiasms. I not only came to love the excitement of learning simply for the sake of knowing something new, but I also came to understand the idea of giving back to the community in exchange for a new sense of life, love, and spirit.

My mother's enthusiasm for learning is most apparent in travel. I was nine years old when my family visited Greece. Every night for three weeks before the trip, my older brother Peter and I sat with my mother on her bed reading Greek myths and taking notes on the Greek Gods. Despite the fact that we were traveling with fourteen-month-old twins, we managed to be at each ruin when the site opened at sunrise. I vividly remember standing in an empty ampitheatre pretending to be an ancient tragedian, picking out my favorite sculpture in the Acropolis museum, and inserting our family into modified tales of the battle at Troy. Eight years and half a dozen passport stamps later I have come to value what I have learned on these journeys about global history, politics and culture, as well as my family and myself.

While I treasure the various worlds my mother has opened to me abroad, my life has been equally transformed by what she has shown me just two miles from my house. As a ten year old, I often accompanied my mother to (name deleted), a local soup kitchen and children's center. While she attended meetings, I helped with the Summer Program by chasing children around the building and performing magic tricks. Having finally perfected the "floating paintbrush" trick, I began work as a full time volunteer with the five and six year old children last June. It is here that I met Jane Doe, an exceptionally strong girl with a vigor that is contagious. At the end of the summer, I decided to continue my work at (name deleted) as Jane's tutor. Although the position is often difficult, the personal rewards are beyond articulation. In the seven years since I first walked through the doors of (name deleted), I have learned not only the idea of giving to others, but also of deriving from them a sense of spirit.

Everything that my mother has ever done has been overshadowed by the thought behind it. While the raw experiences I have had at home and abroad have been spectacular, I have learned to truly value them by watching my mother. She has enriched my life with her passion for learning, and changed it with her devotion to humanity. In her endless love of everything and everyone she is touched by, I have seen a hope and life that is truly exceptional. Next year, I will find a new home miles away. However, my mother will always be by my side.

The topic of this essay is the writer's mother. However, the writer definitely focuses on herself, which makes this essay so strong. She manages to impress the reader with her travel experience, volunteer and community experience, and commitment to learning without ever sounding boastful or full of herself. The essay is also very well organized.

Sample Essay 2

Harvard, Favorite fictional character

Of all the characters that I've "met" through books and movies, two stand out as people that I most want to emulate. They are Attacus Finch from To Kill A Mockingbird and Dr. Archibald "Moonlight" Graham from Field of Dreams. They appeal to me because they embody what I strive to be. They are influential people in small towns who have a direct positive effect on those around them. I, too, plan to live in a small town after graduating from college, and that positive effect is something I must give in order to be satisfied with my life.

Both Mr. Finch and Dr. Graham are strong supporting characters in wonderful stories. They symbolize good, honesty, and wisdom. When the story of my town is written I want to symbolize those things. The base has been formed for me to live a productive, helpful life. As an Eagle Scout I represent those things that Mr. Finch and Dr. Graham represent. In the child/adolescent world I am Mr. Finch and Dr. Graham, but soon I'll be entering the adult world, a world in which I'm not yet prepared to lead.

I'm quite sure that as teenagers Attacus Finch and Moonlight Graham often wondered what they could do to help others. They probably emulated someone who they had seen live a successful life. They saw someone like my grandfather, 40-year president of our hometown bank, enjoy a lifetime of leading, sharing, and giving. I have seen him spend his Christmas Eves taking gifts of food and joy to indigent families. Often when his bank could not justify a loan to someone in need, my grandfather made the loan from his own pocket. He is a real-life Moonlight Graham, a man who has shown me that characters like Dr. Graham and Mr. Finch do much much more than elicit tears and smiles from readers and movie watchers. Through him and others in my family I feel I have acquired the values and the burning desire to benefit others that will form the foundation for a great life. I also feel that that foundation is not enough. I do not yet have the sophistication, knowledge, and wisdom necessary to succeed as I want to in the adult world. I feel that Harvard, above all others, can guide me toward the life of greatness that will make me the Attacus Finch of my town.

This essay is a great example of how to answer this question well. This applicant chose characters who demonstrated specific traits that reflect on his own personality. We believe that he is sincere about his choices because his reasons are personal (being from a small town, and so forth). He managed to tell us a good deal about himself, his values, and his goals while maintaining a strong focus throughout.

Sample Essay 3

Harvard, Family illness: Mother's fight with cancer

I am learning, both through observations and first-hand experiences, that there are many mishaps in life which seem to be unexplainable and unfair, and yet have devastating consequences. Disease fits into this category. Its atrocity does not stem from the fact that it is a rare or uncommon occurrence, since illness and disease pervade our lives as we hear numerous stories of sick people and come into contact with them each day. However, there is a marked difference between reading in the newspaper that a famous rock star or sports icon has tested H.I.V. positive and discovering that your own mother has been diagnosed with cancer.

Undoubtedly, the most influential people in my life have been my mother and father. It is to them that I credit many of my accomplishments and successes--both inside and outside of school. Throughout my childhood, my parents have always fostered and encouraged me in all my endeavors. At all my sporting events, spelling bees, concerts, and countless other activities, they have always been front row and center. My parents, in conjunction with twelve years of Catholic training, have also instilled in me a sound belief in a loving, caring God, which I have come to firmly believe. It therefore should not come as a surprise that the news of my mothers sickness would greatly alter my entire outlook on life. Where was my God?

My mother, in fact, had been aware of her condition in the spring of my junior year in high school. She deliberately did not inform my sister or me of her illness because she did not want to distract us from our studies. Instead, my mother waited for the completion of her radiation therapy treatments. At this time, she brought me into her room, sat me down on the same wooden rocking chair from which she used to read me bedtime stories, and began to relate her story. I did not weep, I did not flinch. In fact, I hardly even moved, but from that point onward, I vowed that I would do anything and everything to please my mother and make her proud of me.

Every subsequent award won and every honor bestowed upon me has been inspired by the recollection of my mother's plight. I look to her as a driving force of motivation. In her I see the firm, enduring qualities of courage, strength, hope, and especially love. Whenever I feel discouraged or dispirited, I remember the example set by my mother and soon become reinvigorated. Instead of groveling in my sorrow, I think of all the pain and suffering that my mother had to endure and am revived with new energy after realizing the triviality of my own predicament. For instance, last year, when I was playing in a championship soccer game, my leg became entangled with a forwards leg on the other team, and I wound up tearing my medial cruciate ligament. I was very upset for having injured myself in such a seemingly inane manner. Completely absorbed in my own anguish, I would not talk to anyone and instead lamented on the sidelines. But then I remembered something that my mother used to say to me whenever something like this happened: If this is the worst thing that ever happens to you, I'll be very happy, and you'll be very lucky. Instantly, many thoughts race through my mind. I pictured my mother as a young thirteen-year-old walking to the hospital every day after school to visit her sick father. She had always told me how extremely painful it had been to watch his body become emaciated as the cancer advanced day by day and finally took its toll. I then pictured my mother in the hospital, thirty years later, undergoing all the physically and mentally debilitating tests, and having to worry about her husband and her children at the same time. I suddenly felt incredibly ashamed at how immature I had been acting over my own affliction. I gathered my thoughts and instead of sulking or complaining, helped coach my team to victory.

I am very happy to say that my mother is now feeling much better and her periodic checkups and C.A.T. scans have indicated that she is doing very well. Nevertheless, her strength and courage will remain a constant source of inspiration to me. I feel confident to greet the future with a resolute sense of hope and optimism.

The majority of the suggestions for this essay highlight the danger inherent in relying on an overly poignant topic, in this case the writer's mother's bout with cancer. Part of why the reactions to this piece are so passionate (and why there are so many of them) is because had the applicant just taken a slightly different approach, he could have had a powerful and touching composition on his hands. It is always frustrating when a piece with so much potential misses the mark. In this case, the material and emotion are all there. Had he spent more time and written with more sincerity, this essay might have been a real winner.

I wish this kid had started the essay with his mom sitting him down in the rocking chair. That would have been a powerful beginning. In general, using the introduction of the essay to paint a scene or mood can be very effective.

He should begin with the most simple and striking sentence possible, such as "On January 5, 1995, my mother learned that she had cancer." Use real times and exact places. Let the most dramatic point go where it belongs, at the end of the sentence--also known as the stress point.

Because this topic is so personal, I yearn to know more about the student's reaction to his mom's cancer, how he and his family dealt with it over time. As written, things just seem a bit too tidy.

The author describes a valuable life lesson, but I find the writing style to be artificial and a bit maudlin. I imagine he resorted to the thesaurus more than once.

The writer tells us a sad story about his mother with cancer and how he has strived to do his best because of what his mother has been through. The topic can be a tear jerker, but this essay lacked the depth and richness that other essays with similar topics possess.

The experience obviously impacted the student very much. But what students do not realize is that they do not have to share such personal issues within the confines of a college essay.

I don't believe the "epiphany" in the conclusion as it's described. It's too easy and convenient to be believable. He begins his description with "For instance," which negates almost everything that follows. When he sees his mother in his mind, he "instantly" thinks this and "suddenly" does that, and finally "helped coach his team to victory." He "coached" the team. "Cheered" maybe. "Coached?" No way.

This essay smells of contrivance. Yes, his mother's bout with cancer affected him. Just not in the way he wants me to believe. This is the "lasting sanctifying effect" essay. Look at what the writer is actually saying (using his own words): I used to be "absorbed in my own anguish" and "lament" my bouts with adversity. But, "instantly" or "suddenly" (take your pick), I became a young man "confident to greet the future with a resolute sense of hope and optimism." Why not say, "I used to be a thoughtless, immature teenager. My mother got cancer. I'm now a thoughtful, mature adult. You should admit me to _____." His essay is no less subtle.

Return to: Lesson One: College Essay Questions

Sample Essays: Important Issue

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Essay Tip #2-The "Influential Person" Essay

Mark montgomery.

August 4, 2011

Many college applications, including The Common Application , ask an essay question about “the most influential person in your life”. Why, or how, that person influenced you. A key tip to answering this essay is to remember that it is not necessarily about whom you choose to write about but how you write the essay and connect it back to yourself.

One of the most common responses that students give when writing on this essay topic was that it was either a parent or a grandparent who influenced them. For some, it may be a teacher, a coach, a friend, a child, a counselor, or numerous other options.

When writing this essay think about spending less time writing about whom that person was. But actually how they influenced you. Remember that the admission counselor reading your application wants to learn about you, not necessarily the person who influenced you.

For example, if you choose to write about your grandfather consider the following. Many students write that their grandfather influenced their life. Because they were kind, generous, overcame adversity, taught them new things, were hard workers, etc.

