As students, our path is marked by constant change and evolution. From the moment we step onto our school’s campus for the first time, we’re called to continually develop ourselves—through academics, athletics, extracurriculars, and beyond. So it should come as no surprise that colleges don’t simply want to learn about who you are right now—they want to know who you are becoming. They want to see that you’ve grown during your high school journey thus far, and that you have the potential to continue doing so in the years to come. They want to see personal growth in your Common App essay.
But how, exactly, can you demonstrate this growth in a compelling, authentic, and effective way? To help you answer this question, we’ve compiled five inspiring examples of students who have successfully shown their growth in their own Common App essays. By parsing through these real-life stories, we hope you’ll glean some powerful insights into how to craft an essay that showcases your own character development.
1. “From ‘Clumsy’ to Confident”
In this essay, the student began by recounting a time when they were much younger and would consistently trip over their own feet, much to their own embarrassment. They then went on to describe how this setback motivated them to become more attuned to their body’s potential; how, over the years, they practiced coordination exercises, became more involved in sports, and even learned a new physical activity (juggling). Through these anecdotes, the student was able to persuasively illustrate how they grew in their self-awareness, determination, and confidence.
2. “Embracing My Heritage”
For this student, their growth was tied to a deepening appreciation for their cultural background. They described how, at first, they felt uncomfortable with certain aspects of their heritage—such as traditional dress or music. Over time, though, they began to recognize the beauty and value in these traditions, and became more eager to learn about and participate in them. Their essay tracked this transformation, from youthful shame to mature pride. By doing so, they showed admissions committees a key component of their own personal growth: the willingness to step outside their comfort zone and engage with new perspectives.
3. “Redefining My Goals”
Some students will find that their growth doesn’t come from a single moment of insight, but from a series of experiences that gradually shift their priorities and aspirations. That was the case for this particular student; throughout their essay, they examined how their original dreams of becoming a lawyer changed once they became more invested in science. Bit by bit, they explained how they began to appreciate their scientific studies more, to volunteer at a hospital, and ultimately to set their sights on becoming a researcher. Through this essay, the student was able to demonstrate not only their intellectual curiosity and adaptability, but also their developing sense of purpose.
4. “Learning to Speak Up”
Sometimes our growth is tied to a particular challenge that we face. For this student, that challenge was a series of confrontations they had with a classmate who constantly belittled and bullied them. In describing these experiences, the student was able to show how they initially struggled with standing up for themselves—but then how, over time, they learned to use their voice and advocate for their own needs. By doing so, they communicated an important lesson about growth: that it’s often messy and difficult, but ultimately worthwhile.
5. “Forgiving Myself”
Finally, this essay explored how one student learned to move past a particularly painful mistake they’d made—in this case, cheating on a test. Yet instead of dwelling solely on their own guilt and shame, the student focused on how they worked to make amends and learn from their actions. They identified specific actions they took to grow from that experience—for example, studying harder and going out of their way to make things right with their teacher. By doing so, they were able to illustrate how personal growth isn’t just about moving past our missteps, but using them as opportunities for transformation.
These are just a few of the countless ways you might demonstrate personal growth in your Common App essay. Remember, it’s not about following a formula or fitting into a specific mold—rather, it’s about being honest and reflective about who you are, and sharing that growth with admissions committees in a way that feels authentic and compelling. By being true to yourself and your journey, you’re sure to craft an essay that will stand out from the rest.
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