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Being a Successful Student

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Published: Mar 6, 2024

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7 Qualities of a Successful College Essay

Bonus Material:  30 College Essays That Worked

The college essay is one of the most important aspects of a student’s application.

It gives applicants an opportunity to articulate their personal values, character traits, and perspectives. It’s also a chance to add more value to your application, simply by demonstrating who you are outside of your resume and transcript.

A “successful” college essay is one that makes the most of these opportunities and, in many cases, earns an acceptance.

We’ve demystified what most admissions officers look for in college applications . But what are these officers looking for in the college essay itself? What are the top qualities of a successful application essay?

In analyzing various essays of admitted applicants, we’ve come up with a list of the characteristics that most of these pieces have in common. We’ll be referring to some of these pieces throughout the post.

Plus, we give you access to 30 college essays that earned their writers acceptance into Ivy League schools. Grab these below.

Download 30 College Essays That Worked

Here’s what we cover:

  • What is The College Application Essay (in a nutshell)?
  • 7 Qualities of a Successful Essay
  • Bonus: 30 College Essays That Worked

The College Application Essay In a Nutshell

Most students applying to a college or university in the U.S. must submit an application essay (or “personal statement”) with their application.

Depending on the application platform the college uses (typically either Coalition or the Common App ), students have 500-650 words to craft a response. While each of these platforms has college essay prompts, it’s helpful to view these prompts as general guidelines as to what colleges are looking for in a response.

Based on these prompts and our own experience coaching college essay students , the application essay is:

  • the chance to say what the rest of your application doesn’t say
  • a demonstration of your character, values, and/or voice
  • the platform to show who you are outside of a resume/transcript
  • an introspective personal essay

The college essay is NOT :

  • a rehashing of your resume
  • an excuse or explanation of other components of your application
  • a formal, five-paragraph essay
  • what you think “colleges want to hear”

A standard college application includes an academic transcript, recommendation letters, extracurricular / activities section, an optional resume, and standardized test scores. The essay is an addition  to these 4 general components, so it makes sense that it should complement them by saying something new.

That’s why we like to define the essay as a “demonstration of character, values, and/or voice.” True, these elements can be inferred from other components of the application. But the essay is your opportunity to clearly and personally demonstrate what matters to you, who you are at the core, and/or your essential perspectives of the world.

For this reason, the college essay is introspective and personal. Colleges want to hear that “I” voice in the application essay, loud and clear, and they want active, intelligent reflection.

You can see this in action in the 30 college essays that worked, which you can download below.

( Note: Some colleges might require applicants to submit supplemental essays in addition to their personal statement. These often have very specific prompts and different word lengths. Here are 8 great tips for approaching supplemental essays . )

 7 Qualities of a Successful College Essay

We’ve assessed several college essays of applicants admitted to a wide range of schools, including Ivy League institutions. While extremely diverse, these pieces generally had the following characteristics in common.

1. Introspective and reflective

Many English teachers tell their students not to use the first-person “I” in their essays. While this might be the standard for some academic essays, the college essay  should  include that “I.” What’s more, it should include a  lot  of that “I”!

This can be understandably uncomfortable for students, many of whom may simply not be used to talking about themselves openly and declaratively on a page. It can also feel awkward from a stylistic point of view for students who are not used to writing in the first-person.

Yet colleges want to hear your words in your own voice, and they are especially interested in learning more about your perspectives on the world and insights gleaned from your various life experiences. That’s why many successful college essays are highly introspective, full of the writer’s active reflections on what they’ve learned, how they view the world, and who they are.

We typically see the bulk of such introspection at the  end  of an essay, where the writer summarizes these reflections (although this is by no means standard), as we can see in the conclusion to Erica’s essay here, which describes her earlier attempt to write and publish a novel:

Sometimes, when I’m feeling insecure about my ability as a novelist I open up my first draft again, turn to a random chapter, and read it aloud. Publishing that first draft would have been a horrible embarrassment that would have haunted me for the rest of my life. Over the past half-decade, I’ve been able to explore my own literary voice, and develop a truly original work that I will be proud to display. This experience taught me that “following your dreams” requires more than just wishing upon a star. It takes sacrifice, persistence, and grueling work to turn fantasy into reality.

In her personal statement, Aja reflects deeply on what she specifically learned from an experience described earlier on in the piece:

I found from my experiment and questioning within my mind that my practices distinguished me from others, thereby allowing me to form relationships on the basis of common interest or personality, rather than cultural similarities, that summer. I valued the relationships more, and formed a deep connection with my lab partner, whom I had found was similar to me in many ways. 

Notice how both of these selections contain a lot of that first-person voice, which is critical to elaborating perspectives, learning points, and introspective thoughts. And did we mention that admissions officers are  looking for  those specific perspectives, learning points, and thoughts that compose who you are?

2. Full of a student’s voice

An academic transcript can be revealing to admissions officers. The same goes for recommendation letters and resumes. But it’s hard to convey an individual voice in these application components. The college essay is your prime vehicle for speaking directly to colleges in your own words  about what matters to you.

Successful college essays thus veer away from the formal voice many students employ when writing academic essays. Rather, they showcase a student’s unique way of expressing themselves on a page, which can be, for example, humorous, informal, intimate, lyrical, and/or speculative.

Voice is at the forefront of Elizabeth’s essay about her love for “all that is spicy:”

I am an aspiring hot sauce sommelier. Ever since I was a child, I have been in search for all that is spicy. I began by dabbling in peppers of the jarred variety. Pepperoncini, giardiniera, sports peppers, and jalapeños became not only toppings, but appetizers, complete entrées, and desserts. As my palate matured, I delved into a more aggressive assortment of spicy fare. I’m not referring to Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, the crunchy snack devoured by dilettantes. No, it was bottles of infernal magma that came next in my tasting curriculum.

Notice how Elizabeth’s descriptions of her passion for spice are rich with her voice: playful, intelligent, and humorous. This also gives us insight into a specific aspect of her character–that’s the power of voice when it comes to personal essay writing, and college admissions officers are very interested in applicants’ characters.

3. Descriptive and engaging

You don’t have to be a natural creative writer to compose a successful college essay. Yet competitive essays aren’t afraid to dive deeply into a subject and describe it, whether that description relates to imagery, emotions, perspectives, or insights. A college essay shouldn’t leave the reader guessing in any way–it should be highly specific and it should tell your story in an engaging fashion.

Harry’s more intellectual essay presents his views on common values in society. He is careful to be very specific and descriptive in these views, incorporating both a relevant incident from history and his own direct relationship to the issue:

Admittedly, the problem of social integration is one I feel can be widely overstated – for example, when I was looking into some research for a similar topic a couple of years ago, I found numerous surveys indicating that ethnic minorities (especially Islam) identify much more closely with Britain than do the population at large. Still though, I, like many others, find myself constantly troubled by the prospect of the war from within that seems to be developing. This fear is fuelled by events such as the brutal killing of the soldier Lee Rigby at the hands of two British Muslims a couple of years ago.

In her essay, Amanda is extremely detailed in describing her experience as a caretaker for a difficult child. The result is a clear portrait of the challenge itself and Amanda’s relationship to this challenge, told from the perspective of an engaging storyteller:

Then I met Robyn, and I realized how wrong I was. Prone to anger, aggressive, sometimes violent (I have the scar to prove it). Every Sunday with Robyn was a challenge. Yoga, dancing, cooking, art, tennis – none of these activities held her interest for long before she would inevitably throw a tantrum or stalk over to a corner to sulk or fight with the other children. She alternated between wrapping her arms around my neck, declaring to anyone who passed by that she loved me, and clawing at my arms, screaming at me to leave her alone.

The successful college essays we see always  emerge from a place of honesty. Writing with honesty also is more likely to accurately convey a student’s unique voice, inspire reflection and introspection, and result in a descriptive, meaningful piece (all of the qualities listed in this post!).

Sometimes this means adopting a candid or direct voice on the page. James starts his essay frankly in this singular statement:

Simply put, my place of inner peace is the seat of that 50 foot sliver of carbon and kevlar called a rowing shell, cutting through the water in the middle of a race.

Or it might mean describing a challenge, vulnerability, or perspective truthfully, as Martin does in his essay about the experiences that have molded his character over the years:

Looking back, I have never been the “masculine boy” as society says my role to be. I have always thought I do not fit the social definition of a male as one who is “manly” and “sporty” and this alienating feeling of being different still persists today at times. However, I also have become more comfortable with myself, and I see my growth firsthand throughout high school.

Given that many universities value “truth” in their own mission statements and mottos, admissions officers will prioritize those essays that ring with a student’s honest voice.

5. Unconventional & distinct

This is by no means a requirement of a successful college essay. But many of the essays that earn students acceptance at their dream schools veer away from the predictable or expected, as we saw in Elizabeth’s essay above (“I am an aspiring hot sauce sommelier”). They are, in a nutshell, 100% unique.

We’ve seen some essays, for example, that follow more radical structures, such as list formats or experimental narratives. Others focus on unexpected subjects, like Shanaz’s piece on the relevance of Game of Thrones in her life and trajectory of learning.

And, time and again, successful college essays step away from what admissions officers already see in applications–academics, standardized tests, extracurricular activities, and classes. They may focus on something very specific (hot sauce or Game of Thrones ), seemingly ordinary (eating a kosher meal in public or working on a problem set), or personally interesting (a historic murder or wrestling game).

Regardless, the essays that “work” emphasize the unexpected, as opposed to the expected. Distinct essays will also feel as if they could not have been written by anyone else .

6. Well-written

This might also sound like an obvious quality of a successful essay, but it’s still worth mentioning. The most competitive application essays showcase strong writing skills, providing evidence of a student’s ability to tell a specific story artfully and well. 

Essays should also be error-free, grammatically precise, and stylistically on point. Successful pieces also might demonstrate versatility through varied sentence structure, word choice, and rhetorical or literary devices. Lastly, well-written essays typically adhere to a specific storytelling structure.

This excerpt from Justin’s essay about his experience in the California Cadet Corps, for example, displays a high command of language, word choice, and sentence structure:

Through Survival, I learned many things about myself and the way I approach the world. I realized that I take for granted innumerable small privileges and conveniences and that I undervalue what I do have. Now that I had experienced true and sustained hunger, I felt regret for times when I threw away food and behaved with unconscious waste. 

7. Meaningful

Above all, a successful college essay adds value to a student’s holistic college application. It is full of  meaning , in that it

  • showcases a student’s unique voice
  • elucidates an applicant’s particular perspective(s), character trait(s), and/or belief(s) and
  • honestly conveys a significant component of who a student is

It might be difficult to compress the entirety of who you are into 650 words. Yet it is most certainly possible to craft 650 words that add significant meaning to an overall application in terms of a student’s  personal potential for the future. This is exactly what admissions officers are looking for . 

What can you do to ensure that your college essay aligns with these successful qualities? You can check out examples of essays that do!

You can download 30 actual college essays that earned their writers acceptance into Ivy League schools, right now, for free.

qualities of a successful student essay

Kate is a graduate of Princeton University. Over the last decade, Kate has successfully mentored hundreds of students in all aspects of the college admissions process, including the SAT, ACT, and college application essay. 

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qualities of a successful student essay

16 Strong College Essay Examples from Top Schools

qualities of a successful student essay

What’s Covered:

  • Common App Essays
  • Why This College Essays
  • Why This Major Essays
  • Extracurricular Essays
  • Overcoming Challenges Essays
  • Community Service Essays
  • Diversity Essays
  • Political/Global Issues Essays
  • Where to Get Feedback on Your Essays

Most high school students don’t get a lot of experience with creative writing, so the college essay can be especially daunting. Reading examples of successful essays, however, can help you understand what admissions officers are looking for.

In this post, we’ll share 16 college essay examples of many different topics. Most of the essay prompts fall into 8 different archetypes, and you can approach each prompt under that archetype in a similar way. We’ve grouped these examples by archetype so you can better structure your approach to college essays.

If you’re looking for school-specific guides, check out our 2022-2023 essay breakdowns .

Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized. 

Note: the essays are titled in this post for navigation purposes, but they were not originally titled. We also include the original prompt where possible.

The Common App essay goes to all of the schools on your list, unless those schools use a separate application platform. Because of this, it’s the most important essay in your portfolio, and likely the longest essay you’ll need to write (you get up to 650 words). 

The goal of this essay is to share a glimpse into who you are, what matters to you, and what you hope to achieve. It’s a chance to share your story. 

Learn more about how to write the Common App essay in our complete guide.

The Multiple Meanings of Point

Prompt: Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. (250-650 words)

Night had robbed the academy of its daytime colors, yet there was comfort in the dim lights that cast shadows of our advances against the bare studio walls. Silhouettes of roundhouse kicks, spin crescent kicks, uppercuts and the occasional butterfly kick danced while we sparred. She approached me, eyes narrowed with the trace of a smirk challenging me. “Ready spar!” Her arm began an upward trajectory targeting my shoulder, a common first move. I sidestepped — only to almost collide with another flying fist. Pivoting my right foot, I snapped my left leg, aiming my heel at her midsection. The center judge raised one finger. 

There was no time to celebrate, not in the traditional sense at least. Master Pollard gave a brief command greeted with a unanimous “Yes, sir” and the thud of 20 hands dropping-down-and-giving-him-30, while the “winners” celebrated their victory with laps as usual. 

Three years ago, seven-thirty in the evening meant I was a warrior. It meant standing up straighter, pushing a little harder, “Yes, sir” and “Yes, ma’am”, celebrating birthdays by breaking boards, never pointing your toes, and familiarity. Three years later, seven-thirty in the morning meant I was nervous. 

The room is uncomfortably large. The sprung floor soaks up the checkerboard of sunlight piercing through the colonial windows. The mirrored walls further illuminate the studio and I feel the light scrutinizing my sorry attempts at a pas de bourrée, while capturing the organic fluidity of the dancers around me. “Chassé en croix, grand battement, pique, pirouette.” I follow the graceful limbs of the woman in front of me, her legs floating ribbons, as she executes what seems to be a perfect ronds de jambes. Each movement remains a negotiation. With admirable patience, Ms. Tan casts me a sympathetic glance.   

There is no time to wallow in the misery that is my right foot. Taekwondo calls for dorsiflexion; pointed toes are synonymous with broken toes. My thoughts drag me into a flashback of the usual response to this painful mistake: “You might as well grab a tutu and head to the ballet studio next door.” Well, here I am Master Pollard, unfortunately still following your orders to never point my toes, but no longer feeling the satisfaction that comes with being a third degree black belt with 5 years of experience quite literally under her belt. It’s like being a white belt again — just in a leotard and ballet slippers. 

But the appetite for new beginnings that brought me here doesn’t falter. It is only reinforced by the classical rendition of “Dancing Queen” that floods the room and the ghost of familiarity that reassures me that this new beginning does not and will not erase the past. After years spent at the top, it’s hard to start over. But surrendering what you are only leads you to what you may become. In Taekwondo, we started each class reciting the tenets: honor, courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, courage, humility, and knowledge, and I have never felt that I embodied those traits more so than when I started ballet. 

The thing about change is that it eventually stops making things so different. After nine different schools, four different countries, three different continents, fluency in Tamil, Norwegian, and English, there are more blurred lines than there are clear fragments. My life has not been a tactfully executed, gold medal-worthy Taekwondo form with each movement defined, nor has it been a series of frappés performed by a prima ballerina with each extension identical and precise, but thankfully it has been like the dynamics of a spinning back kick, fluid, and like my chances of landing a pirouette, unpredictable. 

The first obvious strength of this essay is the introduction—it is interesting and snappy and uses enough technical language that we want to figure out what the student is discussing. When writing introductions, students tend to walk the line between intriguing and confusing. It is important that your essay ends up on the intentionally intriguing side of that line—like this student does! We are a little confused at first, but by then introducing the idea of “sparring,” the student grounds their essay.

People often advise young writers to “show, not tell.” This student takes that advice a step further and makes the reader do a bit of work to figure out what they are telling us. Nowhere in this essay does it say “After years of Taekwondo, I made the difficult decision to switch over to ballet.” Rather, the student says “It’s like being a white belt again — just in a leotard and ballet slippers.” How powerful! 