Some students spend the entire essay spouting all of the wonderful attributes about their grandfather. But forget that the essay is supposed to show the admission committee who they (the student) are. You don’t want the admission committee to want to admit your grandfather at the end of reading your essay- you want them to want to admit you!

This is not to say don’t write about your grandfather (or grandmother, mother, father, or person of your choice). It is simply to say, think about writing the essay in a way that connects the individual you choose to write about back to you. What makes you a person that the college would want to have as part of their community?

Can you elaborate on specific examples from your relationship with that influential person that impacted your way of thinking? Or, can you discuss certain actions you took as a result of lessons learned from that individual? Perhaps, you can even consider relating what you learned from that influential person to something that you hope to do, or accomplish, in college or in the future.

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College essay

Common App Essays | 7 Strong Examples with Commentary

Published on November 19, 2021 by Kirsten Courault . Revised on May 31, 2023.

If you’re applying for college via the Common App , you’ll have to write an essay in response to one of seven prompts.

What is the common application essay, prompt 1: background, identity, interest, or talent, prompt 2: overcoming challenges, prompt 3: questioning a belief or idea, prompt 4: appreciating an influential person, prompt 5: transformative event, prompt 6: interest or hobby that inspires learning, prompt 7: free topic, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about college application essays.

The Common Application, or Common App , is a college application portal that is accepted by more than 900 schools.

Within the Common App is your main essay, a primary writing sample that all your prospective schools will read to evaluate your critical thinking skills and value as a student. Since this essay is read by many colleges, avoid mentioning any college names or programs. Instead, save tailored answers for the supplementary school-specific essays within the Common App.

Regardless of your prompt choice, admissions officers will look for an ability to clearly and creatively communicate your ideas based on the selected prompt.

We’ve provided seven essay examples, one for each of the Common App prompts. After each essay, we’ve provided a table with commentary on the essay’s narrative, writing style and tone, demonstrated traits, and self-reflection.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

This essay explores the student’s emotional journey toward overcoming her father’s neglect through gymnastics discipline.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

When “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” began to play, it was my signal to lay out a winning floor routine. Round off. Back handspring. Double back layout. Stick!

Instead, I jolted off the floor, landing out of bounds. Over the past week, I hadn’t landed that pass once, and regionals were only seven days away. I heaved a heavy sigh and stomped over to the bench.

Coach Farkas saw my consternation. “Mona, get out of your head. You’re way too preoccupied with your tumbling passes. You could do them in your sleep!”

That was the problem. I was dreaming of tumbling and missing my landings, waking up in a cold sweat. The stress felt overwhelming.

“Stretch out. You’re done for tonight.”

I walked home from the gym that had been my second home since fourth grade. Yet my anxiety was increasing every time I practiced.

I startled my mom. “You’re home early! Wait! You walked? Mona, what’s going on?!”

I slumped down at the kitchen table. “Don’t know.”

She sat down across from me. “Does it have anything to do with your father texting you a couple of weeks ago about coming to see you at regionals?”

“So what?! Why does it matter anymore?” He walked out when I was 10 and never looked back. Still, dear ol’ Dad always had a way of resurfacing when I least expected him.

“It still matters because when you hear from him, you tend to crumble. Or have you not noticed?” She offered a knowing wink and a compassionate smile.

I started gymnastics right after Dad left. The coaches said I was a natural: short, muscular, and flexible. All I knew was that the more I improved, the more confident I felt. Gymnastics made me feel powerful, so I gave it my full energy and dedication.

The floor routine became my specialty, and my performances were soon elevating our team score. The mat, solid and stable, became a place to explore and express my internal struggles. Over the years, no matter how angry I felt, the floor mat was there to absorb my frustration.

The bars, beam, and vault were less forgiving because I knew I could fall. My performances in those events were respectable. But, the floor? Sometimes, I had wildly creative and beautiful routines, while other times were disastrous. Sadly, my floor routine had never been consistent.

That Saturday afternoon, I slipped into the empty gym and walked over to the mat. I sat down and touched its carpeted surface. After a few minutes, my cheeks were wet with the bitter disappointment of a dad who only showed up when it was convenient for him. I ruminated on the years of practices and meets where I had channeled my resentment into acrobatics and dance moves, resolved to rise higher than his indifference.

I saw then that my deepest wounds were inextricably entangled with my greatest passion. They needed to be permanently separated. While my anger had first served to launch me into gymnastics, before long, I had started serving my anger.

Anger is a cruel master. It corrupts everything it touches, even something as beautiful as a well-choreographed floor routine.

I changed my music days before regionals. “The Devil” no longer had a place in my routine. Instead, I chose an energetic cyberpunk soundtrack that inspired me to perform with passion and laser focus. Dad made an obligatory appearance at regionals, but he left before I could talk to him.

It didn’t matter this time. I stuck every landing in my routine. Anger no longer controlled me. I was finally free.

Word count: 601

This essay shows how the challenges the student faced in caring for her sister with autism resulted in an unexpected path forward in her education.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

I never had a choice.

My baby sister was born severely autistic, which meant that every detail of our home life was repeatedly adjusted to manage her condition. I couldn’t go to bed without fearing that Mindy would wake up screaming with that hoarse little voice of hers. I couldn’t have friends over on weekends because we never knew if our entire family would need to shift into crisis mode to help Mindy regain control.

We couldn’t take a family vacation because Mindy would start hitting us during a long car ride when she didn’t want to sit there anymore. We couldn’t even celebrate Christmas like a normal family because Mindy would shriek and run away when we tried to give her presents.

I was five years old when Mindy was born. For the first ten years, I did everything I could to help my mom with Mindy. But Mom was depressed and would often stare out the window, as if transfixed by the view. Dad was no help either. He used his job as an excuse to be away from home. So, I tried to make up for both of them and rescue Mindy however I could whenever she needed it.

However, one day, when I was slowly driving Mindy around with the windows down, trying to lull her into a calmer state, we passed two of my former classmates from middle school. They heard Mindy growling her disapproval as the ride was getting long for her. One of them turned to the other and announced, “Oh my God! Marabeth brought her pet monster out for a drive!” They laughed hysterically and ran down the street.

After that day, I defied my parents at every turn. I also ignored Mindy. I even stopped doing homework. I purposely “got in with the wrong crowd” and did whatever they did.

My high school counselor Ms. Martinez saw through it all. She knew my family’s situation well. It didn’t take her long to guess what had probably happened.

“Marabeth, I get it. My brother has Down syndrome. It was really hard growing up with him as a brother. The other kids were pretty mean about it, especially in high school.”

I doubted she understood. “Yeah. So?”

“I’m guessing something happened that hurt or embarrassed you.”

“I’m so sorry. I can only imagine how you must have felt.”

It must have been the way she said it because I suddenly found myself sobbing into my trembling, cupped hands.

Ms. Martinez and I met every Friday after that for the rest of the year. Her stories of how she struggled to embrace living with and loving her brother created a bridge to my pain and then my healing. She explained that her challenges led her to pursue a degree in counseling so that she could offer other people what no one had given her.

I thought that Mindy was the end of my life, but, because of Ms. Martinez’s example and kindness, I can now see that Mindy is a gift, pointing me toward my future.

Now, I’m applying to study psychology so that I can go on to earn my master’s degree in counseling. I’m learning to forgive my parents for their mistakes, and I’m back in Mindy’s life again, but this time as a sister, not a savior. My choice.

Word Count: 553

This essay illustrates a student’s courage in challenging his culture’s constructs of manhood and changing his course while positively affecting his father in the process.

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

“No son of mine is gonna march around a football field wearing tail feathers while all the real men are playing football!”

I took a step backward and tried not to appear as off-balance as I felt. In my excitement, I had blurted out more information than my father could handle:

“Dad! I made the marching band as a freshman! Nobody does that—I mean nobody!”

As soon as I had said it, I wished I could recall those words. How could I forget that 26 years earlier, he had been the starting wide receiver for the state-champion Tigers on the same field?!

Still, when I opened the email on that scorching hot August afternoon, I was thrilled that five months of practicing every possible major and harmonic minor scale—two octaves up and two octaves down—had made the difference. I had busted reed after reed, trying not to puff my cheeks while moving my fingers in a precise cadence.

I knew he had heard me continually practicing in my room, yet he seemed to ignore all the parts of me that were incongruous with his vision of manhood:

Ford F-150 4x4s. Pheasant hunting. The Nebraska Cornhuskers.

I never had to wonder what he valued. For years, I genuinely shared his interests. But, in the fall of eighth grade, I heard Kyle Wheeling play a saxophone solo during the homecoming marching band halftime show. My dad took me to every football game to teach me the plays, but that night, all I could think about was Kyle’s bluesy improv at halftime.

During Thanksgiving break, I got my mom to drive me into Omaha to rent my instrument at Dietze Music, and, soon after, I started private lessons with Mr. Ken. Before long, I was spending hours in my room, exploring each nuance of my shiny Yamaha alto sax, anticipating my audition for the Marching Tigers at the end of the spring semester.

During those months of practice, I realized that I couldn’t hide my newfound interest forever, especially not from the football players who were going to endlessly taunt me. But not all the guys played football. Some were in choir and theater. Quite a few guys were in the marching band. In fact, the Marching Tigers had won the grand prize in their division at last year’s state showdown in Lincoln.

I was excited! They were the champions, and I was about to become a part of their legacy.

Yet, that afternoon, a sense of anxiety brewed in my belly. I knew I had to talk to him.

He was sweeping the grass clippings off of the sidewalk. He nodded.

“I need to tell you something.”

He looked up.

“I know that you know about my sax because you hear me practicing. I like it a lot, and I’m becoming pretty good at it. I still care about what you like, but I’m starting to like some other things more. I hope you’ll be proud of me whatever I choose.”

He studied the cracks in the driveway. “I am proud of you. I just figured you’d play football.”

We never talked about it again, but that fall, he was in the stands when our marching band won the state championship in Lincoln for the second time. In fact, for the next four years, he never left the stands during halftime until the marching band had performed. He was even in the audience for every performance of “Our Town” at the end of my junior year. I played the Stage Manager who reveals the show’s theme: everything changes gradually.

I know it’s true. Things do change over time, even out here in central Nebraska. I know because I’ve changed, and my dad has changed, too. I just needed the courage to go first.

Word count: 626

The student demonstrates how his teacher giving him an unexpected bad grade was the catalyst for his becoming a better writer.

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

I stared in disbelief at the big red letter at the top of my paper: D.

Never in my entire high school career had I seen that letter at the top of any paper, unless it was at the beginning of my first name.

