Guest blogger Maran, a test prep consultant, dishes out another big tip for your application essay. Today’s topic is about creating a story, and transforming a flaw or weakness into a strength.
In your essays know that a weakness in never actually a weakness. For the purposes of your entrance essay your weakness is in actuality a strength temporarily masquerading as a weakness.
In an essay never describe how your fatal flaw was fatal. It is not a persuasive story of survival, victory, and beating the odds if your weakness beats you. Find a way to make your weakness strong. Look at the story of your life in terms of this quality from a new angle and see what is strong. Look forward and try to perceive how this quality when channeled can be powerful.
For example, since my childhood I have always been optimistic. I see the good in the world and the people around me. In years past (way past) this optimism interfered with my ability to see people as they really were or prevented me from working hard. After such and such experiences my innate optimism is now met with an indefatigable work ethic. It is a dynamic duo-an unstoppable team. However it took these experiences in my early years to find this balance between optimism and work.
This is an oversimplification of an essay, but you get the point. An essay is not a tell all. The admission board is not your best friend who will love you no matter what. Carefully craft your weaknesses into a compelling argument for strength. Find a way to make the ugly fit for company!