After a lot of emotional language and imagery, this student finishes off their essay with very valuable (and necessary!) reflection. They show admissions officers that they are more than just a good writer—they are a mature and self-aware individual who would be beneficial to a college campus. Self-awareness comes through with statements like “surrendering what you are only leads you to what you may become” and maturity can be seen through the student’s discussion of values: “honor, courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, courage, humility, and knowledge, and I have never felt that I embodied those traits more so than when I started ballet.”

Sparking Self-Awareness

Prompt: The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? (250-650 words)

Was I no longer the beloved daughter of nature, whisperer of trees? Knee-high rubber boots, camouflage, bug spray—I wore the garb and perfume of a proud wild woman, yet there I was, hunched over the pathetic pile of stubborn sticks, utterly stumped, on the verge of tears. As a child, I had considered myself a kind of rustic princess, a cradler of spiders and centipedes, who was serenaded by mourning doves and chickadees, who could glide through tick-infested meadows and emerge Lyme-free. I knew the cracks of the earth like the scars on my own rough palms. Yet here I was, ten years later, incapable of performing the most fundamental outdoor task: I could not, for the life of me, start a fire. 

Furiously I rubbed the twigs together—rubbed and rubbed until shreds of skin flaked from my fingers. No smoke. The twigs were too young, too sticky-green; I tossed them away with a shower of curses, and began tearing through the underbrush in search of a more flammable collection. My efforts were fruitless. Livid, I bit a rejected twig, determined to prove that the forest had spurned me, offering only young, wet bones that would never burn. But the wood cracked like carrots between my teeth—old, brittle, and bitter. Roaring and nursing my aching palms, I retreated to the tent, where I sulked and awaited the jeers of my family. 

Rattling their empty worm cans and reeking of fat fish, my brother and cousins swaggered into the campsite. Immediately, they noticed the minor stick massacre by the fire pit and called to me, their deep voices already sharp with contempt. 

“Where’s the fire, Princess Clara?” they taunted. “Having some trouble?” They prodded me with the ends of the chewed branches and, with a few effortless scrapes of wood on rock, sparked a red and roaring flame. My face burned long after I left the fire pit. The camp stank of salmon and shame. 

In the tent, I pondered my failure. Was I so dainty? Was I that incapable? I thought of my hands, how calloused and capable they had been, how tender and smooth they had become. It had been years since I’d kneaded mud between my fingers; instead of scaling a white pine, I’d practiced scales on my piano, my hands softening into those of a musician—fleshy and sensitive. And I’d gotten glasses, having grown horrifically nearsighted; long nights of dim lighting and thick books had done this. I couldn’t remember the last time I had lain down on a hill, barefaced, and seen the stars without having to squint. Crawling along the edge of the tent, a spider confirmed my transformation—he disgusted me, and I felt an overwhelming urge to squash him. 

Yet, I realized I hadn’t really changed—I had only shifted perspective. I still eagerly explored new worlds, but through poems and prose rather than pastures and puddles. I’d grown to prefer the boom of a bass over that of a bullfrog, learned to coax a different kind of fire from wood, having developed a burn for writing rhymes and scrawling hypotheses. 

That night, I stayed up late with my journal and wrote about the spider I had decided not to kill. I had tolerated him just barely, only shrieking when he jumped—it helped to watch him decorate the corners of the tent with his delicate webs, knowing that he couldn’t start fires, either. When the night grew cold and the embers died, my words still smoked—my hands burned from all that scrawling—and even when I fell asleep, the ideas kept sparking—I was on fire, always on fire.

First things first, this Common App essay is well-written. This student is definitely showing the admissions officers her ability to articulate her points beautifully and creatively. It starts with vivid images like that of the “rustic princess, a cradler of spiders and centipedes, who was serenaded by mourning doves and chickadees, who could glide through tick-infested meadows and emerge Lyme-free.” And because the prose is flowery (and beautiful!), the writer can get away with metaphors like “I knew the cracks of the earth like the scars on my own rough palms” that might sound cheesy without the clear command of the English language that the writer quickly establishes.

In addition to being well-written, this essay is thematically cohesive. It begins with the simple introduction “Fire!” and ends with the following image: “When the night grew cold and the embers died, my words still smoked—my hands burned from all that scrawling—and even when I fell asleep, the ideas kept sparking—I was on fire, always on fire.” This full-circle approach leaves readers satisfied and impressed.

While dialogue often comes off as cliche or trite, this student effectively incorporates her family members saying “Where’s the fire, Princess Clara?” This is achieved through the apt use of the verb “taunted” to characterize the questioning and through the question’s thematic connection to the earlier image of the student as a rustic princess. Similarly, rhetorical questions can feel randomly placed in essays, but this student’s inclusion of the questions “Was I so dainty?” and “Was I that incapable?” feel perfectly justified after she establishes that she was pondering her failure.

Quite simply, this essay shows how quality writing can make a simple story outstandingly compelling. 

Why This College?

“Why This College?” is one of the most common essay prompts, likely because schools want to understand whether you’d be a good fit and how you’d use their resources.

This essay is one of the more straightforward ones you’ll write for college applications, but you still can and should allow your voice to shine through.

Learn more about how to write the “Why This College?” essay in our guide.

Prompt: How will you explore your intellectual and academic interests at the University of Pennsylvania? Please answer this question given the specific undergraduate school to which you are applying (650 words).

Sister Simone Roach, a theorist of nursing ethics, said, “caring is the human mode of being.” I have long been inspired by Sister Roach’s Five C’s of Caring: commitment, conscience, competence, compassion, and confidence. Penn both embraces and fosters these values through a rigorous, interdisciplinary curriculum and unmatched access to service and volunteer opportunities.

COMMITMENT. Reading through the activities that Penn Quakers devote their time to (in addition to academics!) felt like drinking from a firehose in the best possible way. As a prospective nursing student with interests outside of my major, I value this level of flexibility. I plan to leverage Penn’s liberal arts curriculum to gain an in-depth understanding of the challenges LGBT people face, especially regarding healthcare access. Through courses like “Interactional Processes with LGBT Individuals” and volunteering at the Mazzoni Center for outreach, I hope to learn how to better support the Penn LGBT community as well as my family and friends, including my cousin, who came out as trans last year.

CONSCIENCE. As one of the first people in my family to attend a four-year university, I wanted a school that promoted a sense of moral responsibility among its students. At Penn, professors challenge their students to question and recreate their own set of morals by sparking thought- provoking, open-minded discussions. I can imagine myself advocating for universal healthcare in courses such as “Health Care Reform & Future of American Health System” and debating its merits with my peers. Studying in an environment where students confidently voice their opinions – conservative or liberal – will push me to question and strengthen my value system.

COMPETENCE. Two aspects that drew my attention to Penn’s BSN program were its high-quality research opportunities and hands-on nursing projects. Through its Office of Nursing Research, Penn connects students to faculty members who share similar research interests. As I volunteered at a nursing home in high school, I hope to work with Dr. Carthon to improve the quality of care for senior citizens. Seniors, especially minorities, face serious barriers to healthcare that I want to resolve. Additionally, Penn’s unique use of simulations to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application impressed me. Using computerized manikins that mimic human responses, classes in Penn’s nursing program allow students to apply their emergency medical skills in a mass casualty simulation and monitor their actions afterward through a video system. Participating in this activity will help me identify my strengths and areas for improvement regarding crisis management and medical care in a controlled yet realistic setting. Research opportunities and simulations will develop my skills even before I interact with patients.

COMPASSION. I value giving back through community service, and I have a particular interest in Penn’s Community Champions and Nursing Students For Sexual & Reproductive Health (NSRH). As a four-year volunteer health educator, I hope to continue this work as a Community Champions member. I am excited to collaborate with medical students to teach fourth and fifth graders in the city about cardiology or lead a chair dance class for the elders at the LIFE Center. Furthermore, as a feminist who firmly believes in women’s abortion rights, I’d like to join NSRH in order to advocate for women’s health on campus. At Penn, I can work with like-minded people to make a meaningful difference.

CONFIDENCE. All of the Quakers that I have met possess one defining trait: confidence. Each student summarized their experiences at Penn as challenging but fulfilling. Although I expect my coursework to push me, from my conversations with current Quakers I know it will help me to be far more effective in my career.

The Five C’s of Caring are important heuristics for nursing, but they also provide insight into how I want to approach my time in college. I am eager to engage with these principles both as a nurse and as a Penn Quaker, and I can’t wait to start.

This prompt from Penn asks students to tailor their answer to their specific field of study. One great thing that this student does is identify their undergraduate school early, by mentioning “Sister Simone Roach, a theorist of nursing ethics.” You don’t want readers confused or searching through other parts of your application to figure out your major.

With a longer essay like this, it is important to establish structure. Some students organize their essay in a narrative form, using an anecdote from their past or predicting their future at a school. This student uses Roach’s 5 C’s of Caring as a framing device that organizes their essay around values. This works well!

While this essay occasionally loses voice, there are distinct moments where the student’s personality shines through. We see this with phrases like “felt like drinking from a fire hose in the best possible way” and “All of the Quakers that I have met possess one defining trait: confidence.” It is important to show off your personality to make your essay stand out. 

Finally, this student does a great job of referencing specific resources about Penn. It’s clear that they have done their research (they’ve even talked to current Quakers). They have dreams and ambitions that can only exist at Penn.

Prompt: What is it about Yale that has led you to apply? (125 words or fewer)

Coin collector and swimmer. Hungarian and Romanian. Critical and creative thinker. I was drawn to Yale because they don’t limit one’s mind with “or” but rather embrace unison with “and.” 

Wandering through the Beinecke Library, I prepare for my multidisciplinary Energy Studies capstone about the correlation between hedonism and climate change, making it my goal to find implications in environmental sociology. Under the tutelage of Assistant Professor Arielle Baskin-Sommers, I explore the emotional deficits of depression, utilizing neuroimaging to scrutinize my favorite branch of psychology: human perception. At Walden Peer Counseling, I integrate my peer support and active listening skills to foster an empathetic environment for the Yale community. Combining my interests in psychological and environmental studies is why I’m proud to be a Bulldog. 

This answer to the “Why This College” question is great because 1) the student shows their excitement about attending Yale 2) we learn the ways in which attending Yale will help them achieve their goals and 3) we learn their interests and identities.

In this response, you can find a prime example of the “Image of the Future” approach, as the student flashes forward and envisions their life at Yale, using present tense (“I explore,” “I integrate,” “I’m proud”). This approach is valuable if you are trying to emphasize your dedication to a specific school. Readers get the feeling that this student is constantly imagining themselves on campus—it feels like Yale really matters to them.

Starting this image with the Beinecke Library is great because the Beinecke Library only exists at Yale. It is important to tailor “Why This College” responses to each specific school. This student references a program of study, a professor, and an extracurricular that only exist at Yale. Additionally, they connect these unique resources to their interests—psychological and environmental studies.

Finally, we learn about the student (independent of academics) through this response. By the end of their 125 words, we know their hobbies, ethnicities, and social desires, in addition to their academic interests. It can be hard to tackle a 125-word response, but this student shows that it’s possible.

Why This Major?

The goal of this prompt is to understand how you came to be interested in your major and what you plan to do with it. For competitive programs like engineering, this essay helps admissions officers distinguish students who have a genuine passion and are most likely to succeed in the program. This is another more straightforward essay, but you do have a bit more freedom to include relevant anecdotes.

Learn more about how to write the “Why This Major?” essay in our guide.

Why Duke Engineering

Prompt: If you are applying to the Pratt School of Engineering as a first year applicant, please discuss why you want to study engineering and why you would like to study at Duke (250 words).

One Christmas morning, when I was nine, I opened a snap circuit set from my grandmother. Although I had always loved math and science, I didn’t realize my passion for engineering until I spent the rest of winter break creating different circuits to power various lights, alarms, and sensors. Even after I outgrew the toy, I kept the set in my bedroom at home and knew I wanted to study engineering. Later, in a high school biology class, I learned that engineering didn’t only apply to circuits, but also to medical devices that could improve people’s quality of life. Biomedical engineering allows me to pursue my academic passions and help people at the same time.

Just as biology and engineering interact in biomedical engineering, I am fascinated by interdisciplinary research in my chosen career path. Duke offers unmatched resources, such as DUhatch and The Foundry, that will enrich my engineering education and help me practice creative problem-solving skills. The emphasis on entrepreneurship within these resources will also help me to make a helpful product. Duke’s Bass Connections program also interests me; I firmly believe that the most creative and necessary problem-solving comes by bringing people together from different backgrounds. Through this program, I can use my engineering education to solve complicated societal problems such as creating sustainable surgical tools for low-income countries. Along the way, I can learn alongside experts in the field. Duke’s openness and collaborative culture span across its academic disciplines, making Duke the best place for me to grow both as an engineer and as a social advocate.

This prompt calls for a complex answer. Students must explain both why they want to study engineering and why Duke is the best place for them to study engineering.

This student begins with a nice hook—a simple anecdote about a simple present with profound consequences. They do not fluff up their anecdote with flowery images or emotionally-loaded language; it is what it is, and it is compelling and sweet. As their response continues, they express a particular interest in problem-solving. They position problem-solving as a fundamental part of their interest in engineering (and a fundamental part of their fascination with their childhood toy). This helps readers to learn about the student!

Problem-solving is also the avenue by which they introduce Duke’s resources—DUhatch, The Foundry, and Duke’s Bass Connections program. It is important to notice that the student explains how these resources can help them achieve their future goals—it is not enough to simply identify the resources!

This response is interesting and focused. It clearly answers the prompt, and it feels honest and authentic.

Why Georgia Tech CompSci

Prompt: Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at Georgia Tech? (300 words max)

I held my breath and hit RUN. Yes! A plump white cat jumped out and began to catch the falling pizzas. Although my Fat Cat project seems simple now, it was the beginning of an enthusiastic passion for computer science. Four years and thousands of hours of programming later, that passion has grown into an intense desire to explore how computer science can serve society. Every day, surrounded by technology that can recognize my face and recommend scarily-specific ads, I’m reminded of Uncle Ben’s advice to a young Spiderman: “with great power comes great responsibility”. Likewise, the need to ensure digital equality has skyrocketed with AI’s far-reaching presence in society; and I believe that digital fairness starts with equality in education.

The unique use of threads at the College of Computing perfectly matches my interests in AI and its potential use in education; the path of combined threads on Intelligence and People gives me the rare opportunity to delve deep into both areas. I’m particularly intrigued by the rich sets of both knowledge-based and data-driven intelligence courses, as I believe AI should not only show correlation of events, but also provide insight for why they occur.

In my four years as an enthusiastic online English tutor, I’ve worked hard to help students overcome both financial and technological obstacles in hopes of bringing quality education to people from diverse backgrounds. For this reason, I’m extremely excited by the many courses in the People thread that focus on education and human-centered technology. I’d love to explore how to integrate AI technology into the teaching process to make education more available, affordable, and effective for people everywhere. And with the innumerable opportunities that Georgia Tech has to offer, I know that I will be able to go further here than anywhere else.

With a “Why This Major” essay, you want to avoid using all of your words to tell a story. That being said, stories are a great way to show your personality and make your essay stand out. This student’s story takes up only their first 21 words, but it positions the student as fun and funny and provides an endearing image of cats and pizzas—who doesn’t love cats and pizzas? There are other moments when the student’s personality shines through also, like the Spiderman reference.

While this pop culture reference adds color, it also is important for what the student is getting at: their passion. They want to go into computer science to address the issues of security and equity that are on the industry’s mind, and they acknowledge these concerns with their comments about “scarily-specific ads” and their statement that “the need to ensure digital equality has skyrocketed.” This student is self-aware and aware of the state of the industry. This aptitude will be appealing for admissions officers.

The conversation around “threads” is essential for this student’s response because the prompt asks specifically about the major at Georgia Tech and it is the only thing they reference that is specific to Georgia Tech. Threads are great, but this student would have benefitted from expanding on other opportunities specific to Georgia Tech later in the essay, instead of simply inserting “innumerable opportunities.”