I had a 4.796 GPA. I had taken every pre-AP and AP course offered. My teachers had praised my writing skills! However, Mr. Trimble didn’t think so, and he let me know it:

“Darwin, in the future, I believe you can do better if you fully apply yourself.”

I furiously scanned the paper for corrections. Not even one! Grammar and syntax? Perfect. Spelling? Impeccable. Sentence and paragraph structure? Precise and indisputable, as always.

Was he trying to ruin my GPA? Cooper was clearly his favorite, and we were neck and neck for valedictorian, which was only one year away. Maybe they were conspiring to take me down.

Thankfully, AP Composition was my last class. I fled the room and ran to my car. Defiant tears stained my cheeks as I screeched my tires and roared out of the parking lot. When I got home, I shoved in my AirPods, flopped on my bed, and buried my head under the pillow.

I awoke to my sister, Daria, gently shaking my arm. “I know what happened, D. Trimble stopped me in the hall after school.”

“I’m sure he did. He’s trying to ruin my life.”

“That’s not what he told me. You should talk to him, D.”

The next day, although I tried to avoid Mr. Trimble at all costs, I almost tripped over him as I was coming out of the bathroom.

“Darwin, can we talk?”

He walked me down the hall to his room. “Do you know that you’re one of the best writers I’ve ever had in AP Comp?”

“Then why’d you do it?”

“Because you’re better than you know, Darwin. You impress with your perfect presentations, and your teachers reward you with A’s and praise. I do frequent the teacher’s lounge, you know.”

“So I know you’re not trying.”

I locked eyes with him and glared.

“You’ve never had to try because you have a gift. And, in the midst of the acclaim, you’ve never pushed yourself to discover your true capabilities.”

“So you give me a D?!”

“It got your attention.”

“You’re not going to leave it, are you?”

“Oh, the D stands. You didn’t apply yourself. You’ll have to earn your way out with your other papers.”

I gained a new understanding of the meaning of ambivalence. Part of me was furious at the injustice of the situation, but I also felt strangely challenged and intrigued. I joined a local writer’s co-op and studied K. M. Weiland’s artistic writing techniques.

Multiple drafts, track changes, and constructive criticism became my new world. I stopped taking Mr. Trimble’s criticism personally and began to see it as a precious tool to bolster me, not break me down.

Last week, the New York Public Library notified me that I was named one of five finalists for the Young Lions Fiction Award. They described my collection of short stories as “fresh, imaginative, and captivating.”

I never thought I could be grateful for a D, but Mr. Trimble’s insightful courage was the catalyst that transformed my writing and my character. Just because other people applaud you for being the best doesn’t mean you’re doing your best .

AP Composition is now recorded as an A on my high school transcript, and Cooper and I are still locked in a tight race for the finish line. But, thanks to Mr. Trimble, I have developed a different paradigm for evaluation: my best. And the more I apply myself, the better my best becomes.

Word Count: 627

This student narrates how she initially went to church for a boy but instead ended up confronting her selfishness by helping others.

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Originally, I went to church not because I was searching for Jesus but because I liked a boy.

Isaac Ono wasn’t the most athletic boy in our class, nor was he the cutest. But I was amazed by his unusual kindness toward everyone. If someone was alone or left out, he’d walk up to them and say hello or invite them to hang out with him and his friends.

I started waking up at 7:30 a.m. every Sunday morning to attend Grace Hills Presbyterian, where Isaac’s father was the pastor. I would strategically sit in a pew not too close but close enough to Isaac that when the entire congregation was instructed to say “Peace be with you,” I could “happen” to shake Isaac’s hand and make small talk.

One service, as I was staring at the back of Isaac’s head, pondering what to say to him, my hearing suddenly tuned in to his father’s sermon.

“There’s no such thing as a good or bad person.”

My eyes snapped onto Pastor Marcus.

“I used to think I was a good person who came from a respectable family and did nice things. But people aren’t inherently good or bad. They just make good or bad choices.”

My mind raced through a mental checklist of whether my past actions fell mostly into the former or latter category.

“As it says in Deuteronomy 30:15, ‘I have set before you today life and good, death and evil.’ Follow in the footsteps of Jesus and do good.”

I glanced to my left and saw Margaret, underlining passages in her study Bible and taking copious notes.

Months earlier, I had befriended Margaret. We had fourth-period Spanish together but hadn’t interacted much. She was friends with Isaac, so I started hanging out with her to get closer to him. But eventually, the two of us were spending hours in the Starbucks parking lot having intense discussions about religion, boys, and our futures until we had to return home before curfew.

After hearing the pastor’s sermon, I realized that what I had admired about Isaac was also present in Margaret and other people at church: a welcoming spirit. I’m pretty sure Margaret knew of my ulterior motives for befriending her, but she never called me out on it.

After that day, I started paying more attention to Pastor Marcus’s sermons and less attention to Isaac. One year, our youth group served Christmas Eve dinner to the homeless and ate with them. I sat across from a woman named Lila who told me how child services had taken away her four-year-old daughter because of her financial and living situation.

A few days later, as I sat curled up reading the book of James, my heart suddenly felt heavy.

“If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?”

I thought back to Pastor Marcus’s sermon on good and bad actions, Lila and her daughter, and the times I had passed people in need without even saying hello.

I decided to put my faith into action. The next week, I started volunteering at the front desk of a women’s shelter, helping women fill out forms or watching their kids while they talked with social workers.

From working for the past year at the women’s shelter, I now know I want to major in social work, caring for others instead of focusing on myself. I may not be a good person (or a bad one), but I can make good choices, helping others with every opportunity God gives me.

Word count: 622

This essay shows how a student’s natural affinity for solving a Rubik’s cube developed her self-understanding, academic achievement, and inspiration for her future career.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

The worst part about writing is putting down my Rubik’s cube so that I can use my hands to type. That’s usually the worst part of tackling my to-do list: setting aside my Rubik’s cube. My parents call it an obsession. But, for me, solving a Rubik’s cube challenges my brain as nothing else can.

It started on my ninth birthday. I invited three friends for a sleepover party, and I waited to open my presents right before bed. Wrapping paper, ribbons, and bows flew through the air as I oohed and aahed over each delightful gift! However, it was the last gift—a 3 x 3 x 3 cube of little squares covered in red, green, blue, yellow, white, and orange—that intrigued me.

I was horrified when Bekka ripped it out of my hands and messed it all up! I had no idea how to make all the sides match again. I waited until my friends were fast asleep. Then, I grabbed that cube and studied it under my blanket with a flashlight, determined to figure out how to restore it to its former pristine state.

Within a few weeks, I had discovered the secret. To practice, I’d take my cube with me to recess and let the other kids time me while I solved it in front of them. The better I became, the more they gathered around. But I soon realized that their attention didn’t matter all that much. I loved solving cubes for hours wherever I was: at lunch, riding in the car, or alone in my room.

Cross. White corners. Middle-layer edges. Yellow cross. Sune and anitsune.

The sequential algorithms became second nature, and with the assistance of a little black digital timer, I strove to solve the cube faster , each time attempting to beat my previous record. I watched speed solvers on YouTube, like Australia’s Feliks Zemdegs and Max Park from Massachusetts, but I wasn’t motivated to compete as they did. I watched their videos to learn how to improve my time. I liked finding new, more efficient ways of mastering the essential 78 separate cube-solving algorithms.

Now, I understand why my passion for my Rubik’s cube has never waned. Learning and applying the various algorithms soothes my brain and centers my emotions, especially when I feel overwhelmed from being around other people. Don’t get me wrong: I like other people—just in doses.

While some people get recharged by spending time with others, I can finally breathe when I’m alone with my cube. Our psychology teacher says the difference between an extrovert and an introvert is the situations that trigger their brains to produce dopamine. For me, it’s time away, alone, flipping through cube patterns to set a new personal best.

Sometimes, the world doesn’t cooperate with introverts, requiring them to interact with many people throughout the day. That’s why you’ll often find me in the stairwell or a library corner attempting to master another one of the 42 quintillion ways to solve a cube. My parents tease me that when I’ve “had enough” of anything, my fingers get a Rubik’s itch, and I suddenly disappear. I’m usually occupied for a while, but when I finally emerge, I feel centered, prepared to tackle my next task.

Secretly, I credit my cube with helping me earn top marks in AP Calculus, Chemistry, and Physics. It’s also responsible for my interest in computer engineering. It seems I just can’t get enough of those algorithms, which is why I want to study the design and implementation of cybersecurity software—all thanks to my Rubik’s cube.

Just don’t tell my parents! It would ruin all the fun!

Word count: 607

In this free topic essay, the student uses a montage structure inspired by the TV show Iron Chef America to demonstrate his best leadership moments.

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

Iron Chef America: College Essay Edition

The time has come to answer college’s most difficult question: Whose story shows glory?

This is … Iron Chef America: College Essay Edition!

Welcome to Kitchen Stadium! Today we have Chef Brett Lowell. Chef Brett will be put to the test to prove he has what it takes to attend university next fall.

And the secret ingredient is … leadership! He must include leadership in each of his dishes, which will later be evaluated by a panel of admissions judges.

So now, America, with a creative mind and empty paper, I say unto you in the words of my teacher: “Let’s write!”

Appetizer: My first leadership experience

A mountain of mismatched socks, wrinkled jeans, and my dad’s unironed dress shirts sat in front of me. Laundry was just one of many chores that welcomed me home once I returned from my after-school job at Baskin Robbins, a gig I had taken last year to help Dad pay the rent. A few years earlier, I wasn’t prepared to cook dinners, pay utility bills, or pick up and drop off my brothers. I thought those jobs were reserved for parents. However, when my father was working double shifts at the power plant and my mom was living in Tucson with her new husband, Bill, I stepped up and took care of the house and my two younger brothers.

Main course: My best leadership experience

Between waiting for the pasta water to boil and for the next laundry cycle to be finished, I squeezed in solving a few practice precalculus problems to prepare for the following week’s mathletics competition. I liked how the equations always had clear, clean answers, which calmed me among the mounting responsibilities of home life. After leading my team to the Minnesota State Finals for two years in a row, I was voted team captain. Although my home responsibilities often competed with my mathlete duties, I tried to be as productive as possible in my free time. On the bus ride home, I would often tackle 10 to 20 functions or budget the following week’s meals and corresponding grocery list. My junior year was rough, but both my home and my mathlete team needed me.

Dessert: My future leadership hopes

The first thing I ever baked was a chocolate cake in middle school. This was around the time that Mom had just moved out and I was struggling with algebra. Troubles aside, one day my younger brother Simon needed a contribution for his school’s annual bake sale, and the PTA moms wouldn’t accept anything store-bought. So I carefully measured out the teaspoons and cups of various flours, powders, and oils, which resulted in a drooping, too-salty disaster.

