STORY #7: A boy described how he had been curious all of his life. For example, when he was very young, he was always touching, poking, even tasting anything he could get his hands on. Then one day when he was five years old, his curiosity took him to a hole in a tree in his back yard. Out of curiosity, he poked the hole with a stick and a swarm of hornets came out and covered his entire body. His parents rushed him off to a hospital where it took hours to take out the hornet stingers. He then described all the other ways/places that his curiosity took him over the years.

How story was used:
In answer to an application essay question that was merely a request for a topic of the student’s choice.

Messages of story:
This student has always been curious, a characteristic for which colleges are always on the lookout.

STORY #8: A student wrote about how passionate he was about the game of basketball, but also how he was the worst basketball player on his championship team. He freely admitted that he couldn’t dribble, pass, shoot or run, nevertheless he adored the game, was always at practices and games long before he needed to be. On the bench, he was a cheerleader, and often strategist for other players. In the end, because of the kind of person he was (and not because of his basketball talents), the team voted him Most Valuable Player.

How story was used:
The coach of the basketball team wrote a letter to the admissions office about what a pleasure it had been to have this “worst” player on his team and what his special contributions had been.

Messages of story:
Attitude is very important. Even if you’re not very good at something, let alone a champion, you can offer something and do your best. As a result, one can gain the respect of others and yourself.

STORY #9: A student wrote about how his grandmother had been married seven times to six different men. What he learned was, “If at first you don’t succeed, then try, try, try, try, try, try, try again.”

How story was used:
In answer to an application essay question that asked about an influential person in a student’s life.

Messages of story:
The student has a great sense of humor, is witty, and very down-to-earth. Also, there is a lot one can learn from grandparents, sometimes in the strangest, most mysterious ways.