Overall, this student shows personality, passion, and aptitude—precisely what admissions officers want to see!

Extracurricular Essay

You’re asked to describe your activities on the Common App, but chances are, you have at least one extracurricular that’s impacted you in a way you can’t explain in 150 characters.

This essay archetype allows you to share how your most important activity shaped you and how you might use those lessons learned in the future. You are definitely welcome to share anecdotes and use a narrative approach, but remember to include some reflection. A common mistake students make is to only describe the activity without sharing how it impacted them.

Learn more about how to write the Extracurricular Essay in our guide.

A Dedicated Musician

My fingers raced across the keys, rapidly striking one after another. My body swayed with the music as my hands raced across the piano. Crashing onto the final chord, it was over as quickly as it had begun. My shoulders relaxed and I couldn’t help but break into a satisfied grin. I had just played the Moonlight Sonata’s third movement, a longtime dream of mine. 

Four short months ago, though, I had considered it impossible. The piece’s tempo was impossibly fast, its notes stretching between each end of the piano, forcing me to reach farther than I had ever dared. It was 17 pages of the most fragile and intricate melodies I had ever encountered. 

But that summer, I found myself ready to take on the challenge. With the end of the school year, I was released from my commitment to practicing for band and solo performances. I was now free to determine my own musical path: either succeed in learning the piece, or let it defeat me for the third summer in a row. 

Over those few months, I spent countless hours practicing the same notes until they burned a permanent place in my memory, creating a soundtrack for even my dreams. Some would say I’ve mastered the piece, but as a musician I know better. Now that I can play it, I am eager to take the next step and add in layers of musicality and expression to make the once-impossible piece even more beautiful.

In this response, the student uses their extracurricular, piano, as a way to emphasize their positive qualities. At the beginning, readers are invited on a journey with the student where we feel their struggle, their intensity, and ultimately their satisfaction. With this descriptive image, we form a valuable connection with the student.

Then, we get to learn about what makes this student special: their dedication and work ethic. The fact that this student describes their desire to be productive during the summer shows an intensity that is appealing to admissions officers. Additionally, the growth mindset that this student emphasizes in their conclusion is appealing to admissions officers.

The Extracurricular Essay can be seen as an opportunity to characterize yourself. This student clearly identified their positive qualities, then used the Extracurricular Essay as a way to articulate them.

A Complicated Relationship with the School Newspaper

My school’s newspaper and I have a typical love-hate relationship; some days I want nothing more than to pass two hours writing and formatting articles, while on others the mere thought of student journalism makes me shiver. Still, as we’re entering our fourth year together, you could consider us relatively stable. We’ve learned to accept each other’s differences; at this point I’ve become comfortable spending an entire Friday night preparing for an upcoming issue, and I hardly even notice the snail-like speed of our computers. I’ve even benefitted from the polygamous nature of our relationship—with twelve other editors, there’s a lot of cooperation involved. Perverse as it may be, from that teamwork I’ve both gained some of my closest friends and improved my organizational and time-management skills. And though leaving it in the hands of new editors next year will be difficult, I know our time together has only better prepared me for future relationships.

This response is great. It’s cute and endearing and, importantly, tells readers a lot about the student who wrote it. Framing this essay in the context of a “love-hate relationship,” then supplementing with comments like “We’ve learned to accept each other’s differences” allows this student to advertise their maturity in a unique and engaging way. 

While Extracurricular Essays can be a place to show how you’ve grown within an activity, they can also be a place to show how you’ve grown through an activity. At the end of this essay, readers think that this student is mature and enjoyable, and we think that their experience with the school newspaper helped make them that way.

Participating in Democracy

Prompt: Research shows that an ability to learn from experiences outside the classroom correlates with success in college. What was your greatest learning experience over the past 4 years that took place outside of the traditional classroom? (250 words) 

The cool, white halls of the Rayburn House office building contrasted with the bustling energy of interns entertaining tourists, staffers rushing to cover committee meetings, and my fellow conference attendees separating to meet with our respective congresspeople. Through civics and US history classes, I had learned about our government, but simply hearing the legislative process outlined didn’t prepare me to navigate it. It was my first political conference, and, after learning about congressional mechanics during breakout sessions, I was lobbying my representative about an upcoming vote crucial to the US-Middle East relationship. As the daughter of Iranian immigrants, my whole life had led me to the moment when I could speak on behalf of the family members who had not emigrated with my parents.

As I sat down with my congresswoman’s chief of staff, I truly felt like a participant in democracy; I was exercising my right to be heard as a young American. Through this educational conference, I developed a plan of action to raise my voice. When I returned home, I signed up to volunteer with the state chapter of the Democratic Party. I sponsored letter-writing campaigns, canvassed for local elections, and even pursued an internship with a state senate campaign. I know that I don’t need to be old enough to vote to effect change. Most importantly, I also know that I want to study government—I want to make a difference for my communities in the United States and the Middle East throughout my career. 

While this prompt is about extracurricular activities, it specifically references the idea that the extracurricular should support the curricular. It is focused on experiential learning for future career success. This student wants to study government, so they chose to describe an experience of hands-on learning within their field—an apt choice!

As this student discusses their extracurricular experience, they also clue readers into their future goals—they want to help Middle Eastern communities. Admissions officers love when students mention concrete plans with a solid foundation. Here, the foundation comes from this student’s ethnicity. With lines like “my whole life had led me to the moment when I could speak on behalf of the family members who had not emigrated with my parents,” the student assures admissions officers of their emotional connection to their future field.

The strength of this essay comes from its connections. It connects the student’s extracurricular activity to their studies and connects theirs studies to their personal history.

Overcoming Challenges

You’re going to face a lot of setbacks in college, so admissions officers want to make you’re you have the resilience and resolve to overcome them. This essay is your chance to be vulnerable and connect to admissions officers on an emotional level.

Learn more about how to write the Overcoming Challenges Essay in our guide.

The Student Becomes the Master

”Advanced females ages 13 to 14 please proceed to staging with your coaches at this time.” Skittering around the room, eyes wide and pleading, I frantically explained my situation to nearby coaches. The seconds ticked away in my head; every polite refusal increased my desperation.

Despair weighed me down. I sank to my knees as a stream of competitors, coaches, and officials flowed around me. My dojang had no coach, and the tournament rules prohibited me from competing without one.

Although I wanted to remain strong, doubts began to cloud my mind. I could not help wondering: what was the point of perfecting my skills if I would never even compete? The other members of my team, who had found coaches minutes earlier, attempted to comfort me, but I barely heard their words. They couldn’t understand my despair at being left on the outside, and I never wanted them to understand.

Since my first lesson 12 years ago, the members of my dojang have become family. I have watched them grow up, finding my own happiness in theirs. Together, we have honed our kicks, blocks, and strikes. We have pushed one another to aim higher and become better martial artists. Although my dojang had searched for a reliable coach for years, we had not found one. When we attended competitions in the past, my teammates and I had always gotten lucky and found a sympathetic coach. Now, I knew this practice was unsustainable. It would devastate me to see the other members of my dojang in my situation, unable to compete and losing hope as a result. My dojang needed a coach, and I decided it was up to me to find one. 

I first approached the adults in the dojang – both instructors and members’ parents. However, these attempts only reacquainted me with polite refusals. Everyone I asked told me they couldn’t devote multiple weekends per year to competitions. I soon realized that I would have become the coach myself.

At first, the inner workings of tournaments were a mystery to me. To prepare myself for success as a coach, I spent the next year as an official and took coaching classes on the side. I learned everything from motivational strategies to technical, behind-the-scenes components of Taekwondo competitions. Though I emerged with new knowledge and confidence in my capabilities, others did not share this faith.

Parents threw me disbelieving looks when they learned that their children’s coach was only a child herself. My self-confidence was my armor, deflecting their surly glances. Every armor is penetrable, however, and as the relentless barrage of doubts pounded my resilience, it began to wear down. I grew unsure of my own abilities.

Despite the attack, I refused to give up. When I saw the shining eyes of the youngest students preparing for their first competition, I knew I couldn’t let them down. To quit would be to set them up to be barred from competing like I was. The knowledge that I could solve my dojang’s longtime problem motivated me to overcome my apprehension.

Now that my dojang flourishes at competitions, the attacks on me have weakened, but not ended. I may never win the approval of every parent; at times, I am still tormented by doubts, but I find solace in the fact that members of my dojang now only worry about competing to the best of their abilities.

Now, as I arrive at a tournament with my students, I close my eyes and remember the past. I visualize the frantic search for a coach and the chaos amongst my teammates as we competed with one another to find coaches before the staging calls for our respective divisions. I open my eyes to the exact opposite scene. Lacking a coach hurt my ability to compete, but I am proud to know that no member of my dojang will have to face that problem again.

This essay is great because it has a strong introduction and conclusion. The introduction is notably suspenseful and draws readers into the story. Because we know it is a college essay, we can assume that the student is one of the competitors, but at the same time, this introduction feels intentionally ambiguous as if the writer could be a competitor, a coach, a sibling of a competitor, or anyone else in the situation.

As we continue reading the essay, we learn that the writer is, in fact, the competitor. Readers also learn a lot about the student’s values as we hear their thoughts: “I knew I couldn’t let them down. To quit would be to set them up to be barred from competing like I was.” Ultimately, the conflict and inner and outer turmoil is resolved through the “Same, but Different” ending technique as the student places themself in the same environment that we saw in the intro, but experiencing it differently due to their actions throughout the narrative. This is a very compelling strategy!

Growing Sensitivity to Struggles

Prompt: The lessons we take from failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? (650 words)

“You ruined my life!” After months of quiet anger, my brother finally confronted me. To my shame, I had been appallingly ignorant of his pain.

Despite being twins, Max and I are profoundly different. Having intellectual interests from a young age that, well, interested very few of my peers, I often felt out of step in comparison with my highly-social brother. Everything appeared to come effortlessly for Max and, while we share an extremely tight bond, his frequent time away with friends left me feeling more and more alone as we grew older.

When my parents learned about The Green Academy, we hoped it would be an opportunity for me to find not only an academically challenging environment, but also – perhaps more importantly – a community. This meant transferring the family from Drumfield to Kingston. And while there was concern about Max, we all believed that given his sociable nature, moving would be far less impactful on him than staying put might be on me.

As it turned out, Green Academy was everything I’d hoped for. I was ecstatic to discover a group of students with whom I shared interests and could truly engage. Preoccupied with new friends and a rigorous course load, I failed to notice that the tables had turned. Max, lost in the fray and grappling with how to make connections in his enormous new high school, had become withdrawn and lonely. It took me until Christmas time – and a massive argument – to recognize how difficult the transition had been for my brother, let alone that he blamed me for it.

Through my own journey of searching for academic peers, in addition to coming out as gay when I was 12, I had developed deep empathy for those who had trouble fitting in. It was a pain I knew well and could easily relate to. Yet after Max’s outburst, my first response was to protest that our parents – not I – had chosen to move us here. In my heart, though, I knew that regardless of who had made the decision, we ended up in Kingston for my benefit. I was ashamed that, while I saw myself as genuinely compassionate, I had been oblivious to the heartache of the person closest to me. I could no longer ignore it – and I didn’t want to.

We stayed up half the night talking, and the conversation took an unexpected turn. Max opened up and shared that it wasn’t just about the move. He told me how challenging school had always been for him, due to his dyslexia, and that the ever-present comparison to me had only deepened his pain.

We had been in parallel battles the whole time and, yet, I only saw that Max was in distress once he experienced problems with which I directly identified. I’d long thought Max had it so easy – all because he had friends. The truth was, he didn’t need to experience my personal brand of sorrow in order for me to relate – he had felt plenty of his own.

My failure to recognize Max’s suffering brought home for me the profound universality and diversity of personal struggle; everyone has insecurities, everyone has woes, and everyone – most certainly – has pain. I am acutely grateful for the conversations he and I shared around all of this, because I believe our relationship has been fundamentally strengthened by a deeper understanding of one another. Further, this experience has reinforced the value of constantly striving for deeper sensitivity to the hidden struggles of those around me. I won’t make the mistake again of assuming that the surface of someone’s life reflects their underlying story.

Here you can find a prime example that you don’t have to have fabulous imagery or flowery prose to write a successful essay. You just have to be clear and say something that matters. This essay is simple and beautiful. It almost feels like having a conversation with a friend and learning that they are an even better person than you already thought they were.

Through this narrative, readers learn a lot about the writer—where they’re from, what their family life is like, what their challenges were as a kid, and even their sexuality. We also learn a lot about their values—notably, the value they place on awareness, improvement, and consideration of others. Though they never explicitly state it (which is great because it is still crystal clear!), this student’s ending of “I won’t make the mistake again of assuming that the surface of someone’s life reflects their underlying story” shows that they are constantly striving for improvement and finding lessons anywhere they can get them in life.

Community Service/Impact on the Community

Colleges want students who will positively impact the campus community and go on to make change in the world after they graduate. This essay is similar to the Extracurricular Essay, but you need to focus on a situation where you impacted others. 

Learn more about how to write the Community Service Essay in our guide.

Academic Signing Day

Prompt: What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?

The scent of eucalyptus caressed my nose in a gentle breeze. Spring had arrived. Senior class activities were here. As a sophomore, I noticed a difference between athletic and academic seniors at my high school; one received recognition while the other received silence. I wanted to create an event celebrating students academically-committed to four-years, community colleges, trades schools, and military programs. This event was Academic Signing Day.

The leadership label, “Events Coordinator,” felt heavy on my introverted mind. I usually was setting up for rallies and spirit weeks, being overlooked around the exuberant nature of my peers. 

I knew a change of mind was needed; I designed flyers, painted posters, presented powerpoints, created student-led committees, and practiced countless hours for my introductory speech. Each committee would play a vital role on event day: one dedicated to refreshments, another to technology, and one for decorations. The fourth-month planning was a laborious joy, but I was still fearful of being in the spotlight. Being acknowledged by hundreds of people was new to me.     

The day was here. Parents filled the stands of the multi-purpose room. The atmosphere was tense; I could feel the angst building in my throat, worried about the impression I would leave. Applause followed each of the 400 students as they walked to their college table, indicating my time to speak. 

I walked up to the stand, hands clammy, expression tranquil, my words echoing to the audience. I thought my speech would be met by the sounds of crickets; instead, smiles lit up the stands, realizing my voice shone through my actions. I was finally coming out of my shell. The floor was met by confetti as I was met by the sincerity of staff, students, and parents, solidifying the event for years to come. 

Academic students were no longer overshadowed. Their accomplishments were equally recognized to their athletic counterparts. The school culture of athletics over academics was no longer imbalanced. Now, every time I smell eucalyptus, it is a friendly reminder that on Academic Signing Day, not only were academic students in the spotlight but so was my voice.

This essay answers the prompt nicely because the student describes a contribution with a lasting legacy. Academic Signing Day will affect this high school in the future and it affected this student’s self-development—an idea summed up nicely with their last phrase “not only were academic students in the spotlight but so was my voice.”

With Community Service essays, students sometimes take small contributions and stretch them. And, oftentimes, the stretch is very obvious. Here, the student shows us that Academic Signing Day actually mattered by mentioning four months of planning and hundreds of students and parents. They also make their involvement in Academic Signing Day clear—it was their idea and they were in charge, and that’s why they gave the introductory speech.

Use this response as an example of the type of focused contribution that makes for a convincing Community Service Essay.

Climate Change Rally

Prompt: What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time? (technically not community service, but the response works)

Let’s fast-forward time. Strides were made toward racial equality. Healthcare is accessible to all; however, one issue remains. Our aquatic ecosystems are parched with dead coral from ocean acidification. Climate change has prevailed.

Rewind to the present day.

My activism skills are how I express my concerns for the environment. Whether I play on sandy beaches or rest under forest treetops, nature offers me an escape from the haste of the world. When my body is met by trash in the ocean or my nose is met by harmful pollutants, Earth’s pain becomes my own. 