Four years later, after a bakery’s worth of confections and many hours of study, I’ve perfected my German chocolate cake and am on my way to mastering Calculus AB. I’ve also thrown out the bitter-tasting parts of my past such as my resentment and anger toward my mom. I still miss having her at home, but whenever I have a baking question or want to update her on my mathlete team’s success, I call her or chat with her over text.

Whether in school or life, I see problems as opportunities, not obstacles, to find a better way to solve them more efficiently. I hope to continue improving my problem-solving skills next fall by majoring in mathematics and statistics.

Time’s up!

We hope you’ve enjoyed this tasting of Chef Lowell’s leadership experiences. Next fall, tune in to see him craft new leadership adventures in college. He’s open to refining his technique and discovering new recipes.

Word count: 612

If you want to know more about academic writing , effective communication , or parts of speech , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

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The Common App essay is your primary writing sample within the Common Application, a college application portal accepted by more than 900 schools. All your prospective schools that accept the Common App will read this essay to understand your character, background, and value as a potential student.

Since this essay is read by many colleges, avoid mentioning any college names or programs; instead, save tailored answers for the supplementary school-specific essays within the Common App.

When writing your Common App essay , choose a prompt that sparks your interest and that you can connect to a unique personal story.

No matter which prompt you choose, admissions officers are more interested in your ability to demonstrate personal development , insight, or motivation for a certain area of study.

To decide on a good college essay topic , spend time thoughtfully answering brainstorming questions. If you still have trouble identifying topics, try the following two strategies:

Identify your qualities → Brainstorm stories that demonstrate these qualities
Identify memorable stories → Connect your qualities to these stories

You can also ask family, friends, or mentors to help you brainstorm topics, give feedback on your potential essay topics, or recall key stories that showcase your qualities.

A standout college essay has several key ingredients:

A unique, personally meaningful topic
A memorable introduction with vivid imagery or an intriguing hook
Specific stories and language that show instead of telling
Vulnerability that’s authentic but not aimed at soliciting sympathy
Clear writing in an appropriate style and tone
A conclusion that offers deep insight or a creative ending

Cite this Scribbr article

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Courault, K. (2023, May 31). Common App Essays | 7 Strong Examples with Commentary. Scribbr. Retrieved March 25, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/college-essay/common-app-examples/

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The Classroom | Empowering Students in Their College Journey

How to Write a Descriptive Essay on an Influential Person in Your Life

How to Write a Speech About Someone I Admire

A descriptive essay on an influential person can be about someone who has had a positive or negative impact on your life. This person can be a teacher, a coach, a family member, a friend, an employer, a political figure, a historical figure or even a fictional character. The key element of writing this type of essay is to reflect on how and why the person has influenced you.

Focus Your Essay

As in any essay, when writing about an influential person in your life you should include a thesis statement. In this case, the thesis statement declares how or why this person has influenced you life. For example, if writing about your soccer coach, you may write, "Through his advice and the example of his character, my soccer coach has inspired me to never be lazy, to get back up after a fall, and to be a confident leader." The thesis statement gives you, the writer, a focus and direction so that you are not only describing a person, but exploring the causes and effects of that person's impact on you.

Start With an Anecdote

Instead of starting the essay with an explicit physical or personal description of the person, you can more meaningfully reveal who the individual is by sharing a personal story. For example, if you are writing about your sibling, you can begin the essay with a specific memory of a moment or experience you shared in which your relationship or your sibling's strengths and weaknesses are revealed through actions. This is an engaging way to entertain the reader while imparting valuable information about the person you are describing.

Describe the Person

At some point in the descriptive essay, you need to describe the influential person. This description -- which can include physical attributes, biographical information and personality traits -- should be related with concrete language. The description should paint a vivid picture of all that matters about the person. The writer needs to be judicious in which descriptive material she selects for inclusion in the essay; the information should be determined by the overall point being made in the essay. For example, if your thesis statement is about how Abraham Lincoln is your hero because of all his accomplishments relative to the social and political conditions of the time, descriptions of his favorite hobbies or hair color may not be pertinent. The description serves to give a deeper and more vivid portrait of the influential person, but should ultimately serve the higher cause of the thesis statement and the effect of the person on the writer.

Describe Your Relationship

When writing about an influential person, you have to talk not just about the person, but also about the reason the person has made an impact on your life; this means you have to talk about yourself, what specific things you have learned from this person, and how those lessons affect you today. An important strategy for successfully describing the relationship between the person and the writer is to give specific examples. For example, don't just say, "my grandmother is generous"; give specific examples of her generosity: "she always makes sure everyone is fed before eating," or "she sold her jewelry to help pay for a car so that I could drive to work." These specific examples are more powerful and evoke more empathy than general descriptive words such as "kind" or "generous."

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Soheila Battaglia is a published and award-winning author and filmmaker. She holds an MA in literary cultures from New York University and a BA in ethnic studies from UC Berkeley. She is a college professor of literature and composition.

How to Write a College Essay About an Influential Person

November 2, 2022

When brainstorming topics for your college essay, you’ve probably considered writing about a person who has influenced or inspired you–a parent or grandparent, a sibling, a teacher, or another significant figure in your life. You may be writing an essay of your own design or responding to the fourth prompt on this year’s Common Application: Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Writing about someone else in a college essay can be tricky—after all, your ultimate goal is still to tell admissions officers enough about you to help them decide whether to offer you admission. But there’s a way to do that even while writing a specific, insightful essay centered on another person. In this post, we’ll walk you through the process of choosing someone to write about, brainstorming, and pulling your ideas together into a finished essay.

Choosing a person to write about

One of our favorite college essays about someone other than the writer is Zoya Garg’s essay about her mother, which was published in the New York Times . Garg writes about her mother’s dreams of a career as a stand-up comedian and how a gift from Garg helped set her on the path to achieving those dreams:

“My mom finds a baffling delight from drinking from glass, hotel-grade water dispensers. Even when three-day-old lemon rinds float in stale water, drinking from the dispenser remains luxurious. Last year for her birthday, I saved enough to buy a water dispenser for our kitchen counter. However, instead of water, I filled it with handwritten notes encouraging her to chase her dreams of a career.”

One of the things that works well about Garg’s essay is how precisely Garg pinpoints the ways her mom has inspired her—Garg mentions her mother’s curiosity, her sense of humor, and her ability to “light up conversations” with and “reach the hearts of” everyone she encounters. If you’re going to write an essay about someone else, choose someone about whom you can identify these kinds of details, rather than someone who has inspired you from afar.

Inspiration doesn’t always have to be positive—perhaps you were inspired by not wanting to be like a particular person in your life. But if you choose to write about someone who inspired you in a more indirect or negative way, be mindful of the tone you’re striking in your essay and the impression it might leave on an admissions officer. Remember that your essay is an opportunity to show the kind of community member you would be if admitted to the school.

Brainstorming your essay

A successful essay about someone who has inspired you will have two key ingredients: examples and reflection. (To learn more on the importance of reflection in the college essay, check out our Complete Your College Essay Online Course .) But unlike a recipe, you don’t have to add these ingredients in any particular order—you can begin by brainstorming either one and still find your way to a powerful finished essay.

If you’d like to start with examples, spend some time thinking about moments when this person inspired or influenced you. Try to pinpoint them as precisely as possible: Did you have a conversation with your father or a driving lesson with your mother that particularly taught you something? Did time spent with an older sibling while on a family vacation show you something about the person you hope to become?

Once you have your list of moments, try writing a sentence or two about what you learned in each instance. For example: Driving with my mother, who always wanted to take the scenic route, reminded me of the importance of patience, something I have long struggled with.

If you already know what you’ve learned from the person you’re focusing on, you can just as easily do this brainstorm in reverse. Try first writing out the “lessons” you’ve learned. Then, under each one, list as many examples as you can think of that illustrate how this person taught you what you’ve learned from them—the driving lesson, the meaningful conversation, the morning spent surfing, and more. The most evocative examples and moments on the list will be excellent material for your essay.

Beginning to write

You’ve probably spent a lot of time with the most important people in your life. (If you haven’t, that might be an essay in itself!) That can make those people even harder to describe, because we know so much more about them than can fit into a single essay.

As you begin to write, return to some of the questions you asked during the brainstorming process:

What one illustrative story can you tell about this person?
What one or two key things have you learned from them, or what one or two things have they inspired you to do?
Was there a specific experience one of you went through during which they inspired you?

Think back to Zoya Garg’s anecdote of a birthday gift, which tells a much larger story about her relationship with her mother and about Garg’s own ability to understand and support those around her.

Sometimes the easiest way to build this kind of essay is to work backwards. Consider this person’s traits – what does the reader need to know most about the person, and what have you learned from them? Perhaps it’s your mother’s fondness for taking the scenic route, or your sister’s willingness to try new things. Then make a list of experiences, traits, or adjectives that best capture those elements: Is it the way they laugh, how they take charge in difficult situations, how they walk into a room? In Garg’s essay, one telling detail is her mother’s “baffling delight” in drinking out of fancy glass water dispensers, which kicks off the entire story. Those are the perfect kinds of characteristics and small moments to include in your essay.

And remember—it isn’t enough just to describe this inspirational person. You’ll also need to describe how their influence shows up in your life, in big or small ways.

Revising your essay

Once you’ve drafted your essay, and perhaps taken some time away from the draft, look at your essay with fresh eyes . This is a great opportunity to check that your essay is specific and precise in the way you describe the person who inspired you, so that the admissions officers reading your essay will come away feeling like they know that person. Keep in mind that even if you’re writing about an experience of anti-inspiration, or someone who inspired you not to be like them, it’s worth trying to strike a positive tone in your essay.

And finally, remember that your ultimate goal is to give the admissions committee insight into who they might be inviting into their campus community. You want them to feel as though they’ve gotten to know you —no matter who else you introduce them to along the way.

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Students will walk away with a complete, authentic Personal Statement that they can be proud to submit to the colleges of their dreams.

college essay tips from admission counselors Q&A with Jason Locke

College Essay Tips from Admission Counselor Jason Locke

In the following Q&A, former Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Cornell University Jason Locke shares college essay tips from admission

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Admissions Essay on an Influential Person: Writing Tips

College admissions essays often focus on an influential person. It may be your parent, coach, friend, or anyone else who has had a significant impact on your life and development. Such essays can be really good if you know how to write them properly. Thus, we at college-writers blog decided to help you.

Six years ago, one of the Common Application essay prompts asked applicants to write an essay about an influential person. Although there were no such prompts in 2018, you are still allowed to write about an important person from your life if you go with the option called “topic of your choice.”

