DEFINITION OF PERSONAL STORIES AND ANECDOTES:
Every family has stories about children that get told over and over. Some are inconsequential in the beginning, but then take on almost legendary qualities. Some are apocryphal; still others are nothing more than cute little episodes or favorite moments. Life is filled with little and big events that are potential fodder for college essays. Oft-told stories begin right after children are born, like the one about a six-week-old baby who literally crooned when he was fed ice cream for the first time in his life (as an adult, he became a well-known chef). As children get older the number and pace of stories usually picks up, like the story of a 1 year old who at Thanksgiving suddenly decided that it was time to walk (and he’s been running ever since). Personal stories and anecdotes are important because they are pregnant with messages about who a person is and what he or she is all about.

The one aspect of college admissions that puts shudders down the spines of high school students is having to write college application essays. There is nothing about which students more fear, fret about or procrastinate. What should I write about? What do admissions people look for or want? How can I hit a “home run” with my essay? How can I make my essay different from everybody else’s?

Way before the time when application essays are due, you can do something to lay the groundwork for essay topics and content that are one-of-a-kind-you. What is this you ask? Nothing more than identifying and writing down personal stories and anecdotes about yourself.

adMISSION POSSIBLE® TIP! If you are a senior and you need the stories right away, ask your family to take a few family dinner hours to brainstorm ideas. You might be surprised at the number of stories – especially the humor – that comes out.

THE BOTTOM LINE
As soon as you finish reading this chapter, you can begin writing down your own stories. If you are a parent, you can help your child by doing the same. It can be as simple as noting a phrase or two such as, “The time when I hit my first home run.” You can also write a story in elaborate detail. Whatever you do, when a story pops into your head, keep a written record of your thoughts in a journal, on a computer or palm pilot. These written recordings will pay off come college essay time.