Substituting coffee grinds as fertilizer, using bamboo straws, starting my sustainable garden, my individual actions needed to reach a larger scale. I often found performative activism to be ineffective when communicating climate concerns. My days of reposting awareness graphics on social media never filled the ambition I had left to put my activism skills to greater use. I decided to share my ecocentric worldview with a coalition of environmentalists and host a climate change rally outside my high school.

Meetings were scheduled where I informed students about the unseen impact they have on the oceans and local habitual communities. My fingers were cramped from all the constant typing and investigating of micro causes of the Pacific Waste Patch, creating reusable flyers, displaying steps people could take from home in reducing their carbon footprint. I aided my fellow environmentalists in translating these flyers into other languages, repeating this process hourly, for five days, up until rally day.  

It was 7:00 AM. The faces of 100 students were shouting, “The climate is changing, why can’t we?” I proudly walked on the dewy grass, grabbing the microphone, repeating those same words. The rally not only taught me efficient methods of communication but it echoed my environmental activism to the masses. The City of Corona would be the first of many cities to see my activism, as more rallies were planned for various parts of SoCal. My once unfulfilled ambition was fueled by my tangible activism, understanding that it takes more than one person to make an environmental impact.

Like with the last example, this student describes a focused event with a lasting legacy. That’s a perfect place to start! By the end of this essay, we have an image of the cause of this student’s passion and the effect of this student’s passion. There are no unanswered questions.

This student supplements their focused topic with engaging and exciting writing to make for an easy-to-read and enjoyable essay. One of the largest strengths of this response is its pace. From the very beginning, we are invited to “fast-forward” and “rewind” with the writer. Then, after we center ourselves in real-time, this writer keeps their quick pace with sentences like “Substituting coffee grounds as fertilizer, using bamboo straws, starting my sustainable garden, my individual actions needed to reach a larger scale.” Community Service essays run the risk of turning boring, but this unique pacing keeps things interesting.

Having a diverse class provides a richness of different perspectives and encourages open-mindedness among the student body. The Diversity Essay is also somewhat similar to the Extracurricular and Community Service Essays, but it focuses more on what you might bring to the campus community because of your unique experiences or identities.

Learn more about how to write the Diversity Essay in our guide.

A Story of a Young Skater

​​“Everyone follow me!” I smiled at five wide-eyed skaters before pushing off into a spiral. I glanced behind me hopefully, only to see my students standing frozen like statues, the fear in their eyes as clear as the ice they swayed on. “Come on!” I said encouragingly, but the only response I elicited was the slow shake of their heads. My first day as a Learn-to-Skate coach was not going as planned. 

But amid my frustration, I was struck by how much my students reminded me of myself as a young skater. At seven, I had been fascinated by Olympic performers who executed thrilling high jumps and dizzying spins with apparent ease, and I dreamed to one day do the same. My first few months on skates, however, sent these hopes crashing down: my attempts at slaloms and toe-loops were shadowed by a stubborn fear of falling, which even the helmet, elbow pads, and two pairs of mittens I had armed myself with couldn’t mitigate. Nonetheless, my coach remained unfailingly optimistic, motivating me through my worst spills and teaching me to find opportunities in failures. With his encouragement, I learned to push aside my fears and attack each jump with calm and confidence; it’s the hope that I can help others do the same that now inspires me to coach.

I remember the day a frustrated staff member directed Oliver, a particularly hesitant young skater, toward me, hoping that my patience and steady encouragement might help him improve. Having stood in Oliver’s skates not much earlier myself, I completely empathized with his worries but also saw within him the potential to overcome his fears and succeed. 

To alleviate his anxiety, I held Oliver’s hand as we inched around the rink, cheering him on at every turn. I soon found though, that this only increased his fear of gliding on his own, so I changed my approach, making lessons as exciting as possible in hopes that he would catch the skating bug and take off. In the weeks that followed, we held relay races, played “freeze-skate” and “ice-potato”, and raced through obstacle courses; gradually, with each slip and subsequent success, his fear began to abate. I watched Oliver’s eyes widen in excitement with every skill he learned, and not long after, he earned his first skating badge. Together we celebrated this milestone, his ecstasy fueling my excitement and his pride mirroring my own. At that moment, I was both teacher and student, his progress instilling in me the importance of patience and a positive attitude. 

It’s been more than ten years since I bundled up and stepped onto the ice for the first time. Since then, my tolerance for the cold has remained stubbornly low, but the rest of me has certainly changed. In sharing my passion for skating, I have found a wonderful community of eager athletes, loving parents, and dedicated coaches from whom I have learned invaluable lessons and wisdom. My fellow staffers have been with me, both as friends and colleagues, and the relationships I’ve formed have given me far more poise, confidence, and appreciation for others. Likewise, my relationships with parents have given me an even greater gratitude for the role they play: no one goes to the rink without a parent behind the wheel! 

Since that first lesson, I have mentored dozens of children, and over the years, witnessed tentative steps transform into powerful glides and tears give way to delighted grins. What I have shared with my students has been among the greatest joys of my life, something I will cherish forever. It’s funny: when I began skating, what pushed me through the early morning practices was the prospect of winning an Olympic medal. Now, what excites me is the chance to work with my students, to help them grow, and to give back to the sport that has brought me so much happiness. 

This response is a great example of how Diversity doesn’t have to mean race, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, age, or ability. Diversity can mean whatever you want it to mean—whatever unique experience(s) you have to bring to the table!

A major strength of this essay comes in its narrative organization. When reading this first paragraph, we feel for the young skaters and understand their fear—skating sounds scary! Then, because the writer sets us up to feel this empathy, the transition to the second paragraph where the student describes their empathy for the young skaters is particularly powerful. It’s like we are all in it together! The student’s empathy for the young skaters also serves as an outstanding, seamless transition to the applicant discussing their personal journey with skating: “I was struck by how much my students reminded me of myself as a young skater.”

This essay positions the applicant as a grounded and caring individual. They are caring towards the young skaters—changing their teaching style to try to help the young skaters and feeling the young skaters’ emotions with them—but they are also appreciative to those who helped them as they reference their fellow staffers and parents. This shows great maturity—a favorable quality in the eyes of an admissions officer.

At the end of the essay, we know a lot about this student and are convinced that they would be a good addition to a college campus!

Finding Community in the Rainforest

Prompt: Duke University seeks a talented, engaged student body that embodies the wide range of human experience; we believe that the diversity of our students makes our community stronger. If you’d like to share a perspective you bring or experiences you’ve had to help us understand you better—perhaps related to a community you belong to, your sexual orientation or gender identity, or your family or cultural background—we encourage you to do so. Real people are reading your application, and we want to do our best to understand and appreciate the real people applying to Duke (250 words).

I never understood the power of community until I left home to join seven strangers in the Ecuadorian rainforest. Although we flew in from distant corners of the U.S., we shared a common purpose: immersing ourselves in our passion for protecting the natural world.

Back home in my predominantly conservative suburb, my neighbors had brushed off environmental concerns. My classmates debated the feasibility of Trump’s wall, not the deteriorating state of our planet. Contrastingly, these seven strangers delighted in bird-watching, brightened at the mention of medicinal tree sap, and understood why I once ran across a four-lane highway to retrieve discarded beer cans. Their histories barely resembled mine, yet our values aligned intimately. We did not hesitate to joke about bullet ants, gush about the versatility of tree bark, or discuss the destructive consequences of materialism. Together, we let our inner tree huggers run free.

In the short life of our little community, we did what we thought was impossible. By feeding on each other’s infectious tenacity, we cultivated an atmosphere that deepened our commitment to our values and empowered us to speak out on behalf of the environment. After a week of stimulating conversations and introspective revelations about engaging people from our hometowns in environmental advocacy, we developed a shared determination to devote our lives to this cause.

As we shared a goodbye hug, my new friend whispered, “The world needs saving. Someone’s gotta do it.” For the first time, I believed that someone could be me.

This response is so wholesome and relatable. We all have things that we just need to geek out over and this student expresses the joy that came when they found a community where they could geek out about the environment. Passion is fundamental to university life and should find its way into successful applications.

Like the last response, this essay finds strength in the fact that readers feel for the student. We get a little bit of backstory about where they come from and how they felt silenced—“Back home in my predominantly conservative suburb, my neighbors had brushed off environmental concerns”—, so it’s easy to feel joy for them when they get set free.

This student displays clear values: community, ecoconsciousness, dedication, and compassion. An admissions officer who reads Diversity essays is looking for students with strong values and a desire to contribute to a university community—sounds like this student!  

Political/Global Issues

Colleges want to build engaged citizens, and the Political/Global Issues Essay allows them to better understand what you care about and whether your values align with theirs. In this essay, you’re most commonly asked to describe an issue, why you care about it, and what you’ve done or hope to do to address it. 

Learn more about how to write the Political/Global Issues Essay in our guide.

Note: this prompt is not a typical political/global issues essay, but the essay itself would be a strong response to a political/global issues prompt.

Fighting Violence Against Women

Prompt: Using a favorite quotation from an essay or book you have read in the last three years as a starting point, tell us about an event or experience that helped you define one of your values or changed how you approach the world. Please write the quotation, title and author at the beginning of your essay. (250-650 words)

“One of the great challenges of our time is that the disparities we face today have more complex causes and point less straightforwardly to solutions.” 

– Omar Wasow, assistant professor of politics, Princeton University. This quote is taken from Professor Wasow’s January 2014 speech at the Martin Luther King Day celebration at Princeton University. 

The air is crisp and cool, nipping at my ears as I walk under a curtain of darkness that drapes over the sky, starless. It is a Friday night in downtown Corpus Christi, a rare moment of peace in my home city filled with the laughter of strangers and colorful lights of street vendors. But I cannot focus. 

My feet stride quickly down the sidewalk, my hand grasps on to the pepper spray my parents gifted me for my sixteenth birthday. My eyes ignore the surrounding city life, focusing instead on a pair of tall figures walking in my direction. I mentally ask myself if they turned with me on the last street corner. I do not remember, so I pick up the pace again. All the while, my mind runs over stories of young women being assaulted, kidnapped, and raped on the street. I remember my mother’s voice reminding me to keep my chin up, back straight, eyes and ears alert. 

At a young age, I learned that harassment is a part of daily life for women. I fell victim to period-shaming when I was thirteen, received my first catcall when I was fourteen, and was nonconsensually grabbed by a man soliciting on the street when I was fifteen. For women, assault does not just happen to us— its gory details leave an imprint in our lives, infecting the way we perceive the world. And while movements such as the Women’s March and #MeToo have given victims of sexual violence a voice, harassment still manifests itself in the lives of millions of women across the nation. Symbolic gestures are important in spreading awareness but, upon learning that a surprising number of men are oblivious to the frequent harassment that women experience, I now realize that addressing this complex issue requires a deeper level of activism within our local communities. 

Frustrated with incessant cases of harassment against women, I understood at sixteen years old that change necessitates action. During my junior year, I became an intern with a judge whose campaign for office focused on a need for domestic violence reform. This experience enabled me to engage in constructive dialogue with middle and high school students on how to prevent domestic violence. As I listened to young men uneasily admit their ignorance and young women bravely share their experiences in an effort to spread awareness, I learned that breaking down systems of inequity requires changing an entire culture. I once believed that the problem of harassment would dissipate after politicians and celebrities denounce inappropriate behavior to their global audience. But today, I see that effecting large-scale change comes from the “small” lessons we teach at home and in schools. Concerning women’s empowerment, the effects of Hollywood activism do not trickle down enough. Activism must also trickle up and it depends on our willingness to fight complacency. 

Finding the solution to the long-lasting problem of violence against women is a work-in-progress, but it is a process that is persistently moving. In my life, for every uncomfortable conversation that I bridge, I make the world a bit more sensitive to the unspoken struggle that it is to be a woman. I am no longer passively waiting for others to let me live in a world where I can stand alone under the expanse of darkness on a city street, utterly alone and at peace. I, too, deserve the night sky.

As this student addresses an important social issue, she makes the reasons for her passion clear—personal experiences. Because she begins with an extended anecdote, readers are able to feel connected to the student and become invested in what she has to say.

Additionally, through her powerful ending—“I, too, deserve the night sky”—which connects back to her beginning— “as I walk under a curtain of darkness that drapes over the sky”—this student illustrates a mastery of language. Her engagement with other writing techniques that further her argument, like the emphasis on time—“gifted to me for my sixteenth birthday,” “when I was thirteen,” “when I was fourteen,” etc.—also illustrates her mastery of language.

While this student proves herself a good writer, she also positions herself as motivated and ambitious. She turns her passions into action and fights for them. That is just what admissions officers want to see in a Political/Global issues essay!

Where to Get Feedback on Your College Essays

Once you’ve written your college essays, you’ll want to get feedback on them. Since these essays are important to your chances of acceptance, you should prepare to go through several rounds of edits. 

Not sure who to ask for feedback? That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review resource. You can get comments from another student going through the process and also edit other students’ essays to improve your own writing. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools.  Find the right advisor for you  to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

qualities of a successful student essay

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How to Be a Successful Student

Last Updated: April 27, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Sean Alexander, MS . Sean Alexander is an Academic Tutor specializing in teaching mathematics and physics. Sean is the Owner of Alexander Tutoring, an academic tutoring business that provides personalized studying sessions focused on mathematics and physics. With over 15 years of experience, Sean has worked as a physics and math instructor and tutor for Stanford University, San Francisco State University, and Stanbridge Academy. He holds a BS in Physics from the University of California, Santa Barbara and an MS in Theoretical Physics from San Francisco State University. There are 19 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 659,121 times.

Successful students know how to focus on their studies when it matters while also taking breaks when they need them. They can manage their time wisely, stick to meaningful study schedules, and make the most of their time in the classroom. In the process, successful students also know how to have a good time, and love gaining knowledge as much as they enjoy getting stellar grades.

Developing the Qualities of a Successful Student

Step 1 Make your studies a priority.

  • That said, you can’t ignore everything in the world just so you can study. If a friend or family member is having a crisis, you can’t ditch him or her just to study, either.

Step 2 Be punctual.

  • Don’t fall into peer pressure, either. In some schools, cheating is considered the norm, and it seems like so many kids are doing it that you might as well join in. This kind of group thinking is very dangerous and can keep you from reaching your full potential.

Step 4 Stay focused.

  • That said, most people really shouldn’t focus or do one task for more than 60 or 90 minutes. Getting a 10-15 minute break in between those times can help you regenerate your energy and commit to focusing again.

Step 5 Don’t compare yourself to anyone else.

  • Don't compare yourself with anyone. With this, you are insulting yourself.

Step 6 Work on making incremental progress.

  • If you really find something you’re passionate about in class, then you should do some outside reading to get even more excited about the topic. For example, if you loved reading The Sun Also Rises in class, try reading A Movable Feast or some of Hemingway’s other works on your own, too.

Joseph Meyer

Joseph Meyer

Become an active learner. Learn from your mistakes in order to confidently tackle new lessons. Before jumping into advanced topics, make sure your skills in basic concepts are up to scratch. Utilize online resources and interactive exercises that provide instant feedback to solidify your understanding.

Succeeding in the Classroom

Step 1 Pay attention.

  • In order to pay attention, it’s important to keep your eye on the teacher.
  • If you’re confused about something, you can quickly ask for clarification. If the lesson goes on and you feel yourself getting more and more lost, it’ll be hard to pay attention.

Step 2 Take notes...

  • At the end of each class, you can also review your notes and prepare questions to ask the next time if anything is unclear. Some teachers want you to wait until the end of the lecture to ask questions. If this is the case with your teacher, be respectful of that.

Step 4 Participate.

  • You don’t have to raise your hand after every question, but you should make an effort to talk when you have something to say.
  • Remember the principle of 3-3-3. In every class, answer at least 3 questions. This may boost up your participation scores.
  • Participation is important in group work, too. Successful students work well by themselves and with others.

Step 5 Avoid distractions in the classroom.

  • If other students are an easy distraction or you feel like you might just talk to them because you're bored of the current topic, ask the teacher if you could move seats. If not, try your best to ignore the distraction and if they continue, ask them politely to stop.
  • Try not to think about one class when you’re sitting in another. Be present in the room you’re in and worry about the next class when you get there.