1. Don’t just describe — analyze

An essay on an influential person shouldn’t just describe this person. Describing doesn’t require you to use your critical thinking so you won’t be able to write a thoughtful reflective essay. Instead of describing, you must analyze the impact of the chosen person on your life, explaining your relationship with them.

2. Mom or dad is not the best option

Of course, you can write about your mom or dad, but keep in mind that thousands of applicants write about their parents every year. Your essay must stand out so we suggest that you write about your parents only if you have really special or unusual relationships with them. If you just say that your father was a great role model for you, such an essay will be generic and not interesting for anyone but you.

3. Avoid writing about celebrities

Don’t write about your favorite singer or actor because such an essay will not provide any valuable insights into your personality. Your favorite celebrity may have millions or billions of fans, so the only thing your readers will learn from such an essay is that you love pop culture.

4. Unusual subjects are good

If you manage to write a good, inspirational essay on an obscure and unusual subject, it will certainly stand out and attract attention. Write about how you were a young kid and found the best friend in your life in a summer camp. Or write about a completely ordinary person who somehow inspired you.

5. Significant influence doesn’t mean a positive influence

Most essays about an influential person focus on role models (parents, teachers, coaches, etc.). Writing about people who had a positive influence on you is good, but such an approach is also predictable. You can make your essay more unique if you write about some terrible person who showed you an example of who you don’t want to be. You can also describe how a relationship with a hateful or abusive person made you stronger.

6. Your essay is also about yourself

An essay about an influential person is not only about that person but also about yourself. Be introspective and reflective. To analyze somebody’s impact on your life, you should also understand your strengths and weaknesses. In addition, don’t forget that the admissions essay must give readers an understanding of who you are, what are your passions, interests, and character. The main purpose of the admissions essay is to prove that you’re a person who can make a positive contribution to the campus community.

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Princeton: Influential Person essay

MrFed 1 / 1 Oct 26, 2012 #1 I wrote this and I do not know what I can do to improve it. I feel almost as if I am lacking structure. Help would be highly appreciated. This is for Princeton's influential person essay. Thank you in advance. PROMPT: Tell us about a person who has influenced you in a significant way. The person who has influenced me the most throughout my life would have to be my mom. She is the most hard-working, honest, and intelligent person that I know and she has been the main force pushing me and urging me to achieve my potential. My mother was born in Buenos Aires, where she lived the majority of her life. She studied there, attended college there, and received her doctorate in biochemistry there. When we moved to the United States, she was a pillar in our family, serving to support the rest of us in a time of turbulence and tumult. She immediately began applying for work, landing a job as a pharmacist, and also worked tirelessly on her English, both in and out of work. She simultaneously assisted my brother and me with our schoolwork, constantly staying up to help us finish relatively hefty (as we did not speak the language) assignments. I can recall long nights spent crying at my inability to understand or write in English and my mom's unyielding support and care as she sat with me and tirelessly assisted me. The most amazing thing about my mom, however, is the way in which she handles everything: with a smile. She deals with all her worries and troubles happily and in a light-hearted fashion, making the most out of every tumultuous situation. Indeed, I believe that it is from her that I got my ability to take losses in stride and learn from every situation, good or bad, as opposed to constantly fretting and worrying. For example, when she returns home from working late at the pharmacy most weeknights, she opens the door with a humorous story about a coworker or a quip about some bothersome customer already at hand. This quality that my mom possesses is made significant when juxtaposed with her working conditions; she works until 9 or 10 every night, standing for hours on end and dealing with clients that are often discourteous and immature. She faces all of these obstacles without ever hinting at any anxiety or stress, always making the best of every situation. She will often come home with some present, usually an avocado or a grapefruit, from one of her grateful clients. This, to me, is telling of the attitude that my mom goes to work with, as she makes such an impact on clients who only see her to buy medication once, perhaps, every month. Yet they feel so impacted by her that they want to give her a present! Simply put, I admire her. I thank my mom for being the principal factor of the philosophy that I have cultivated to live my life by. I look at any situation that I have to face and I immediately ascertain what I have control over and what I do not, and I only focus on the aspects that I do have control over. To spend time fretting and stressing over certain events or possibilities that are simply out of my control is pointless and, I believe, damaging to one's health. I look at my mom and I see what kind of person I want to be.

I like Cookies 3 / 5 Oct 28, 2012 #2 MrFed your writing style is great, but you have a HUGE problem with the main point of your essay - the essay is suppossed to use your view of your Mom to describe YOU. Colleges - not to be mean - do NOT care about your mom. They want to know you. What your should do is have a quick piece about your Mom and then write about how it relates to you. At my school, the teachers advise that you highlight the essay in two differnent colors, say red and orange. Red for when you talk about yourself and orange for when you talk about your mom. Make sure that the final draft is 2/3 RED.

OP MrFed 1 / 1 Oct 28, 2012 #3 Thank you for the great feedback, time to fix this up...

Home — Essay Samples — Life — Influential Person — Who is the Most Influential Person in Your Life

Who is The Most Influential Person in Your Life

Categories: Influential Person

About this sample

Words: 1797 |

Published: Sep 25, 2018

Words: 1797 | Pages: 2 | 9 min read

Works Cited

BBC. (2019, December 20). Greta Thunberg: Climate Crisis Activist Gets Comic Book Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-50861907
CNN. (2019, September 23). Greta Thunberg: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know.
Greta Thunberg's official website. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.gretathunberg.org/
Svenska Dagbladet. (2018, August 20). Greta Thunberg: "Skolstrejken för klimatet kan pågå i åratal" [Greta Thunberg: "The school strike for climate can go on for years"]. Retrieved from https://www.svd.se/greta-thunberg-skolstrejken-for-klimatet-kan-paga-i-aratal
The Guardian. (2019, March 11). Greta Thunberg: The Fifteen-Year-Old Climate Activist Who Is Leading a Global Movement.

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Scholarships in Ink

Sample Scholarship Essay #3

College student laying on floor and researching essay topic

Who is the most influential person in your life and why?

W ho is your role model? This is a typical question every kid gets at as they grow up. My answer to this question as a kid was always changing with the news cycle, depending on who was the latest celebrity to hit the headlines. 18 years later, I am a lot wiser— always striving to go beyond the obvious in what I see in people, or how they are portrayed.

Most people see in their role models something that they feel resonates with their personality or life goals. For some, it is a shared background, philosophy, or goals. For others, it is the struggles and hardships that their role models overcame. I belong to the latter.

See, my mother wasn’t always the stunning lady that she is today. The story of how she beat insurmountable odds to be where she is today inspires courage. It tells of a woman, who against all odds stacked against her, found inspiration in her tribulations and used stones cast at her to build a strong foundation, one that my brother and I anchor our dreams to. It is for this reason that I can proudly say that my mother is the most influential person in my life. She always has been.

Richelle E. Goodrich, a renowned author, once said: “there would be no cloud-nine days without rock-bottom moments left below.” My mom’s bottom came after ten years in an abusive relationship as a single mother of two boys. While the events of the ten years left her bruised, they serve to remind us of her journey. “My family never treasured education,” she says. Seeing her siblings and members of her extended family, I can tell you that the consequences have been far-reaching. When she decided enough was enough, she left her hometown for another city in the hope of starting over. “The thought of starting over was scary,” she recalls. Luckily for her, she had completed high school. She worked as a janitor at a high school in South Carolina for six years. For her, it was about breaking the curse of the Martins, as she refers to her family. The only way she knew how was to educate her children. This didn’t mean she was ready to throw in the towel as far as her education was concerned. She wrote one application after another, seeking scholarships for college. And when her lucky break came, she enrolled for a B.A Psychology at the University of Texas Permian Basin.

She is currently working as an event planner, part-timing as a Life Coach. While being the only member of her family to pursue a college degree gives her a sense of pride, she says it reminds her that she should set the bar so high that “her two boys” will have to work twice as hard to surpass her achievements.

Her story inspires me to step out of the comfort zone and take on challenges, and applying for this coveted scholarship is me stepping out of the comfort zone.

Feedback on this essay.

Very nice essay overall.
Didn’t like that the essay opens with a question, but the applicant did a good job tying the question to the main idea. As I read through the introduction, I was hooked and saw why he opened with this particular question. That’s what you want your opening paragraph to do. Hook the reader. While I don’t condone starting your essay with a question, but if you do, it must make sense and tie in with your main concept.
There are good transitions between each paragraph.
I loved that he not only tells us about his role model, but explains why he chose her, so we didn’t have to guess.
There are a few unnecessary words here and there. For example, “It is for this reason that I can proudly say that my mother is the most influential person in my life.” I’d suggest rewording this to, “That’s why my mother is the most influential person in my life.”
The closing is good, but a bit abrupt.
Overall, the applicant does the job, answers the prompt, and shares an inspirational story that stands out.

What’s the verdict? Scholarship or not?

Yes, he’s definitely a contender. I love his story. Picking a role model close to home was a smart move that gives us a glimpse into his family and background. He also does a good job answering the topic and following the instructions.

Everyone has a story to share. Your story is yours and doesn’t need to be a sorrowful account, full of trials and tribulations. Be sure to include a unique story that draws readers in. Finally, follow all the instructions for your scholarship essay.

Quick Links

Getting Started Applying for Scholarships Scholarship Essay Tips Sample Scholarship Essays with Feedback

Scholarship FAQs Scholarship Essay Outline Scholarship Planning Worksheets Glossary of Scholarship Terms

Sample College Admissions Essay - Student Teacher

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Ph.D., English, University of Pennsylvania
M.A., English, University of Pennsylvania
B.S., Materials Science & Engineering and Literature, MIT

Many college applicants have had summer camp experiences. In this Common Application essay, Max discusses his challenging relationship with a difficult student who ends up having a lot to contribute.

The Essay Prompt

Max's essay was originally written for the pre-2013 Common Application essay prompt that states, "Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence." The influential person option no longer exists, but there are many ways to write about an important person with the current seven essay options on the 2018-19 Common Application .

Max's essay has recently been revised to fit the new 650-word length limit of the current Common Application, and it would work nicely with the 2018-19 prompt #2 : "The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?"

The essay would also work well with Common Application essay option #5 , "Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others."

Max's Common Application Essay

Student Teacher

Anthony was neither a leader nor a role model. In fact, his teachers and his parents were constantly chastising him because he was disruptive, ate too much, and had a hard time staying focused. I met Anthony when I was a counselor at a local summer camp. The counselors had the usual duties of keeping kids from smoking, drowning, and killing each other. We made God’s eyes, friendship bracelets, collages, and other clichés. We rode horses, sailed boats, and hunted snipe.

Each counselor also had to teach a three-week course that was supposed to be a little more “academic” than the usual camp fare. I created a class called “Things that Fly.” I met with fifteen students for an hour a day as we designed, built, and flew kites, model rockets, and balsawood airplanes.

