Looking to write an impactful Common App Personal Growth Essay? You are not alone! Crafting a successful personal growth essay that stands out can be a challenging, yet rewarding process. To help you get inspired, we’ve gathered five of the most common personal growth essay examples that will not only inspire you but also help you gain insight into what makes a great essay.
1. Overcoming Personal Struggles
One of the most common and effective personal growth essay examples relates to overcoming personal struggles. This could be a mental, physical, or emotional struggle that you experienced and were able to overcome. This type of essay requires a lot of vulnerability as you’ll have to share some of your most personal and challenging experiences, but it’s a great way to showcase your resilience and determination.
2. Facing Your Fears
Another great personal growth essay example centers around facing your fears. Did you finally embrace a fear you’ve had for years, such as speaking in public or trying a new activity? This essay lends itself to a great narrative structure. Whether you’re writing about taking that first step or how overcoming your fear changed you, this essay allows you to showcase your courage.
3. Learning From Mistakes
Everyone makes mistakes, but not everyone takes the time to learn from them. Writing about a mistake you’ve made and what you learned from it can be a great platform to demonstrate personal growth. This essay isn’t about highlighting your shortcomings or the negative consequences of your mistake, but rather how you took accountability and then used the experience to develop.
4. Discovering Your Passion
This essay example is all about self-discovery. Did you find something you’re passionate about, and how did that bring you a greater sense of purpose and personal growth? This essay isn’t just about showcasing your accomplishments; it’s about exploring your interests and how they’ve made a significant impact on your life.
5. Helping Others
Finally, an essay about helping others and personal growth can be a great way to showcase your empathy and willingness to give back. Have you done volunteer work or found a transformative experience working with others? This essay is an excellent place to express how those experiences impacted your personal growth and development.
In conclusion, writing a personal growth essay is an excellent opportunity to reflect on your experiences and showcase your progress. By using one of the five examples mentioned above, you can craft an essay that inspires and impresses admissions committees. Don’t be afraid to use personal anecdotes, be vulnerable, and focus on your personal growth journey. Good luck!