Step 6 Develop positive relationships with your teachers.

  • Don’t worry about people thinking you’re the teacher’s pet if you’re nice to your teachers. You’re just making an effort to be a better student.
  • If your teachers like you more, they’ll be more willing to help you and to answer your questions, and will be more understanding if something comes up.

Step 7 Sit near the teacher if you can.

  • Don’t worry about people thinking you’re a brown noser. You’re just doing the best you can to absorb the material you need to know.

Step 8 Take advantage of extra credit!

Succeeding When You Study

Step 1 Create a game plan for each study session.

  • Having a list that you can check off will make you more motivated. You’ll feel accomplished and focused as you check each item off your list.

Step 2 Plug your study sessions into your schedule.

  • If you make a point of blocking off time to study, then you won’t end up planning social events during that time, which will keep you from studying. You may not even realize that your social calendar is booked until you try to make time for your studies.
  • You can even set a monthly schedule to make sure you take your material week by week, especially if you have to review for a big exam.

Step 3 Find a studying method that suits your learning style.

  • Visual learners. If you’re a visual learner, then you learn by using images, pictures, and spatial understanding. Charts, diagrams, and color-coded notes may work best for you. When you take notes, flow charts or even some relevant drawings may be more effective than large blocks of words.
  • Auditory learners. These types of learners learn best by listening. Try recording your lectures and repeating them, or really honing in on your teacher's words and taking some notes later. You can also repeat your notes or the course materials to yourself or talk to experts or participate in group discussion to study more effectively.
  • Physical or kinesthetic learners. These learners learn best when they use their bodies, their hands, and their senses of touch. You can learn by tracing words to reinforce the subject matter, memorizing notes by walking, or by using any activities that make you move around or touch things while learning.

Step 4 Take breaks.

  • Taking breaks help to break down the data you have remembered into chunks.
  • Listening to music.
  • Reading a book.
  • Having a nap.
  • Take a shower.
  • Play video games.
  • Surf on social media.
  • Successful students know when they need to rest. They can sense when they’re getting tired or when studying is no longer productive. Don’t think it’s lazy for you to take a break and remember that it’s really the best you can do for your studies.

Step 5 Avoid distractions.

  • You can even disable your Internet if you don’t need it to study to keep yourself from being distracted. If you really don’t need your phone, you can turn it off, too.
  • If something is worrying you, then devote time to figuring it out and then get back to your studies if you can. If you feel bothered all day, then you won’t be able to get your work done.

Step 6 Pick the best study environment.

  • If working in a loud coffee shop hasn’t been going well lately, then try studying in the quiet of your room or even at a park where you can feel alone.

Step 7 Use your resources.

  • Successful students are also creative. When they can’t get all the answers they need from a textbook, they look for other people, places, or online sites that can help them.

Step 8 Get a study buddy or study group.

  • Not everyone is a social learner. You can test the water by studying with a friend and then inviting more students to join in.
  • Make sure your study group is directed and organized, so you don’t end up getting off-topic too much. If you feel the group is getting off-topic, don’t be afraid to kindly say something.

Step 9 Remember to have fun.

  • Having fun doesn’t keep you from being a successful student. In fact, making time for fun allows you to study better when the time comes.
  • Making time for your friendships will also let you relax a bit more about getting an imperfect grade. If your studies are your only interest, then you’ll be putting too much pressure on yourself.

Supercharge Your Studying with this Expert Series

1 - Study For Exams

Expert Q&A

Sean Alexander, MS

  • Get a good night’s sleep! This is very important. Your brain will function differently on 4 hours of sleep than it will on 8 hours. Recommendations for sleeping schedules: Ages 1-11 should be getting 10 to 12 hours of sleep a day. Ages 12-17 should be getting a minimum of 7-8 hours. Thanks Helpful 11 Not Helpful 0
  • Make time for breakfast in the morning, even if you're in a rush. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, because your body, like cars and lots of other machinery, needs fuel to be able to work properly throughout the day. Going to school on an empty stomach will leave you with more than a few problems. You could get sleepy, you could be too hungry to focus, you'll feel sick or lazy, or powerless. Thanks Helpful 8 Not Helpful 0
  • Don't waste your time. Use each and every second productively and carefully. Thanks Helpful 12 Not Helpful 1

qualities of a successful student essay

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Become an Excellent Student

  • ↑ Sean Alexander, MS. Academic Tutor. Expert Interview. 14 May 2020.
  • ↑ https://socialwork.wayne.edu/ce/tips
  • ↑ https://www.concorde.edu/about-us/blog/career-tips-advice/health-care-training-punctuality
  • ↑ https://www.topuniversities.com/blog/study-tips-how-stay-focused
  • ↑ http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_focus_a_wandering_mind
  • ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/prescriptions-life/201803/how-stop-comparing-yourself-others
  • ↑ https://hbr.org/2011/05/the-power-of-small-wins
  • ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/effective-note-taking-in-class/
  • ↑ https://www.apa.org/education/k12/relationships
  • ↑ https://www.developgoodhabits.com/study-schedule/
  • ↑ https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/studyprocaff/chapter/successful-students-get-it-together/
  • ↑ https://www.educationcorner.com/learning-styles.html
  • ↑ http://www.educationplanner.org/students/self-assessments/learning-styles-styles.shtml
  • ↑ https://success.oregonstate.edu/sites/success.oregonstate.edu/files/LearningCorner/Tools/taking_breaks_from_studying.pdf
  • ↑ https://www.onlineschools.org/science-of-study-breaks/
  • ↑ https://www.oxfordlearning.com/study-without-getting-distracted-tips/
  • ↑ https://www.rasmussen.edu/student-experience/college-life/study-environment-tips/
  • ↑ https://news.stanford.edu/press-releases/2017/05/08/studying-strategically-equals-improved-exam-scores/
  • ↑ http://kidshealth.org/teen/school_jobs/school/test_terror.html#

About This Article

Sean Alexander, MS

To be a successful student, pay attention in class and take detailed notes so you're more prepared to do your homework and study for tests. When you have a test coming up, spend a little bit of time each day studying instead of cramming the night before. Also, try to avoid getting distracted while you're studying by putting your phone away and focusing on the task at hand. If you need to, give yourself a short break every 30 minutes so you have something to look forward to while you're studying. For more ways you can be a successful student, like participating in the classroom, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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1.1: What Is a Successful Student?

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Introduction

Becoming a successful student means mastering learning for you, based on your skills and personal characteristics.

Mastery means attaining a level of skill that goes beyond technique. For a master, work is effortless and struggle evaporates. The master carpenter, for example, is so familiar with her tools that they are part of her. To a master chef, utensils are old friends. Because these masters don’t have to think about the details of the process, they bring more of themselves to their work.

Likewise, the successful student is one who masters her learning and makes learning look easy. She works hard without seeming to make any effort. She’s relaxed and alert, disciplined and spontaneous, focused and fun-loving.

You might say that those statements don’t make sense. Actually, mastery does not make sense. It cannot be captured in words. It defies analysis. It cannot be taught. It can only be learned and experienced.

Do you possess the skills and characteristics of a successful student?

Characteristics of a Successful Student

Successful students share certain qualities. These are attitudes and core values. Although they imply various strategies for learning, they ultimately go beyond what you do. These qualities are ways of being exceptional.

As you read the following list of qualities common to successful students, look to yourself. Make a list of each quality that you already demonstrate. Make another list of each quality that you want to possess. This is not a test. It is simply a chance to celebrate what qualities you possess so far—and to start thinking about what’s possible for your future.

Inquisitive. A successful student is curious about everything. By posing questions, she can generate interest in the most mundane, humdrum situations. When she is bored during a biology lecture, she thinks to herself, “I always get bored when I listen to this instructor. Why is that? Then she asks herself, “What can I do to get value out of this lecture, even though it seems boring?” And she finds an answer.

Competent. Mastery of skills is important to a successful student. When he learns mathematical formulas, he studies them until they become second nature. He practices until he knows them cold and then puts in a few extra minutes of practice. He also is able to apply what he learns to new and different situations.

Joyful. More often than not, a successful student is seen with a smile on her face—sometimes a smile at nothing in particular other than amazement at the world and her experience of it.

Energetic. Notice the student with a spring in his step, the one who is enthusiastic and involved in class. When he reads, he often sits on the very edge of his chair, and he plays with the same intensity. He is determined and persistent. He is a successful student.

Self-aware. A successful student is willing to evaluate herself and her behavior. She regularly tells the truth about her strengths and those aspects that could be improved.

Responsible. There is a difference between responsibility and blame, and successful students know it well. A successful student is willing to take responsibility for everything in his life. He remembers that by choosing his thoughts and behaviors, he can create interesting classes, enjoyable relationships, fulfilling work experiences, and just about anything else he wants.

Courageous. A successful student admits her fear and fully experiences it. For example, she will approach a tough exam as an opportunity to explore feelings of anxiety and tension related to the pressure to perform. She does not deny fear but embraces it. If she doesn’t understand something or makes a mistake, she admits it. When she faces a challenge and bumps into her limits, she asks for help. And she’s just as willing to give help as to receive it.

Self-directed. Rewards or punishments provided by others do not motivate a successful student. His desire to learn comes from within, and his goals come from himself. He competes like a star athlete—not to defeat other people but to push himself to the next level of excellence.

Spontaneous. A successful student is truly in the here and now. She is able to respond to the moment in fresh, surprising, and unplanned ways.

Tech savvy. A successful student defines technology as any tool that is used to achieve a human purpose. From this point of view, computers become tools for deeper learning, higher productivity, and greater success in the workplace. He searches for information efficiently, thinks critically about data, and uses technology to create online communities. If he isn’t familiar with a type of technology, he doesn’t get overwhelmed. Instead, he embraces learning about the new technology and finding ways to use it to help him succeed at a given task.

Intuitive. A successful student has an inner sense that cannot be explained by logic alone. She trusts her gut instincts as well as her mind.

Creative. Where others see dull details and trivia, a successful student sees opportunities to create. He can gather pieces of knowledge from a wide range of subjects and can put them together in new ways. A successful student is creative in every aspect of his life.

Optimistic. A successful student sees setbacks as temporary and isolated, knowing that she can choose her response to any circumstance.

Hungry. Human beings begin life with a natural appetite for knowledge. In some people, it soon gets dulled. A successful student has tapped that hunger, and it gives him a desire to learn for the sake of learning.

Caring. A successful student cares about knowledge and has a passion for ideas. She also cares about other people and appreciates learning from them. She collaborates on projects and thrives on teams. She flourishes in a community that values win-win outcomes, cooperation, and love.

Reading: Actions and Behaviors of a Successful Student

In addition to improving personal characteristics, successful students must be willing to take actions that would contribute to her success. Which of the following are you willing to do?

Willing to change. The unknown does not frighten a successful student. In fact, she welcomes it—even the unknown in herself. We all have pictures of who we think we are, and these pictures can be useful. But they also can prevent learning and growth. A successful student is open to changes in her environment and in herself.

Willing to take risks. A successful student often takes on projects with no guarantee of success. He participates in class discussions at the risk of looking foolish. He tackles difficult subjects in term papers. He welcomes the risk of a challenging course.

Willing to participate. Don’t look for a successful student on the sidelines. She is in the game. She is a team player who can be counted on. She is engaged at school, at work, and with friends and family. She is willing to make a commitment and to follow through on it.

Willing to accept paradox. The word paradox comes from two Greek words: para (meaning beyond ) and doxen (meaning opinion ). A paradox is something that is beyond opinion or, more accurately, that seems contradictory or absurd yet might actually have meaning. For example, a successful student can be committed to managing money and reaching his financial goals. At the same time, he can be totally detached from money, knowing that his real worth is independent of how much money he has. A successful student recognizes the limitations of the mind and is at home with paradox. He can accept that ambiguity.

Willing to be uncomfortable. A successful student does not place comfort first. When discomfort is necessary to reach a goal, she is willing to experience it. She can endure personal hardships and can look at unpleasant things with detachment.

Willing to laugh. A successful student might laugh at any moment, and his sense of humor includes the ability to laugh at himself. Going to school is a big investment with high stakes, but you don’t have to enroll in the deferred-fun program. A successful student celebrates learning, and one of the best ways to do so is to laugh every now and then.

Willing to work. Once inspired, a successful student is willing to follow through with sweat. She knows that genius and creativity are the result of persistence and work. When in high gear, a successful student works with the intensity of a child at play.

Willing to make choices to be well. Health is important to a successful student, although not necessarily in the sense of being free of illness. Rather, he values his body and treats it with respect. He tends to his emotional and spiritual health as well as his physical health.

Reading: Personal Abilities of a Successful Student

In addition to possessing personal characteristics and qualities, a successful student also has specific abilities that contribute to his success. Which of the following abilities do you possess?

Able to focus attention. Watch a 2-year-old at play. Pay attention to his eyes. The wide-eyed look reveals an energy and a capacity for amazement that keep him absolutely focused on the here and now. The world, to a child, is always new. Because a successful student can focus attention, to him the world is always new, too.

Able to organize and sort. A successful student can take a large body of information and sift through it to discover relationships. She can organize data by size, color, function, time lines, and hundreds of other categories. She has the guts to set big goals and has the precision to plan carefully so that those goals can be achieved.

Able to suspend judgment. A successful student has opinions and positions, but he is able to let go of them when appropriate. He realizes he is more than his thoughts. He can quiet his internal dialogue and listen to an opposing viewpoint. He doesn’t let judgment get in the way of learning. Rather than approach discussions with a “Prove it to me, and then I’ll believe it” attitude, he asks himself, “What if this is true?” and then explores the possibilities.

Able to be relaxed about grades. Grades make a successful student neither depressed nor euphoric. She recognizes that sometimes grades are important. At the same time, grades are not the only reason she studies. She does not measure her worth as a human being by the grades she receives.

Able to be a generalist. A successful student is interested in everything around him. In the classroom, he is fully present. Outside the classroom, he actively seeks out ways to deepen his learning—through study groups, campus events, student organizations, and team-based projects. Through such experiences, he develops a broad base of knowledge in many fields that he can apply to his specialties.

Ask yourself the following questions:

  • Which of these characteristics of a successful student do you have?
  • Which actions are you willing to take?
  • Which abilities do you possess?
  • Which characteristics, actions, and abilities do you need to work on?

Focus on strengthening those characteristics that you already possess, and continue to build on those you don’t yet have. You are well on your way to success.

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Characteristics of a Successful Student

Many students new to college do not know what it takes to be successful in the college environment.  They understand good and bad grades in a general way, and they sense that they should attend classes, but that is where their knowledge begins and ends.

Most instructors know what a good student is – and is not.  For one thing, a good student is not necessarily the most intelligent individual in the class.

The following is a list of some characteristics of good students.  This list is a description of what a hard-working student does and what a teacher likes to see.  By learning these characteristics, you may better understand the day-to-day and class-to-class behavior of successful students.  The idea is to provide you with guidelines you can follow which will help you get down to the business of becoming a serious, successful student.

  • Successful students attend classes regularly.  They are on time.  They listen and train themselves to pay attention.  If they miss a session, they feel obligated to let the instructor know why before class begins, if possible, and their excuses are legitimate and reasonable.  They make sure they get all missed assignments (by contacting the instructor or another student), and understand specifically what was covered in class.  Successful students take responsibility for themselves and their actions.
  • Successful students take advantage of extra credit opportunities when offered.  They demonstrate that they care about their grades and are willing to work to improve them.  They often do the optional (and frequently challenging) assignments that many students avoid.
  • Successful students are attentive in class.  They don't talk, read, or stare out windows.  In other words, they are polite and respectful, even if they get a little bored.  They also participate in class even if their attempts are a bit clumsy and difficult.  They ask questions that the instructor knows many other students may also have.
  • Successful students see their instructors before or after class or during office hours about grades, comments on their papers, and upcoming tests.  Successful students end up at their instructor's office door at least once during the semester.  They'll go out of their way to find the instructor and engage in meaningful conversation.  These students demonstrate to the instructor that they are active participants in the learning process and that they take the job of being a student seriously.
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Character Counts: What Are Colleges Looking For?