Anthony signed up for my class. He was not a strong student. He had been kept back a year at his school, and he was larger and louder than the other middle school kids. He talked out of turn and lost interest when others were talking. In my class, Anthony got some good laughs when he smashed his kite and threw the pieces into the wind. His rocket never made it to the launch pad because he crumpled it in a fit of frustration when a fin fell off.

In the final week, when we were making airplanes, Anthony surprised me when he drew a sketch of a sweep-wing jet and told me he wanted to make a “really cool plane.” Like many of Anthony’s teachers, and perhaps even his parents, I had largely given up on him. Now he suddenly showed a spark of interest. I didn’t think the interest would last, but I helped Anthony get started on a scale blueprint for his plane. I worked one-on-one with Anthony and had him use his project to demonstrate to his classmates how to cut, glue and mount the balsawood framework. When the frames were complete, we covered them with tissue paper. We mounted propellers and rubber bands. Anthony, with all his thumbs, created something that looked a bit like his original drawing despite some wrinkles and extra glue.

Our first test flight saw Anthony’s plane nose-dive straight into the ground. His plane had a lot of wing area in the back and too much weight in the front. I expected Anthony to grind his plane into the earth with his boot. He didn’t. He wanted to make his creation work. The class returned to the classroom to make adjustments, and Anthony added some big flaps to the wings. Our second test flight surprised the whole class. As many of the planes stalled, twisted, and nose-dived, Anthony’s flew straight out from the hillside and landed gently a good 50 yards away.

I’m not writing about Anthony to suggest that I was a good teacher. I wasn’t. In fact, I had quickly dismissed Anthony like many of his teachers before me. At best, I had viewed him as a distraction in my class, and I felt my job was to keep him from sabotaging the experience for the other students. Anthony’s ultimate success was a result of his own motivation, not my instruction.

Anthony’s success wasn’t just his plane. He had succeeded in making me aware of my own failures. Here was a student who was never taken seriously and had developed a bunch of behavioral issues as a result. I never stopped to look for his potential, discover his interests, or get to know the kid beneath the facade. I had grossly underestimated Anthony, and I am grateful that he was able to disillusion me.

I like to think that I’m an open-minded, liberal, and non-judgmental person. Anthony taught me that I’m not there yet.

Critique of Max's Common Application Essay

In general, Max has written a strong essay for the Common Application , but it does take a few risks. Below you'll find a discussion of the essay's strengths and weaknesses.

Essays on important or influential people can quickly become predictable and cliché when they focus on the typical heroes of high school students: a parent, a brother or sister, a coach, a teacher.

From the first sentence, we know that Max's essay is going to be different: "Anthony was neither a leader nor a role model." Max's strategy is a good one, and the admissions folks who read the essay will most likely be pleased to read an essay that isn't about how Dad is the greatest role model or Coach is the greatest mentor.

Also, essays on influential people often conclude with the writers explaining how they've become better people or owe all of their success to the mentor. Max takes the idea in a different direction; Anthony has made Max realize that he isn't as good of a person as he had thought, that he still has much to learn. The humility and self-critique is refreshing.

There's no one rule for writing a winning essay title , but Max's title is perhaps a little too clever. "Student Teacher" immediately suggests a student who is teaching (something that Max is doing in his narrative), but the true meaning is that Max's student taught him an important lesson. Thus, both Anthony and Max are "student teachers."

However, that double meaning is not apparent until after one has read the essay. The title by itself does not immediately grab our attention, nor does it clearly tell us what the essay will be about.

For the most part, Max maintains a pretty serious tone throughout the essay. The first paragraph does have a nice touch in the way that it pokes fun at all the cliché activities that are typical of summer camp.

The real strength of the essay, however, is that Max manages the tone to avoid sounding like he is bragging about his accomplishments. The self-criticism of the essay's conclusion may seem like a risk, but it arguably works to Max's advantage. The admissions counselors know that no student is perfect, so Max's awareness of his own short-comings will probably be interpreted as a sign of maturity, not as a red flag highlighting a defect in character.

The Essay Length

At 631 words, Max's essay is at the upper end of the Common Application length requirement of 250 to 650 words. This is not a bad thing. If a college is requesting an essay, it is because the admissions folks want to get to know the applicant better. They can learn more from you with a 600-word essay than with a 300-word essay. You may encounter counselors who argue that admissions officers are extremely busy, so shorter is always better. This little evidence to support such a claim, and you'll find very few applicants to top-tier colleges (such as the Ivy League schools) being admitted with essays that don't take advantage of the space allowed.

The ideal essay length is certainly subjective and depends in part on the applicant and the story being narrated, but Max's essay length is absolutely fine. This is particularly true because the prose is never wordy, flowery, or excessive. The sentences tend to be short and clear, so the overall reading experience isn't labored.

The Writing

The opening sentence grabs our attention because it isn't what we expect from an essay. The conclusion is also pleasingly surprising. Many students would be tempted to make themselves the hero of the essay and state what a profound impact they had on Anthony. Max turns it around, highlights his own failures, and gives the credit to Anthony.

The balance of the essay isn't perfect. Max's essay spends far more time describing Anthony than it does describe Anthony's influence. Ideally, Max could cut a couple of sentences from the middle of the essay and then develop a little further the two short concluding paragraphs.

Final Thoughts

Max's essay, like Felicity's essay , takes some risks. It's possible an admissions officer would judge Max negatively for exposing his biases. But this is unlikely. In the end, Max presents himself as someone who is a leader (he is designing and teaching a class, after all) and as someone who is aware that he still has much to learn. These are qualities that should be attractive to most college admissions folks. After all, colleges want to admit students who are eager to learn and who have the self-awareness to recognize that they have room for a lot more personal growth.

Tips for an Admissions Essay on an Influential Person
Sample Application Essay - Porkopolis
Tips for the Pre-2013 Personal Essay Options on the Common Application
"Grandpa's Rubik's Cube"—Sample Common Application Essay, Option #4
Sample College Transfer Essay
The 2021-22 Common Application Essay Prompts
The Length Requirements for the Common Application Essay in 2020-21
Short Answer Response on Working at Burger King
Ideal College Application Essay Length
Common Application Essay on a Meaningful Place
Common Application Essay Option 2 Tips: Learning from Failure
Common Application Essay, Option 1: Share Your Story
Addressing Diversity in a College Application Essay
Should an Application Essay Be Single-Spaced or Double-Spaced?
Sample College Application Short Answer Essay
How to Write a Great College Application Essay Title

Essay on Most Influential Person

Students are often asked to write an essay on Most Influential Person 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 Most Influential Person

Who is the most influential person.

An influential person is someone who has a big impact on others. This person can change the way people think and act. They can be famous leaders, teachers, or even family members. Their words and actions inspire many.

Characteristics

These individuals show kindness, bravery, and intelligence. They work hard and help others. Their actions encourage people to do better and often lead to positive changes in society.

Personal Influence

For me, the most influential person is my mother. She teaches me right from wrong and supports me. Her love and guidance shape who I am.

250 Words Essay on Most Influential Person

When we think about who has the most impact on us, it might be someone close like a family member, or a famous person who has done great things. An influential person is someone who brings about change, inspires others, and leads by example.

Family Influence

Often, a family member like a parent or grandparent is the most influential person in someone’s life. They teach us right from wrong, support us, and love us. Their words and actions shape who we become.

Influence of Teachers and Mentors

Teachers and mentors also have a big effect on us. They guide us in learning new things and help us to see the world in different ways. Their encouragement can push us to do our best.

Impact of Famous Figures

Famous people, such as scientists, leaders, or artists, can also be highly influential. They achieve things that many people see as important or exciting. Their stories can motivate us to work hard and dream big.

Personal Qualities of Influential People

The most influential person usually has certain qualities. They are often kind, brave, and smart. They work hard and don’t give up easily. These traits inspire others to try to be like them.

In conclusion, the most influential person in our lives can be anyone who has a strong effect on us and our choices. Whether they are part of our family, our teachers, or famous individuals, their influence helps to shape our paths and who we will become.

500 Words Essay on Most Influential Person

When we talk about a person who has the most influence, we mean someone who has the power to affect others in important ways. This could be through their actions, the things they have created, or the words they have spoken. Many times, this person has done something so big that it changes the way we live or think.

Qualities of an Influential Person

An influential person often has qualities that make others want to follow them. They are usually very confident and can speak well, making it easy for people to listen to them. They are also kind and work hard, showing others that they care and are willing to put in effort for what they believe in. Most importantly, they have fresh ideas and are brave enough to do things that no one has done before.

Examples in History

History is full of influential people. For example, Mahatma Gandhi was a man who led a whole country to freedom without using violence. He showed the world that you could win a fight with peace. Another person is Thomas Edison, who invented the light bulb. His invention made it possible for us to have light after the sun goes down, changing how we live our daily lives.

Influence in Science and Technology

In the world of science and technology, people like Albert Einstein are very influential. He came up with ideas about time and space that helped us understand the universe better. In modern times, we have people like Steve Jobs, who made computers and phones that are easy for everyone to use. These gadgets are a big part of our lives now, helping us to communicate and get information quickly.

Influence in Everyday Life

It’s not just famous people who can be influential. Sometimes, the most influential person in our lives is someone close to us, like a family member or a teacher. A parent might teach us right from wrong, while a teacher could inspire us to learn more and follow our dreams. These people might not be known by the whole world, but their influence on us can be just as strong.

In conclusion, an influential person can be anyone who has a big impact on others, whether they are known around the world or just in their own small community. They have special qualities that make others want to listen to them and follow their example. From historical figures to people in our own lives, these individuals inspire us to do better and to be better. Their ideas, inventions, and teachings shape our world and the way we think about it. The most influential person in one’s life may vary, but their effect is always profound, encouraging growth and positive change.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

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

Essay on Most Dangerous Game
Essay on Most Beautiful Creation Of God
Essay on Morality And Religion

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

Happy studying!

Narrative Writing Prompt, Personal Narrative Essay - An Influential Person

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Also included in

Description

Introducing how to write a narrative essay has never been easier! This personal narrative writing prompt lesson guides students through a step-by-step process of writing a narrative essay. It includes a narrative writing graphic organizer , rubric, narrative writing quiz, and a narrative writing template . The topic of this resource is - An Influential Person.

All aspects of narrative writing are covered in this resource: brainstorming ideas , developing a plot , introducing characters & setting , creating an intriguing climax and ending , and incorporating the 6 Traits of Writing ™.

The video, slide show, graphic organizer, worksheets, writing template, and rubric allow students to practice and develop their narrative writing skills. The writing quiz reinforces guided note-taking techniques when used in conjunction with the instructional video. The detailed lesson plans make implementing narrative writing easy for teachers.

