STORY #10: A girl explained how in a speech class, her fellow classmates described her as like the “tip of a pin” because she was so unbelievably focused.

How story was used:
A teacher used this story to explain how much concentration the student brought to her work, thus explaining why she was so accomplished. The teacher also gave the example of when the student was studying for the AP French exam, she did not speak English for two weeks--at home (watched only French movies, listened to French music, spoke to her brother in French), and at school (she spoke English only when she had to).

Messages of story:
The student is like a laser with regard to her studies, unbelievably hard working, persistent and focused. She is the best student in her class.

STORY #11: A girl born in Taiwan told the story how she was adopted by her American uncle and aunt, and spent much of her life dreaming of returning to her birth parents. The student also described the trauma of leaving her home and parents, but also how she converted her sadness and longing to strength and confidence, ending up at Yale, an option that would never have been available to her had she remained in Taiwan.

How story was used:
To answer an application essay question about writing an personal essay that helps the college to know you better.

Messages of story:
Facing major hurdles, this writer was able to become determined, mature, focused and very accomplished.

STORY #12: Born with a profound hearing impairment since birth, a student wrote about all the things he can do (a list of over 100) and only mentioned one that he can’t (talk on the phone without the assistance of a TDD). He described how he has chosen to use his strengths to overcome his disability, specifically choosing to study and use computers, a focus that eliminates any hearing bias.

How story was used:
To answer an application essay question about what the college should know about the student.

Messages of story:
Clearly, this is a how to “make lemonade out of a lemon” story. The writer describes what it’s like to be a hearing impaired person, and why admissions people should not worry about his being successful at college.