Find the right college for you., what character traits do colleges look for.

What do colleges look for besides grades when they read your application? They take into account more than your GPA and test scores. Your character and the personal qualities you can bring to a college are important, too. That's why you need to think about your goals, accomplishments, and personal values. Then, you can figure out how you can best express those in your applications.

Top Character Qualities Colleges Want

"What is it that makes you unique, and how will you contribute to the life of our campus?" That's the answer to what do colleges look for in essays, according to Earl Johnson of the University of Tulsa. University applicants who demonstrate the following qualities of a good college student have more to contribute to a school:

  • Willingness to take risks
  • Sense of social responsibility
  • Commitment to service
  • Special talents or abilities

Overall, colleges want a mix of students to create a rich campus community. They want the class valedictorians, says Marty O'Connell, executive director of Colleges That Change Lives. However, they also are looking for "students who are going to be involved in a lot of activities, and students who are musicians, and students who are athletes, and everything in between."

qualities of a successful student essay

Your College Application Shows Your Personality Traits

So how do you show colleges what's special about you? The positive characteristics of college students are not easy to measure. Nonetheless, admission officers look at the items listed below for clues about what makes you unique.

Extracurricular activities : What you do outside the classroom reveals a lot about you. That’s why some applications ask for details about extracurricular activities . But remember, it's not the number of activities that counts. Then, what do admission officers look for? It's more about what you've learned and how you've grown from participating in these activities.

Summer jobs and activities : Your summer experiences provide insight into your character. Holding a summer job at a fast-food restaurant can build as much character as attending a prestigious summer learning program . Even staying at home to help out with babysitting or household chores like cooking for the family shows character. It's all about what you've gained, what you've learned and how you communicate that.

College essay : The college essay gives you the opportunity to show the admission officers who you are and how you will contribute to the college campus. What are admission officers looking for in a college essay? Creativity, self-awareness, and a good command of grammar top the list.

Mike Sexton, vice president for enrollment management at Santa Clara University, says that when admission officers read student essays, they ask themselves, "Would you like this person to be your roommate? Would you like to work on a group project with this person?" The essay can reveal the answers to these questions more than any test score can.

Letters of recommendation : Recommendation letters can tell a lot about the kind of person you are. A teacher who knows you well can give insight into your leadership ability or your collaborative approach to team projects. A school counselor or administrator can also offer valuable information about your service to the school community.

What characteristics are important to colleges?

Admissions officers are looking for academic excellence and character strength. When you look at a list of characteristics of college students, you probably recognize many of them in yourself. Colleges are looking for leaders who are compassionate and caring about others. They want innovators who are passionate about their pursuits and willing to take risks. So, what do admissions officers look for? They want students who have clear goals and can demonstrate that they can achieve them.

What kind of students do colleges want?

Colleges are looking for students who will succeed academically, be involved, and use their talents to help others. When college admissions specialists review your application, they are asking themselves, "What qualities best describe this applicant?" It's your job to give them the clues they need to make a favorable decision.   

How can I stand out to colleges?

The essay you write as part of the application process is one of your best chances to stand out. What do college admissions look for in an essay? Reveal your passions, talents, and character with a well-written essay. Ideally, your college essay will illustrate a project or situation that contributed to your personal growth. Many applicants find that taking the time to write a thoughtful essay also helps them figure out what to look for in a college they have been considering. 

When they review your application, admissions officials will also look closely at your extracurricular activities and what you did with your time during summer breaks. They are seeking evidence that your presence will positively impact the campus community. 

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Good Qualities Of A Student Essay

Good Qualities Of A Student Essay

The essay explores the topic of the good qualities of a student, focusing on the objective and impersonal aspects. It aims to provide an academic perspective on the characteristics that make a student exemplary and highlight their importance in education.

The article will examine various qualities such as discipline, dedication, curiosity, and perseverance that contribute to shaping an ideal student. Additionally, it will delve into the responsibilities of an ideal student and discuss how teachers and parents play a crucial role in nurturing these qualities. Furthermore, techniques for becoming an ideal student will be explored to guide readers toward achieving their academic goals.

This essay delves into exploring these qualities from an objective standpoint without any personal biases or pronouns. By shedding light on what makes a student exceptional, it aims to inspire readers with a subconscious desire for freedom to strive towards becoming better individuals academically and personally. Understanding the significance of these traits is essential for educators, parents, and students themselves as they collectively shape our future generation.

Key Points To Remember When Writing Essay On An Ideal Student For Lower Primary Classes

When writing an essay on an ideal student for lower primary classes, it is important to keep in mind the following key points. Firstly, a good student should possess certain qualities that set them apart from others. These qualities include being attentive, disciplined, and respectful toward teachers and classmates. An ideal student also demonstrates excellent behavior both inside and outside the classroom.

Secondly, an ideal student exhibits certain characteristics that make them stand out. They are curious and eager to learn new things. They actively participate in class discussions and ask relevant questions to enhance their understanding of the subject matter. They are punctual and always complete their homework assignments on time. Values play a crucial role in shaping an ideal student’s personality. They uphold moral values such as honesty, integrity, and compassion toward others. 

They treat everyone with kindness and show empathy towards their peers. An ideal student understands the importance of teamwork and cooperation. Habits contribute significantly to defining an ideal student’s success. A good study routine is essential for effective learning outcomes. The ability to manage time efficiently enables them to balance academics with extracurricular activities without compromising either aspect of their education. Regular exercise habits promote physical fitness and overall well-being.

Writing an essay on an ideal student for lower primary classes requires highlighting qualities such as attentiveness, discipline, respectfulness towards teachers and classmates; characteristics like curiosity, active participation in class discussions; emphasis on moral values such as honesty, integrity, compassion; development of good habits like efficient time management and regular exercise routines would result in shaping a well-rounded individual who not only excels academically but also displays admirable behavior throughout their academic journey at lower primary level, which will lay a strong foundation for their future success and personal growth.

What Is An Ideal Student?

An ideal student possesses a combination of qualities that contribute to their academic success and overall growth. They serve as role models for their peers, demonstrating the importance of dedication and hard work in achieving goals.

Academic excellence is a top priority for ideal students, as they strive to consistently perform well in their studies and excel in all subjects. In addition to academic prowess, an ideal student also exhibits leadership qualities, taking initiative and inspiring others to do their best.

Active participation is another key characteristic of an ideal student. They are actively involved in classroom discussions, group projects, and extracurricular activities, showcasing their enthusiasm for learning and willingness to collaborate with others. Their eagerness to engage with different ideas and perspectives contributes not only to their own growth but also enhances the educational experience of those around them. Furthermore, an ideal student maintains a positive attitude towards learning and life in general.

 They approach challenges with resilience and optimism, viewing setbacks as opportunities for personal growth rather than obstacles. This positive outlook not only helps them overcome difficulties but also influences their peers by fostering a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. An ideal student serves as a role model through their commitment to academic excellence, leadership qualities, active participation, and positive attitude.

 These qualities not only contribute to their own success but also inspire others around them. By embodying these characteristics, an ideal student creates an environment conducive to learning and personal development for themselves as well as their peers.

1 Line Essay On An Ideal Student For Kids

Exemplifying the epitome of academic excellence and leadership, an ideal student embodies qualities that inspire and motivate those around them.

A role model in both their studies and extracurricular activities, an ideal student consistently achieves high standards of academic performance. They demonstrate a positive attitude towards learning, approaching each task with enthusiasm and determination to succeed. 

This student not only excels individually but also thrives in a collaborative environment, showcasing exceptional teamwork skills. Furthermore, an ideal student possesses self-discipline, which is crucial in maintaining focus and achieving goals.

 They exhibit strong time management skills, prioritizing their responsibilities effectively and avoiding procrastination. By adhering to deadlines and managing their workload efficiently, they set a remarkable example for their peers.

An ideal student serves as a role model for academic excellence, displaying a positive attitude toward learning while embodying the values of teamwork and self-discipline . Their commitment to personal growth sets them apart from their peers as they approach challenges with resilience and optimism. By exemplifying these qualities, an ideal student inspires those around them to strive for greatness in all aspects of life.

Short Essay On An Ideal Student In 150 Words For Children

A model student epitomizes academic excellence and leadership, demonstrating qualities that inspire and motivate others.

One of the most important qualities of a role model student is the recognition of the importance of education. They understand that education is not just about achieving good grades, but also about gaining knowledge and skills that will help them succeed in life. Model student takes their studies seriously, actively participates in class discussions, asks questions, and seeks to deepen their understanding of various subjects.

In addition to valuing education, an ideal student also knows the significance of developing good study habits. They recognize that consistent effort and dedication are necessary for effective learning. They set aside dedicated time for studying, create a conducive environment free from distractions, and utilize various techniques such as making summaries or flashcards to reinforce their learning. By cultivating these habits early on, they lay a solid foundation for future success academically.

Being disciplined is another crucial quality possessed by an ideal student. They understand that discipline plays a vital role in achieving goals and maintaining focus amidst challenges or distractions. They follow deadlines diligently, submit assignments on time, and prioritize their responsibilities effectively. This discipline not only helps them excel academically but also prepares them for the demands of professional life where adherence to schedules and commitments is essential.

A model student embodies qualities such as valuing education, developing good study habits, being disciplined, and embracing positive peer influence. These attributes contribute not only to their own academic success but also inspire those around them to strive for excellence. Through their actions and achievements, they serve as role models for other students, motivating them to reach their full potential in both academics and personal growth.

Long Essay On An Ideal Student For Kids

The qualities of an ideal student can greatly contribute to their success in academics and personal growth. Hard work is a key characteristic that enables students to achieve their goals and excel in their studies. Discipline ensures that students stay focused, manage their time effectively, and avoid distractions that may hinder their progress.

Punctuality reflects a sense of responsibility and respect for others’ time, allowing students to make the most out of their learning opportunities.

Good manners foster positive relationships with peers and teachers, creating a harmonious learning environment . Finally, obedience demonstrates the ability to follow rules and instructions, which is essential for maintaining order in the classroom and preparing students for future professional environments.

Demonstrating diligence and perseverance, a student’s hard work is a key attribute that contributes to their academic success.

Perseverance and determination are essential qualities for a student to possess in order to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. In the pursuit of knowledge, students often encounter difficulties and setbacks. Additionally, goal setting is another important aspect of a student’s hard work. By setting clear objectives for themselves, students have something to strive towards, providing them with motivation and direction. Goals give students a sense of purpose and help them stay focused on what needs to be accomplished.

Furthermore, self-discipline is imperative for maintaining consistency in one’s efforts. It requires students to resist distractions, manage procrastination tendencies, and maintain focus even when faced with competing priorities. Developing self-discipline enables students to stay committed to their studies even when they may not feel motivated or when challenges arise.

Lastly, hard work often entails sacrifice and commitment. Students must be willing to dedicate significant time and effort towards their studies while making sacrifices such as giving up leisure activities or social engagements in order to meet academic responsibilities.

An ideal student possesses the quality of hard work which encompasses perseverance, determination, time management skills, goal-setting abilities, self-discipline as well as sacrifice and commitment. 

Discipline is a vital trait for students aiming to achieve academic success, as it allows them to stay focused and committed to their studies. Self-control development is an important aspect of discipline, as it helps students resist distractions and temptations that may hinder their progress. 

Moreover, discipline emphasizes the importance of rules in academic settings. Following rules not only demonstrates respect for authority but also creates a conducive environment for learning. 

This understanding fosters a sense of responsibility and accountability among students, encouraging them to adhere to deadlines, participate actively in class discussions, and engage in constructive behavior. The benefits of discipline extend beyond academic achievements.

It also plays a significant role in maintaining focus throughout the educational journey. With numerous distractions vying for attention – such as social media or personal obligations – disciplined students are better equipped to stay on track with their studies. 

Furthermore, discipline contributes to building character by instilling values such as perseverance and dedication. Students who practice discipline develop resilience when faced with challenges or setbacks. They learn how to push through difficulties without giving up easily, which is crucial not only during their academic pursuits but also in various aspects of life beyond the classroom.

Discipline serves as a cornerstone for student success by promoting self-control development, emphasizing the importance of rules, maintaining focus on academic goals, and building character traits such as perseverance and dedication. By incorporating discipline into their lives, students can enhance their overall academic performance while cultivating valuable skills essential for personal growth and achievement.

Punctuality

Punctuality is an indispensable attribute for students striving to excel academically, evoking a sense of respect and professionalism while ensuring efficient use of time. Effective time management is crucial in the pursuit of academic success, and punctuality plays a significant role in this aspect. By being punctual, students are able to allocate their time effectively, ensuring that they can complete their tasks and assignments within the given deadlines. 

This not only showcases their commitment and dedication but also allows them to make the most out of their study hours. Developing punctuality skills also brings about various benefits for students. Firstly, being punctual demonstrates reliability and responsibility. It shows others that they can be counted on to fulfill their obligations promptly, which contributes to building trust among peers and teachers alike.

To improve punctuality, there are several tips that students can follow. Setting reminders or using organizational tools such as calendars or planners can help individuals stay on track with their schedules. Creating a routine by waking up early or allocating specific times for different activities can also contribute to developing a habit of being punctual. Moreover, it is essential for students to recognize the importance of being on time in order to motivate themselves towards practicing punctuality consistently.

Punctuality holds great significance for students aiming for academic excellence. It aids in effective time management, showcases professionalism, instills discipline, and fosters trustworthiness among peers and teachers alike. By incorporating strategies such as setting reminders and creating routines, students can cultivate this important quality that will benefit them not only during their academic journey but throughout their lives as well.

Good Manners

Exhibiting courteous behavior and respectful attitudes towards others is essential for fostering harmonious social interactions and cultivating a positive learning environment. Good manners play a crucial role in shaping classroom behavior and promoting effective social skills among students.

When individuals demonstrate respect for others through their actions, it creates an atmosphere of mutual understanding and acceptance.

Having good manners involves showing politeness, empathy, and consideration toward classmates, teachers, and other members of the school community. Students who possess these qualities understand the importance of listening attentively to others, waiting their turn to speak, and expressing their thoughts in a respectful manner. By actively engaging in thoughtful communication with their peers, they develop strong interpersonal skills that contribute to meaningful discussions and collaborative learning experiences.

This includes using appropriate language, refraining from offensive or derogatory remarks, and being sensitive to diverse perspectives. Such conduct fosters an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and accepted.

Exhibiting good manners not only enhances individual character but also contributes to creating a positive learning environment where all students can thrive academically and socially. By displaying respect for others through considerate behavior, active listening skills, effective communication strategies, and embracing diversity within the classroom setting; students develop important life skills that will benefit them both inside and outside of school.

Obedience training plays a crucial role in shaping an individual’s behavior and instilling discipline from an early age. It is not merely about blindly following rules or authority figures; rather, it encompasses understanding the importance of discipline and embracing the benefits that come with obedience.

Obedience ensures that individuals understand boundaries, take responsibility for their actions, and develop self-control. Through obedience training, students learn to prioritize tasks, manage their time efficiently, and work collaboratively with others. These skills not only enhance their academic performance but also prepare them for future challenges they may encounter in personal or professional settings.

This attentiveness allows for greater engagement with teachers’ instructions while fostering a positive learning environment for both themselves and their peers. Additionally, obedient students are more likely to develop strong relationships based on trust and respect with their educators and classmates. These qualities contribute not only to academic success but also lay the groundwork for healthy social interactions throughout life.

Obedience should be seen as more than compliance; it is a valuable life skill that promotes discipline and enhances overall character development in students. By incorporating obedience training into education systems, we can help young learners cultivate essential qualities such as responsibility, self-control, focus, and collaboration. 

Honesty, a core value that underpins ethical conduct and fosters trust in individuals, is an essential trait for academic success and personal growth. The benefits of honesty are manifold and extend beyond the academic realm. By consistently displaying honesty, students build a reputation for integrity that can open doors to various opportunities.

 In academia, honesty plays a crucial role in maintaining academic integrity. Students who engage in honest practices such as citing sources correctly and submitting their own work not only uphold the principles of fairness but also demonstrate their commitment to learning.