The lesson can be used in class, assigned for distance learning, or given as independent student work. The instructional video with writing tutorial and template can also be presented as whole class instruction or assigned for students to complete at home.

Each resource listed below is included in Google Drive™ and print format.

*****************************************************************************************

This Narrative / Personal Narrative Writing Prompt lesson comes complete with:

Entertaining Instructional Video which includes:

Description of narrative essay
Requirements of narrative writing
Brainstorming ideas
Prompt identification and comprehension
Rubric explanation
How to Write a Narrative Essay tutorial and writing template
How to Write a Narrative Essay writing quiz / guided note-taking

Detailed Lesson Plan which includes:

Common Core State Standards Indicated on Lesson Plan
Instructional Focus
Instructional Procedures
Objectives/Goals
Direct Instruction
Guided Practice
Differentiation
ESE Strategies
ELL Strategies
I Can Statement
Essential Question

Narrative Writing Prompt Worksheets which include:

Brainstorming section
Plot development

PowerPoint Presentation which includes:

Introduction slide with prompt (interactive for students to identify key vocabulary)
Brainstorming slide (interactive for students to list ideas)
Plot and character development
How to Write a Narrative Essay tutorial and writing template slides
Checklist slide

Narrative Writing Quiz

Narrative Writing Rubric

Narrative Writing Graphic Organizer

Google Slides ™

Check out my other Middle School Narrative Writing Prompts - Bundle 1

When I Gave or Got Advice
My Best Day in School
My Favorite Adventure
Doing the Impossible
A Dream Come True
Having Fun for Free
An Influential Person
An Important Discovery
When I Received Help
Teacher for a Day
The Unexpected

Plus a FREE Narrative Writing Essay Lesson

Overcoming a Challenge

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How to Write the “Why University of Michigan” supplemental essay (2022-23)?

March 7, 2022

Writing 500 words on the Why U of M? topic is easier for students applying to the nursing school or engineering program. It’s not so bad for those who want to be musicians or architects. But what if you are applying to U of M’s College of Literature, Science, and the Arts ?

Why U of M? Prompt is Not as Hard as You Think!

Responding to this prompt is less challenging than you might think. Are you interested in a specific program? Do you want to do research for a professor you’ve read about? Is there a unique program at UM-LSA that you are looking forward to? Be sure to write about it and show that you really understand what it is about.

Do not tell the admissions committee you “bleed maize and blue” or that you have been attending Big Ten football games since you were a toddler. Don’t repeat the stats on the LSA web page. Your audience knows they have gifted faculty, dozens of inspiring programs and opportunities for undergraduate research and exploration.

What Do You Know About Yourself?

What do you know about yourself? Are you curious? Creative? Innovative? Do you love a good challenge? Are you a problem-solver?

What do you know about U of M-LSA? What appeals to you about liberal arts? Are you interested in the Residential College? Do you want to participate in the University Research Opportunity Program? Do you want to go to the Biological Station? Are you curious about the Institute for Social Research?

Choose a story that demonstrates how your best qualities intersect with the best of U of M, then give it your all. Related Stores: Wow’s Best College Essay Writing Tips

What are the MIT college essay prompts?

How to Answer the UC Personal Insight Questions?

How to Write the Common App College Essay (2022-23)

Before you read more about how to think about and parse any college essay supplemental prompt, consider what you think you know about the college essay. Ask yourself, what if everything I think I know about the college essay is wrong?

There’s a good chance the information you’ve heard is indeed wrong. That’s because a lot of inaccurate and out-of-context information makes its way to you through the Internet, books, blogs, and even inside your high school hallways. It’s so important to get accurate information when you are applying to college. That’s where we come into the picture at Wow. We will always give you the most accurate information regarding the college essay, its purpose, how to write one that is effective and also captures the right kind of attention (the kind you want!) inside the admissions office.

No one knows more than the college essay than Wow.

Want to know what else admission teams care about? Click here. If you want to learn more about how to write a college essay that Shawn and any admissions officer would want to read, please join me for a monthly free webinar for students (invite your bring your friends; Mom and Dad are invited, too!) We offer the college essay class , called Everything You Think You Know About the College Essay Is WRONG, the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm Eastern (February – September). In it, I take students like you through the first 4 steps of Wow’s signature process to give students a taste of our approach to the college essay. I dispel the college essay myths, share our best tips, and answer questions live. Can’t join us live? No problem! Just register, and I’ll send you the recording.

There’s so much information about college essays out there, how can anyone, even a bright, talented student, tell the difference between what’s worth listening to and what’s not? That’s where I can help. I’m a journalist by training, and I only share information I have checked and double-checked, then checked again.

I go straight to the source – college admissions officers like Shawn Felton – to find out what they’re looking for in application essays, and I’m excited to share what I know with you.

Tips to answer any type of college essay prompt

In every case, your answer to a Why College X? Prompt needs to address three important areas:

The school: What attracts me to this college or program?
The student: What do I want readers to know about me?
The stories: How does what I know about the program mesh with what I want readers to know about me? How can I illustrate this intersection? (stories/anecdotes)

Many students have very little idea what a school offers academically, socially, or culturally. Sometimes students choose a college because of the location or its status. This is not what admissions officers want to know. They may need to know you will be comfortable in a big city, but they are more interested in their school and what the college or program offers. Do you have the chops to succeed academically? Are there any clubs and activities to support your interests? Why do these factors matter to you? Depending how familiar you are with the school, answering these questions may require some research (online, in-person visits, talking to current students or alumni, etc.)

Each year, we meet many young people w ho insist that a school is perfect because they feel at home inside the football stadium and love listening to stories around the Thanksgiving dinner table from Dad, Aunt Lisa and Cousin Diana, all enthusiastic and accomplished alumni. Colleges want students to be comfortable for many reasons, but this type of answer is never sufficient. It does not answer the prompt.

You can use the illustration below as a thought-starter for thinking about a Why This College? essay. As with personal statements, focus on content before structure and polish. Make sure you understand the purpose of this type of essay.

To prepare for writing a Why This College? essay, go to the prompt ask yourself these questions Below. This can generate useful notes and ideas that will help you in the writing process:

What is the prompt really asking?
What appeals to you about the college/university/program?
What do you want the readers to learn about you from reading your response?
Why are you compatible with this school/program?
What examples/illustrations can you share to demonstrate your compatibility?
Before drafting your essay, write out a simple paragraph or bullet points responding to this question: When they are done reading this essay, what will readers know about me that they can’t find out from the rest of my application?

If you have already written a Why Us? Essay,

Note how this prompt is similar to or different from the other school’s Why This? prompt.
Use your other essay(s) as a starting point for this one but use examples for this school.
Make some notes about what you are interested in and what this school offers that address those interests (academic, social, intellectual, cultural, etc.)

Pay attention to the different categories (academic, social, intellectual, cultural, etc.) noted in the specific prompt you’re trying to answer. Here is a sample table for a student applying to the University of Michigan’s LSA program who needs to write this supplemental essay:

Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests? (100-550 words)

This table, like the questions above, will be useful for generating ideas and understanding the prompt. We encourage you to fill out this chart for every Why This College? essay you write, as it will help you see the common themes you can use across multiple Why This College? essays, as well as key differences you should be sure to include.

Community Essays

Some schools want to find out how students might contribute to the campus community by learning about how they participate in their current community.

The University of Michigan has asked this type of question for several years. It is a typical community essay prompt:

Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong and describe that community and your place within it. (300 words maximum)

Kim Bryant, U-M’s Assistant Director of Admissions, Visitor Experience & Engagement, spends a lot of time reading and reviewing essays—thousands of application packages each season. She has spent decades inside the admissions office in Ann Arbor and loves hearing student stories.

She knows what she wants from a community essay: “We have an amazing, vibrant, thriving community made up of students in athletics, strong academics, research, over 1,200 student clubs and organizations. We want to know what applicants do in their community, church, high school, synagogue, and mosque. What are they going to do on our campus to make a difference in the world?”

Here are a couple more prompts that ask students to write about how they have contributed, or hope to contribute, to a specific community.

University of Pennsylvania

At Penn, learning and growth happen outside of the classrooms, too. How will you explore the community at Penn? Consider how this community will help shape your perspective and identity, and how your identity and perspective will help shape this community. (150-200 words)

At MIT, we bring people together to better the lives of others. MIT students work to improve their communities in different ways, from tackling the world’s biggest challenges to being a good friend. Describe one way in which you have contributed to your community, whether in your family, the classroom, your neighborhood, etc. (200-250 words)

Diversity and Inclusion Essays

Some colleges present opportunities for students to discuss how they will contribute to a diverse and inclusive campus. While these prompts can sometimes sound similar to the community essays described above, pay attention to what each school specifically asks students to focus on in their essays.

Duke University

Duke University seeks a talented, engaged student body that embodies the wide range of human experience; we believe that the diversity of our students makes our community stronger. If you’d like to share a perspective you bring or experiences you’ve had to help us understand you better, perhaps related to a community you belong to or your family or cultural background, we encourage you to do so here. Real people are reading your application, and we want to do our best to understand and appreciate the real people applying to Duke. (250 words maximum)

Pomona College

We believe that everyone has something to contribute and receive from a diverse community. Why is belonging to a diverse and inclusive college community important to you? (200 words maximum)

Rice University

Rice is lauded for creating a collaborative atmosphere that enhances the quality of life for all members of our campus community. The Residential College System and undergraduate life is heavily influenced by the unique life experiences and cultural tradition each student brings. What life perspectives would you contribute to the Rice community? (500 words maximum)

Activity Essays

Often, colleges like to know more about how a student spends their time than the sentence or two that students include on the activities section of an application or resume. When asked, “Which activity would you continue in college?” or “Tell us about one significant activity,” students need to expand upon the activity by explaining what they like about it, what they find engaging about the activity and why this is important to them.

As with all essay opportunities, make sure you know why you are sharing a story. If you write about tennis because you won six championships, that information is likely already in your application. If you write about how hard you worked to get along with your new doubles partner, and as a result you became a better team player, that’s something readers wouldn’t already know.

One of our students wrote an amazing activity essay about learning the value of hard work when he cleaned out a dumpster; it was not the easiest task to get while working at a summer camp. But he was asked to do it as part of his job in the kitchen of the overnight camp he had attended for many years. His colorful description of the activity, along with what he learned, showed how hard he worked under the worst of circumstances. His essay revealed his character. That’s why it worked. And that’s why we loved it.