The importance of honesty extends beyond academics; it also forms the foundation of personal relationships. Honesty creates an environment where individuals feel safe to express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns openly. When people know they can trust each other’s words, they are more likely to form deep connections based on authenticity and mutual respect.

Practicing honesty is vital for academic success as well as personal growth. It builds trust among peers and contributes to stronger relationships both academically and personally. By valuing this important quality, students pave the way for a bright future filled with opportunities for self-improvement and meaningful connections with others.

Helpfulness

Moving on from the previous subtopic of honesty, another important quality of a good student is helpfulness. Being helpful not only contributes to a positive learning environment but also helps foster a sense of community within the classroom.A helpful student displays collaboration skills by actively seeking opportunities to assist their peers and contribute to group projects. This not only benefits the student being helped but also allows the helper to reinforce their own understanding of the material.

Being helpful extends beyond the confines of the classroom. Many schools offer volunteer opportunities where students can engage in activities that benefit their local community. By participating in such initiatives, students develop empathy and learn to prioritize helping others over personal gain.

Additionally, peer tutoring is another way for students to demonstrate their helpfulness. Through peer tutoring, students take on leadership roles by offering academic support and guidance to their classmates who may be struggling with certain subjects or concepts.

This collaborative approach not only enhances learning for everyone involved but also creates an inclusive atmosphere where every student feels valued.

A positive attitude is an essential component of being helpful as it encourages others and promotes a healthy learning environment. Students who possess this quality are optimistic in their interactions with peers and teachers, fostering an atmosphere conducive to open communication and cooperation.

Overall, being helpful encompasses various aspects such as collaboration skills, engagement in volunteer opportunities, peer tutoring, active classroom participation, and maintaining a positive attitude. These qualities contribute not only to individual growth but also help create an enriching educational experience for all students involved.

Humility is a key attribute that promotes a sense of modesty and self-awareness in individuals. It involves recognizing one’s own strengths and weaknesses without arrogance or excessive pride. Self-reflection is an essential aspect of humility as it allows individuals to assess their actions and behaviors, acknowledging areas for improvement. By engaging in self-reflection, students can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their abilities, enabling them to make positive changes and grow academically.

Modesty in success is another important element of humility. Students who possess this quality do not boast about their achievements but instead remain humble and grounded. They understand that success is not solely a result of their efforts but also the contributions of others, such as teachers, mentors, and peers. Such students are grateful for the opportunities they have been given and appreciate the support they receive along the way.

Additionally, openness to feedback characterizes humble students. They actively seek constructive criticism from others and are receptive to suggestions for growth and development. By being open-minded, these students demonstrate a willingness to learn from others’ perspectives while also displaying respect for different opinions. Lastly, empathy towards others is an integral part of humility as it involves understanding and valuing the feelings and experiences of those around oneself. 

Humble students take into consideration how their actions may impact others and strive to be considerate in their interactions with peers, teachers, and other members of the academic community. Humility plays a vital role in shaping good qualities in students. Through self-reflection, modesty in success, learning from mistakes, openness to feedback, and empathy towards others; students develop a sense of self-awareness that fosters personal growth both academically and socially. 

Responsibility

Responsibility is an integral trait that fosters accountability and conscientiousness in individuals, enabling them to fulfill their obligations and make thoughtful decisions. Accountability is the cornerstone of responsibility, as it requires individuals to take ownership of their actions and accept the consequences. By being accountable for their actions, students demonstrate a sense of maturity and integrity that is highly valued in academic settings.

In addition to accountability, responsibility also encompasses effective time management skills. Students who are responsible understand the importance of prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines. They recognize that managing their time effectively allows them to balance their academic commitments with other responsibilities they may have. This not only ensures timely completion of assignments but also helps in maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Responsible students take initiative and actively participate in group projects or extracurricular activities, demonstrating qualities such as reliability, organization, and effective communication. They are willing to step up when necessary and inspire others through their dedication and commitment. Lastly, self-motivation plays a vital role in fostering responsibility among students. Responsible individuals possess an intrinsic drive to excel academically and strive for personal growth. 

Overall, responsibility encompasses various qualities such as accountability, time management skills, academic honesty, leadership abilities, and self-motivation. Cultivating these traits not only benefits students academically but also prepares them for success beyond the classroom by instilling habits that promote personal growth and achievement.

Qualities Or Characteristics Of An Ideal Student

Good manners, timeliness, etiquette, alertness, and integrity are some of the key qualities that define an ideal student. These characteristics contribute to the overall development and success of a student in both academic and personal realms. By adhering to good manners and displaying etiquette, students create a positive environment for themselves and others.

Being punctual showcases their respect for time management and responsibility. Alertness helps them remain attentive during class discussions, enabling effective learning.

Lastly, exhibiting integrity ensures they maintain honesty and ethical behavior in all aspects of their lives as students.

Good manners

Firstly, the importance of politeness cannot be overstated. When students exhibit polite behavior towards their peers and teachers, it creates an atmosphere of mutual respect and consideration. This not only enhances the overall classroom experience but also sets the foundation for effective communication and collaboration.

Respecting elders is another key aspect of good manners that should be instilled in students. By showing reverence towards their teachers and other authority figures, students acknowledge the wisdom and knowledge they possess. Respecting elders not only promotes a culture of gratitude but also encourages students to seek guidance and learn from those who have more experience.

Being grateful is yet another quality that contributes to good manners in students. Expressing gratitude towards others for their help or contributions fosters a sense of appreciation and acknowledgment. It strengthens interpersonal connections by making individuals feel valued and recognized for their efforts.

Empathy involves understanding others’ feelings, perspectives, and concerns. By empathizing with fellow classmates or teachers who may be going through challenging times or facing difficulties, students create a supportive environment where everyone feels understood and cared for.

Practicing good table manners is often overlooked but equally important in developing good habits among students. Properly using utensils, maintaining cleanliness during meals, and demonstrating appropriate behavior at the dining table showcases self-discipline as well as consideration for others sharing the space. These skills include effective communication, teamwork, empathy, and problem-solving, which are essential for success in any professional and personal setting.

Punctuality, in terms of adhering to designated timeframes and schedules, demonstrates a commitment to efficient and organized conduct within an academic setting. Time management is a crucial skill that students need to develop in order to succeed academically. Being punctual not only shows respect for others’ time but also reflects an individual’s ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.

Efficient scheduling is essential for students to make the most of their time and achieve their academic goals effectively. By allocating specific time slots for different activities, students can ensure that they have enough time for studying, attending classes, completing assignments, and engaging in extracurricular activities. A well-managed schedule allows students to maintain a balanced lifestyle while staying on top of their academic responsibilities.

Timeliness cultivates a sense of time-consciousness among students. It helps them develop habits such as arriving promptly for classes or meetings and being prepared ahead of scheduled events. This awareness not only benefits them academically but also prepares them for future professional endeavors where punctuality is highly valued.

Developing punctuality skills is vital for success as a student in an academic setting. Efficient scheduling, meeting deadlines, and fostering time consciousness are all key aspects associated with being timely. By embracing these qualities, students exhibit their commitment to effective time management and organizational excellence within their educational journey, ultimately leading to greater success and achievements in their academic endeavors.

Regarding verbal communication, table manners also fall under the umbrella of etiquette. Students who exhibit good table manners demonstrate respect for others and proper social etiquette. They understand the importance of not talking with food in their mouths, using utensils appropriately, and being mindful of their dining companions’ comfort. These small gestures reflect maturity and consideration for others.

The rise of technology has led to the development of online etiquette or ‘netiquette.’ In today’s digital age, it is essential for students to be aware of how they communicate online. Being polite in emails, discussion forums, or virtual meetings shows professionalism and respect for others’ time. Respecting privacy settings on social media platforms is also part of maintaining good online etiquette. Lastly, workplace etiquette is another vital aspect that students should cultivate during their academic journey. 

This includes punctuality, dressing appropriately for professional settings such as internships or job interviews, addressing superiors respectfully, and being mindful of office norms.

By incorporating these various forms of etiquette into their daily lives as students, individuals can enhance their overall character development while contributing positively to the academic community they are a part of.

Moving on from the previous subtopic of etiquette, let us now delve into the significance of alertness in a student’s academic journey. Being attentive and fully present in one’s studies can have numerous benefits that directly impact their academic performance. The importance of being alert cannot be overstated when it comes to learning. 

A focused and engaged mind allows students to absorb information more efficiently, retain knowledge for longer periods, and make connections between different concepts. By actively paying attention in class or during self-study sessions, students can grasp complex ideas more readily, ask relevant questions, and actively participate in discussions.

Being alert enables individuals to identify key points and essential details while listening or reading, enhancing comprehension and critical thinking skills. Consequently, these qualities contribute not only to better academic performance but also to the development of analytical abilities that are valuable beyond the classroom.

To improve their alertness levels, students can adopt various techniques. Firstly, establishing a conducive study environment free from distractions such as noise or clutter is crucial. This allows learners to direct their full attention toward the task at hand without getting sidetracked. 

Remaining alert throughout one’s educational journey holds significant benefits for a student’s academic performance and personal growth. Being attentive improves comprehension skills by aiding information absorption and retention while fostering critical thinking abilities. 

To enhance alertness levels, it is essential for students to create suitable study environments devoid of distractions and implement techniques like regular breaks and active reading strategies into their routines. By embracing these practices with diligence and consistency, students can maximize their potential for success within an educational setting while cultivating habits that will serve them well in their future endeavors.

Integrity is a fundamental principle in academic settings that encompasses honesty, ethical behavior, and adherence to moral standards. It is the embodiment of moral values and plays a crucial role in shaping a student’s character. Trustworthiness is an essential aspect of integrity as it reflects one’s ability to be reliable and truthful. Students who possess integrity are known for their honorable behavior, consistently adhering to ethical conduct even when faced with challenges or temptations.

In academic environments, students with integrity demonstrate strong principles by consistently upholding honesty and fairness. They do not resort to cheating or plagiarism, understanding the importance of originality and intellectual property rights. Moreover, they value accuracy and precision in their work, ensuring that they provide proper citations and references for any external sources used.

Possessing integrity as a student entails embracing moral values such as trustworthiness, honorable behavior, ethical conduct, and strong principles. Students who embody these qualities not only excel academically but also contribute positively to the overall atmosphere within educational institutions. By upholding integrity both inside and outside the classroom, students lay the foundation for personal growth and success in various aspects of life beyond academia.

Pleasantness 

In academic environments, pleasantness is a quality that contributes to a positive learning atmosphere and fosters collaboration among students. A student with a positive attitude can create an uplifting environment that encourages fellow classmates to engage in discussions and actively participate in class activities. By approaching academic challenges with optimism and enthusiasm, a student’s friendly demeanor can help alleviate tension and promote open communication within the classroom . 

This creates an atmosphere where students feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and ideas, ultimately enhancing the learning experience for everyone involved. Moreover, a cooperative nature is another aspect of pleasantness that greatly influences the dynamics of a classroom. 

A student who is willing to work collaboratively with others not only showcases respect for their peers but also demonstrates their commitment to teamwork. Such individuals actively listen to different perspectives and value diverse opinions, fostering an inclusive environment where every voice is heard. Additionally, their respectful behavior towards classmates promotes mutual understanding and empathy, leading to better interpersonal relationships within the academic setting.

Overall, possessing pleasant qualities such as a positive attitude, friendly demeanor, cooperative nature, respectful behavior, and teamwork skills significantly contribute to creating an engaging learning environment. 

Teaching modesty to students is essential as it instills in them the importance of recognizing their limitations and acknowledging the contributions of others. 

The importance of modesty lies in its ability to create a sense of equality among students. When individuals practice humility, they are less likely to dominate discussions or dismiss alternative perspectives. Instead, they actively listen and consider different viewpoints, promoting a healthy exchange of ideas within the classroom. Furthermore, being modest allows students to develop a genuine appreciation for their own achievements without boasting or seeking constant validation from others. 

It helps them focus on personal growth rather than external recognition, allowing for greater self-reflection and continuous improvement. By practicing humility, students also become more receptive to feedback and constructive criticism, enabling them to grow academically and personally.

Teaching modesty has numerous benefits for student development. It fosters an environment conducive to intellectual growth by encouraging collaboration and open-mindedness. Additionally, practicing humility promotes equality among students while nurturing their ability to appreciate personal accomplishments without seeking constant validation. Incorporating these qualities into the educational process ultimately cultivates well-rounded individuals who are not only intellectually competent but also possess the necessary interpersonal skills for success both inside and outside the classroom.

Responsibilities Of An Ideal Student

The responsibilities of an ideal student encompass a range of important tasks and duties that contribute to their academic success and personal development.

One of the key responsibilities is to recognize the importance of discipline in their life. Discipline plays a vital role in shaping a student’s character and instilling good habits. It helps them stay focused on their studies, manage time effectively, and maintain a positive attitude toward learning. By adhering to rules and regulations, an ideal student sets an example for others and creates a conducive environment for learning.

Another responsibility of an ideal student is to actively participate in the learning process. They should take ownership of their education by attending classes regularly, completing assignments on time, and actively engaging with the subject matter. An ideal student understands that education is a collaborative effort between teachers and students, where both parties have specific roles to play.

They embrace opportunities for growth outside the classroom through extracurricular activities or volunteering initiatives. By expanding their horizons beyond textbooks, they develop essential life skills such as leadership, teamwork, and adaptability.

The responsibilities of an ideal student encompass qualities such as discipline, active participation in learning processes, and continuous self-improvement. These responsibilities are not only crucial for academic success but also contribute to personal development.

Role Of Teachers And Parents In Creating An Ideal Student

Teachers and parents play a crucial role in shaping the development of an ideal student. The role of teachers is to provide educational support and create an environment that fosters growth. They are responsible for imparting knowledge, skills, and values that contribute to the overall development of students. By using effective teaching methods, encouraging critical thinking, and providing guidance, teachers can inspire students to become independent learners and responsible citizens.

Parent involvement is equally important in creating an ideal student. Parents serve as the primary caregivers and role models for their children. They have a significant influence on their child’s behavior, attitude towards learning, and overall well-being. By actively participating in their child’s education, parents can reinforce the lessons taught at school and instill important values such as discipline, perseverance, and respect for others.

The collaboration between teachers and parents is essential for creating an ideal student. When teachers and parents work together as partners in a child’s education journey, they can provide consistent support and guidance throughout their academic experience. 

This collaboration can take various forms such as open communication channels between teachers and parents regarding student progress or involving parents in decision-making processes related to their child’s education. By working hand-in-hand with teachers, parents can help identify any challenges or areas where additional support may be needed so that appropriate measures can be taken to address them.

Both teachers and parents play vital roles in shaping an ideal student. Through educational support from teachers and active involvement from parents, students are provided with the necessary tools to succeed academically while also developing important life skills. 

What Are The Techniques To Become An Ideal Student?

When it comes to becoming an ideal student, there are several techniques that can be employed. Firstly, taking care of the body and mind is essential as it promotes overall well-being and enhances focus and concentration.

Secondly, surrounding oneself with good company helps in developing positive habits and attitudes toward learning. Lastly, staying organized by making a routine and preparing a to-do list allows for better time management and increased productivity.

1. Taking care of the body and mind 

Maintaining physical and mental well-being is essential for a student to thrive academically. By practicing mindful eating, students can nourish their bodies with nutritious food that fuels their brains and enhances cognitive function. This involves being aware of the types and quantities of food consumed and avoiding excessive junk food or sugary snacks that may lead to energy crashes or lack of focus.

Incorporating an exercise routine into daily life promotes not only physical fitness but also mental clarity. Engaging in regular physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters that reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being. Students often face immense pressure from academic responsibilities, extracurricular activities, and personal commitments. Learning effective stress management techniques such as time management, prioritization, and relaxation exercises can help alleviate anxiety and prevent burnout.

Promoting mental health awareness within educational institutions creates a supportive environment where students feel comfortable seeking help when needed. Encouraging open conversations about mental health reduces the stigma surrounding these issues and fosters a sense of community among students.