Every activity essay, no matter how short, offers a space to share something new and meaningful about yourself and your interests. Consider these examples:

Georgetown University

Briefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved. (Approximately one-half page, single-spaced)

Vanderbilt University

Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (200-400 words)

Harvard University

Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (50-150 words)

Princeton University

Briefly elaborate on an activity, organization, work experience, or hobby that has been particularly meaningful to you. (Please respond in about 150 words.)

Influential Person Essays

The prompts on college applications are not always as straightforward as they appear. Consider the “influential person” essay prompt, which might look like this: Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you and describe that influence.

Colleges do not want to just read stories about Aunt Rose, a beloved first-grade teacher or the student’s great-grandfather who invented the crinkle potato chip. Instead, you need to write about how this special person helped shape you, what you gained from the relationship, and why it matters to you now.

It is admirable if Aunt Rose saved five children from a burning house or won the Presidential Medal of Freedom. But what does that have to do with you? Were you one of the kids she saved? Are you a volunteer firefighter because of this experience? If not, let Aunt Rose apply to college on her own. She might even earn a scholarship for her heroic acts.

Issue Essays

Even if a college asks students to discuss an issue (racism, poverty, domestic violence, world hunger, gun control) that is relevant to them, admissions officers still want you to reflect on that issue from a personal perspective. Consider the “issue essay” prompt, which might look like this: Discuss some issue of personal, local, national, or international concern and its importance to you.

Are you passionate about the environment? Do you follow politics like a veteran pundit? Are you a vegetarian or an advocate for the elderly? These are admirable issues, but unless you can explain what you have done because of this great concern, this essay won’t shine; it won’t be effective. Why did you become a vegetarian? How has it affected your daily life? What insight have you gained while teaching Mom and Dad to cook tofu? Answers to questions like these demonstrate reflection.

University of Virginia

Rita Dove, UVA English professor and former U.S. Poet Laureate, once said in an interview that “there are times in life when, instead of complaining, you do something about your complaints.” Describe a time when, instead of complaining, you took action for the greater good. (Roughly 250 words)

Creative Essays

Students generally either love or hate creative essays. Here are three sample prompts from the University of Chicago, the leader of the creative, provocative prompt:

What if the moon were made of cheese? Or Neptune made of soap? Pick a celestial object, reimagine its material composition, and explore the implications. Feel free to explore the realms of physics, philosophy, fantasy…the sky is the limit!
What’s so easy about pie?
It’s said that history repeats itself. But what about other disciplines? Choose another field (chemistry, philosophy, etc.) and explain how it repeats itself. Explain how it repeats itself.

In addition to a personal statement, UChicago asks students to write several supplemental essays, including one creative essay, about 1-2 pages long.

Students who attend UChicago like questions like this. But if you can’t bear the question, it might be a sign that UChicago is probably not a good fit.

The idea is to have some fun with this essay. “Write it any way you want,” the school tells students. “We think of (the creative prompt) as an opportunity for students to tell us about themselves, their tastes, and their ambitions. They can be approached with utter seriousness, complete fancy, or something in between.”

Other schools offer creative prompts as well. These samples come from current and past application seasons.

University of Vermont

Which Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor (real or imagined!) best describes you? (500 words maximum)

Stanford University

What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed? (50 words maximum)

Covid Prompts

The Common App, Coalition App, and some colleges, like the University of Texas, added prompts during the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic, some optional and some required. The Common App’s prompt was optional. Colleges ask these types of questions to find out how you lived through challenging circumstances like Covid or other natural disasters in a genuine way.

Common App Covid Prompt

Community disruptions such as COVID-19 and natural disasters can have deep and long-lasting impacts. If you need it, this space is yours to describe those impacts. Colleges care about the effects on your health and well-being, safety, family circumstances, future plans, and education, including access to reliable technology and quiet study spaces. (250 words, optional)

This prompt, or one like it, may remain on the Common App and other applications for the 2022-23 application cycle; it might or might not seem relevant for you. If you have something to add to your application surrounding a natural disaster of any kind, this is a good place to share that information. But remember, no whining and no gloating. This is a place to share information you want colleges to know about you.

The Common App added this question to the Additional Information section, where students have always had the opportunity to share other information, about circumstances like an extended absence from school, long-term illness, or a significant decline in grades. If you feel you have something to share in the Additional Information, or another optional section, it is recommended you discuss your circumstances with your high school counselor or another trusted admissions expert.

There’s no need to manufacture challenges or heroic efforts in an answer to any prompt.

The Covid prompt, and all supplemental essays, offer a chance to share something new with colleges and give a more complete picture of who you are. Make the most of this opportunity.

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COMMENTS

Sample Essays: Influential Person
Sample Essays: Influential Person. Updated August 5, 2020 | Infoplease Staff. Please select from the following sample application essays: Essay 1: Wellesley | Essay 2: Harvard | Essay 3: Harvard. Note: The following essays were not edited by EssayEdge Editors. They appear as they were initially reviewed by admissions officers.
Tips for an Admissions Essay on an Influential Person
With the pre-2013 Common Application, one of the essay prompts stated, "Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence." While you won't find this question among the seven 2020-21 Common Application essay prompts , the current application still allows you to write about an influential person with the ...
Influential Person Essays
In , a good influential person essay topic should be personal, impactful, and thought-provoking. It should allow you to showcase your writing skills and express your unique perspective on the person's influence. Best Influential Person Essay Topics. The unsung hero: A tribute to the person who quietly impacts lives without seeking recognition.
How to Write Influential Person Essay
Essay Tip #2-The "Influential Person" Essay. Mark Montgomery. August 4, 2011. Many college applications, including The Common Application , ask an essay question about "the most influential person in your life". Why, or how, that person influenced you. A key tip to answering this essay is to remember that it is not necessarily about whom ...
Common App Essays
Prompt 2: Overcoming challenges. Prompt 3: Questioning a belief or idea. Prompt 4: Appreciating an influential person. Prompt 5: Transformative event. Prompt 6: Interest or hobby that inspires learning. Prompt 7: Free topic. Other interesting articles. Frequently asked questions about college application essays.
How to Write a Descriptive Essay on an Influential Person in Your Life
Focus Your Essay. As in any essay, when writing about an influential person in your life you should include a thesis statement. In this case, the thesis statement declares how or why this person has influenced you life. For example, if writing about your soccer coach, you may write, "Through his advice and the example of his character, my ...
How to Write a College Essay About an Influential Person
November 2, 2022. When brainstorming topics for your college essay, you've probably considered writing about a person who has influenced or inspired you-a parent or grandparent, a sibling, a teacher, or another significant figure in your life. You may be writing an essay of your own design or responding to the fourth prompt on this year's ...
Admissions Essay on an Influential Person: Writing Tips
Six years ago, one of the Common Application essay prompts asked applicants to write an essay about an influential person. Although there were no such prompts in 2018, you are still allowed to write about an important person from your life if you go with the option called "topic of your choice." 1. Don't just describe — analyze
Sample Common Application Essay Option 5 with Critique
Jill writes about a person who had a significant influence on her. Her response works well for Common Application essay option #5: "Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others." As you read the essay, note how it is about much more than the woman who ...
Answering the Question "Who Has Most Influenced You?"
Whatever your answer, bring the influential person to life for your interviewer. Avoid vague generalities. As with an admissions essay on an influential person, you'll want to provide colorful, entertaining, and specific examples of how the person has influenced you. Also, keep in mind that a strong answer provides a window into your life and ...
Princeton: Influential Person essay
This is for Princeton's influential person essay. Thank you in advance. PROMPT: Tell us about a person who has influenced you in a significant way. The person who has influenced me the most throughout my life would have to be my mom. She is the most hard-working, honest, and intelligent person that I know and she has been the main force pushing ...
How to Write the QuestBridge Essay + Examples 2023
QuestBridge Essay Prompts. How to Write the QuestBridge Essays. Student Application Example #1. Student Application Example #2. What to do if you're a Questbridge finalist. The short version: QuestBridge is awesome. As in the real sense of the word—awe-inspiring. The slightly longer version:
Who is The Most Influential Person in Your Life
It is time Thunberg gets the recognition that she deserves, by dubbing her the most influential person of 2019. At the tender age of 11, Greta Thunberg was aware of the rising problem of climate change; the effects of which have been simmering like an over cooked stew.
What are MIT's the Essay Prompts?
Consider the "influential person" essay prompt, which might look like this: Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you and describe that influence. Colleges do not want to just read stories about Aunt Rose, a beloved first-grade teacher or the student's great-grandfather who invented the crinkle potato chip. Instead, you ...
Who is the Most Influential Person in Your Life and Why?
There are a few unnecessary words here and there. For example, "It is for this reason that I can proudly say that my mother is the most influential person in my life.". I'd suggest rewording this to, "That's why my mother is the most influential person in my life.". The closing is good, but a bit abrupt. Overall, the applicant does ...
Sample College Admissions Essay on Teaching Summer Camp
The Essay Prompt . Max's essay was originally written for the pre-2013 Common Application essay prompt that states, "Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence."The influential person option no longer exists, but there are many ways to write about an important person with the current seven essay options on the 2018-19 Common Application.
The Power of Influence: Writing an Influential Essay
Writing a Most Influential Person Essay provides an opportunity to reflect on the people who have played a crucial role in our lives and articulate the reasons behind their influence. This type of essay requires careful thought, effective use of language, and persuasive writing techniques. ... short essay at least 6 sentences prompt- explain ...
Essay on Most Influential Person
The most influential person usually has certain qualities. They are often kind, brave, and smart. They work hard and don't give up easily. These traits inspire others to try to be like them. In conclusion, the most influential person in our lives can be anyone who has a strong effect on us and our choices. Whether they are part of our family ...
influential person essay prompt
Ask an essay question about "the most influential person in your life" and why, or how, that person influenced you. Check The Influential... Real scholarship essay examples from students including National Merit Scholarship Essay Example 1 - Influential Person or Obstacle.... Six years ago, one of the Common Application essay prompts asked ...
Narrative Writing Prompt, Personal Narrative Essay
Introducing how to write a narrative essay has never been easier! This personal narrative writing prompt lesson guides students through a step-by-step process of writing a narrative essay. It includes a narrative writing graphic organizer, rubric, narrative writing quiz, and a narrative writing tem...
How to Write the "Why University of Michigan" supplemental essay (2022
Consider the "influential person" essay prompt, which might look like this: Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you and describe that influence. Colleges do not want to just read stories about Aunt Rose, a beloved first-grade teacher or the student's great-grandfather who invented the crinkle potato chip. Instead, you ...
Writer Ruben Quesada to Present "Crafting Prose Poetry" on April 11
This session explores the art of prose poetry, focusing on the various literary tools and techniques that poets and writers can employ in their craft. Through an examination of influential works, rhetorical techniques, and more, participants are guided through a series of writing prompts designed to spark creativity and personal reflection.