To ensure academic success, students must prioritize self-care practices. These practices may include setting aside time for hobbies or activities they enjoy outside of academics, getting enough sleep each night to recharge their bodies and minds, practicing mindfulness or meditation to reduce stress levels, and seeking support from trusted friends or professionals when facing challenges.

Incorporating these self-care practices into daily routines allows students to maintain a balance between their academic responsibilities and personal well-being.

Overall, taking care of the body and mind is vital for a student’s academic success. Through mindful eating habits, regular exercise routines, effective stress management techniques, promoting mental health awareness, and practicing self-care activities regularly; students can create an optimal environment for learning while ensuring their well-being remains intact.

2. Keeping good company 

Developing positive social connections is crucial for students’ academic success, as surrounding oneself with supportive and motivated peers can foster an environment conducive to learning and personal growth.

Positive influences from peer relationships can greatly impact a student’s overall well-being and academic performance. When students have friends who are motivated and determined, it serves as a source of inspiration, pushing them to strive for excellence. These friendships not only provide emotional support but also encourage healthy competition, leading to improved academic outcomes.

To academic benefits, maintaining healthy friendships contributes to the development of essential social skills and character traits. Interacting with diverse individuals allows students to enhance their communication skills, empathy, and conflict-resolution abilities. Through these interactions, they learn how to navigate different perspectives and understand the importance of respecting others’ opinions.

This sense of camaraderie fosters a positive mindset where students feel supported in their pursuit of personal growth. Overall, keeping good company plays a significant role in a student’s educational journey. Positive influences from peer relationships not only contribute to academic success but also aid in the development of vital social skills and character traits.

3. Staying organized

Time management is crucial for any student seeking academic success. Students need to develop effective study habits and learn how to allocate their time wisely. By having good organizational skills, students are able to create a schedule that allows them to balance their academic responsibilities with other aspects of their lives. This includes setting aside specific periods for studying, attending classes, participating in extracurricular activities, and even personal relaxation time. With proper goal setting, students can establish clear objectives and work towards achieving them within designated timeframes.

Moreover, prioritization techniques play a significant role in staying organized as a student. With multiple assignments and tasks constantly demanding attention, it is important for students to prioritize their workload based on urgency and importance. By effectively prioritizing tasks, students can ensure that they complete important assignments first while managing their time efficiently. Furthermore, adopting organizational strategies such as creating to-do lists or using digital tools can help students keep track of deadlines and maintain an overview of their responsibilities.

Overall, staying organized as a student involves mastering time management skills through developing effective study habits, maintaining organization skills, setting goals, and utilizing prioritization techniques. By implementing these strategies into their daily routines, students can create a structured environment that fosters productivity and success in both academic pursuits and personal growth.

4. Making a routine 

Implementing a consistent routine is essential for students to establish structure and discipline in their daily lives, fostering a sense of stability and promoting optimal academic performance. By establishing habits and practicing effective time management, students can effectively allocate their time and energy towards achieving their goals.

Creating a study schedule allows students to prioritize tasks based on importance and deadlines, ensuring that they stay focused on accomplishing their academic responsibilities.

Having a routine not only helps students manage their time effectively but also provides them with a sense of direction and purpose. When students set specific goals for themselves, they are more likely to stay motivated and work towards achieving those goals.

A well-planned routine enables students to break down large tasks into smaller, manageable chunks, making it easier for them to tackle complex assignments or projects. Moreover, by prioritizing tasks according to urgency or importance, students can avoid procrastination and ensure that all necessary work is completed in a timely manner.

Implementing a consistent routine plays an integral role in the success of a student’s academic journey. It assists in establishing good habits, managing time effectively, setting achievable goals, creating a study schedule, and prioritizing tasks accordingly.

5. Preparing a to-do list 

Preparing a comprehensive to-do list is an effective strategy for students to organize their tasks and prioritize their responsibilities, fostering a sense of structure and productivity in their academic pursuits. By utilizing preparation techniques such as creating a to-do list, students are able to effectively manage their time and allocate it appropriately to various tasks. This allows them to have a clear understanding of what needs to be accomplished and helps them stay focused on their goals.

A well-structured to-do list enables students to prioritize tasks based on importance and deadlines. It serves as a visual reminder of the various responsibilities they need to address, ensuring that important assignments or study sessions are not overlooked or delayed until the last minute . By setting goals within their to-do lists, students can break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable ones, making it easier for them to tackle complex projects systematically.

Moreover, having a comprehensive plan helps students avoid procrastination by providing them with a roadmap for completing tasks in a timely manner. When faced with multiple assignments or deadlines, it’s common for students to feel overwhelmed and unsure where to begin. 

Preparing a comprehensive and well-structured to-do list is an essential technique for effective time management and task prioritization among students. By incorporating this practice into their daily routine, students can better manage their academic responsibilities while also reducing stress levels associated with overwhelming workloads. The act of creating a detailed plan empowers individuals with the ability to set goals and avoid procrastination throughout their academic journey.

In conclusion, being an ideal student requires a combination of various qualities and characteristics. It is important for students to be disciplined, hardworking, and respectful toward their teachers and peers.

Teachers and parents play a crucial role in shaping the behavior and mindset of students, by providing guidance and support. By following these techniques and striving to become ideal students, children can not only excel academically but also develop into well-rounded individuals who contribute positively to society.

Overall, the journey of becoming an ideal student requires dedication, perseverance, and a strong desire to learn. It is through embodying these qualities that students can make the most out of their educational experience and set themselves up for success in the future.

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Essay on Good Student

Students are often asked to write an essay on Good Student in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Good Student

What is a good student.

A good student is not just about getting good grades. It’s more about being disciplined, respectful, and curious. They are eager to learn, ask questions, and seek answers.

Characteristics of a Good Student

A good student always respects teachers and peers. They show up on time, complete assignments, and actively participate in class. They also demonstrate good behavior and manners.

The Role of Curiosity

Curiosity is a key trait. It drives a good student to explore new ideas and topics. This helps them to grow intellectually and gain a deep understanding of the world.

In conclusion, a good student embodies discipline, respect, and curiosity. They strive for knowledge and personal growth.

Also check:

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250 Words Essay on Good Student

Defining a good student.

A good student isn’t merely an individual who excels academically. The term encompasses a broad spectrum of qualities, including intellectual curiosity, diligence, and ethical conduct. It’s a holistic concept that transcends the boundaries of the classroom.

Intellectual Curiosity

Intellectual curiosity is a distinguishing trait of a good student. This is not limited to the desire to excel in academics but extends to a thirst for knowledge and understanding. They question, explore, and seek answers, constantly expanding their horizons.

Diligence and Responsibility

A good student exhibits diligence and responsibility. They understand the value of time and are disciplined in their approach towards achieving their goals. They take ownership of their learning journey, demonstrating initiative and self-reliance.

Ethical Conduct

Ethical conduct is another critical component of being a good student. This includes honesty, respect for others, and adherence to the rules. They understand that their actions have consequences and strive to make ethical decisions.

Interpersonal Skills

Interpersonal skills are vital for a good student. They foster healthy relationships, work collaboratively, and are respectful of differing opinions. These skills are crucial for their personal and professional development.

In conclusion, a good student is not solely defined by their academic prowess, but also by their character, conduct, and interpersonal skills. They are intellectually curious, diligent, ethical, and socially adept. It’s a holistic blend of these qualities that truly defines a good student.

500 Words Essay on Good Student

Introduction.

A good student is not merely one who achieves high grades, but embodies traits like perseverance, responsibility, and a love of learning. In the dynamic landscape of education, the definition of a good student has evolved from being academically focused to a more holistic approach.

Academic Excellence

Academic excellence is often associated with a good student. This involves consistent dedication to studies, resulting in high grades. It also includes the ability to apply knowledge in real-world contexts, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity. These skills are crucial for future success in a rapidly changing world.

Passion for Learning

A good student is intrinsically motivated and has a passion for learning. They are not just driven by grades, but by the desire to understand and explore new concepts. This intellectual curiosity leads to lifelong learning, a trait highly valued in the modern workforce.

Discipline and Responsibility

Discipline and responsibility are crucial traits of a good student. They are organized, manage their time effectively, and meet deadlines. They take responsibility for their learning, seeking help when needed, and reflecting on their performance for continuous improvement.

Social Skills and Teamwork

In the interconnected world, the ability to work in teams and possess good communication skills is essential. A good student actively participates in group projects, respects diverse viewpoints, and collaborates to achieve common goals. They are also respectful towards their peers, teachers, and the learning environment.

A good student is resilient and does not fear failure. They see challenges as opportunities for growth, learning from their mistakes, and persisting in the face of difficulties. This resilience prepares them for future obstacles and setbacks in their personal and professional lives.

Community Involvement

A good student also contributes to their community. They participate in extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or leadership roles, demonstrating a commitment to making a positive impact. This involvement helps them develop a sense of empathy, global citizenship, and understanding of societal issues.

In conclusion, a good student is much more than academic achievements. They embody a range of qualities, including a passion for learning, discipline, social skills, resilience, and community involvement. These traits not only contribute to their success in education but also prepare them for future challenges and opportunities in life. Therefore, it is essential for educational institutions to foster these qualities, creating an environment that nurtures well-rounded individuals ready to contribute positively to society.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

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qualities of a successful student essay

Top 10 Qualities of a Good Essay

qualities of good essay

Why are students often asked to write an essay? Because this is a type of writing work in which students learn to express their thoughts about different topics. The reasoning should be backed up by facts and statements about a particular topic. However, the author’s opinion is the main one here, and it develops students’ creative and scientific thinking at the same time.

So what makes a good essay? You will find the answer to this question in this article. Only through finding and studying additional information will you be able to develop your critical thinking .

Here are some basic points and qualities of good writing that will make your essay successful:

Top 10 qualities good essay

Small Volume.

Of course, when creativity is in its full flow, you want to write without stopping, but the first sign of what a good essay is precisely its compact volume.

Here you need to explain your opinion about the topic’s subject matter clearly, concisely, and with specific arguments that will support your opinion. Avoid arguing about your statements because it will confuse you and the reader and negate all the work on the arguments.

Specific Topic and Your Subjective Opinion.

The subject of the essay is always specific. It does not happen that the essay has several different thoughts and topics. This is what distinguishes it from other types of paper works.

Your arguments and subjective opinion should be the same. The purpose of your work is to convince the reader that your opinion is true, backed by strong facts, and is consistent throughout the work.

Free Composition

What does it mean? The essay has no specific writing rules. Yes, a certain structure distinguishes this type of work from others, but the essay composition itself is free.

If you are unsure where to start or how to write an essay, try to find free essays online by contacting professionals .

Do not use too long sentences or try to surprise the reader with difficult terms and strange words, especially if you are not sure about their meaning. On the contrary, your main task here is to engage the reader and make contact with him through the text.

As we have already written, the author needs to establish contact with the reader.

The sentences and arguments that you will use in your work should be specific but not written in strict form. You should choose the point of support of your arguments and the main opinion and stick to it throughout the work.

Sometimes arguments have to be more specific and sometimes unobtrusively described in the body of the essay.

You should try to provide information as if “by the way” so that the reader feels like you are referring to him through the text and want to explain your impressions specifically to him. Contact with the reader is very important in this form of writing.

The Paradox

One of the most important qualities of an essay is that it should surprise the reader. You should use some strong phrases or quotes that will support your argument throughout the work.

The advantage will be on your side if you use paradoxical definitions or phenomena, which will appear simultaneously as indisputable but mutually exclusive statements. Feel free to use abstracts and aphorisms.

Meaningful Unity

This is probably the only paradox of the genre (not including the point written above). Why? Because the essay must be subjective , it must have a free composition and characteristics, but at the same time, it must have an internal semantic unity.

Your personal opinion should be expressed and supported here. Actually, this is about supporting the same opinion, which you will support with different thesis and statements. All of them should bring the idea of ​​the essay to one specific conclusion, that is your opinion.

Use of Simple Language

Your essay can be written in any form, but at the same time, it is not necessary, or better to say, you cannot use slang, shortening words, light-hearted tone, using strange abbreviations, and formulaic phrases. Do not forget that this is a serious piece of work with specific arguments and not an arbitrary letter to a friend.

Authoritarianism

You should submit information in such a way as to persuade the reader to adopt the same position he supports in his work. The author should not use aggressive words, but his arguments should be specific, and they should be considered indisputable.

good essay qualities

Use an Element of Surprise

To make your essay memorable, do not be afraid to use catchy phrases, loud quotes, and unexpected arguments. This will arouse emotions in the reader, and your essay will be remembered. The main thing is that the used arguments are not aggressive, do not contradict your basic opinion, and are not written in rough language.

The Logic of Presentation.

Again, despite the free composition, the essay must have internal unity and the coherence of the author’s statements that express his opinion.

Because the rules of writing an essay are rather conditional, the author has the opportunity to fully indulge in his creative potential and use various interesting methods for writing this genre of paperwork.

The main thing to remember is that your thoughts and arguments should be united and interest the reader to read your work and take your side.

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What I’ve Learned From My Students’ College Essays

The genre is often maligned for being formulaic and melodramatic, but it’s more important than you think.

An illustration of a high school student with blue hair, dreaming of what to write in their college essay.

By Nell Freudenberger

Most high school seniors approach the college essay with dread. Either their upbringing hasn’t supplied them with several hundred words of adversity, or worse, they’re afraid that packaging the genuine trauma they’ve experienced is the only way to secure their future. The college counselor at the Brooklyn high school where I’m a writing tutor advises against trauma porn. “Keep it brief , ” she says, “and show how you rose above it.”

I started volunteering in New York City schools in my 20s, before I had kids of my own. At the time, I liked hanging out with teenagers, whom I sometimes had more interesting conversations with than I did my peers. Often I worked with students who spoke English as a second language or who used slang in their writing, and at first I was hung up on grammar. Should I correct any deviation from “standard English” to appeal to some Wizard of Oz behind the curtains of a college admissions office? Or should I encourage students to write the way they speak, in pursuit of an authentic voice, that most elusive of literary qualities?

In fact, I was missing the point. One of many lessons the students have taught me is to let the story dictate the voice of the essay. A few years ago, I worked with a boy who claimed to have nothing to write about. His life had been ordinary, he said; nothing had happened to him. I asked if he wanted to try writing about a family member, his favorite school subject, a summer job? He glanced at his phone, his posture and expression suggesting that he’d rather be anywhere but in front of a computer with me. “Hobbies?” I suggested, without much hope. He gave me a shy glance. “I like to box,” he said.

I’ve had this experience with reluctant writers again and again — when a topic clicks with a student, an essay can unfurl spontaneously. Of course the primary goal of a college essay is to help its author get an education that leads to a career. Changes in testing policies and financial aid have made applying to college more confusing than ever, but essays have remained basically the same. I would argue that they’re much more than an onerous task or rote exercise, and that unlike standardized tests they are infinitely variable and sometimes beautiful. College essays also provide an opportunity to learn precision, clarity and the process of working toward the truth through multiple revisions.

When a topic clicks with a student, an essay can unfurl spontaneously.

Even if writing doesn’t end up being fundamental to their future professions, students learn to choose language carefully and to be suspicious of the first words that come to mind. Especially now, as college students shoulder so much of the country’s ethical responsibility for war with their protest movement, essay writing teaches prospective students an increasingly urgent lesson: that choosing their own words over ready-made phrases is the only reliable way to ensure they’re thinking for themselves.

Teenagers are ideal writers for several reasons. They’re usually free of preconceptions about writing, and they tend not to use self-consciously ‘‘literary’’ language. They’re allergic to hypocrisy and are generally unfiltered: They overshare, ask personal questions and call you out for microaggressions as well as less egregious (but still mortifying) verbal errors, such as referring to weed as ‘‘pot.’’ Most important, they have yet to put down their best stories in a finished form.

I can imagine an essay taking a risk and distinguishing itself formally — a poem or a one-act play — but most kids use a more straightforward model: a hook followed by a narrative built around “small moments” that lead to a concluding lesson or aspiration for the future. I never get tired of working with students on these essays because each one is different, and the short, rigid form sometimes makes an emotional story even more powerful. Before I read Javier Zamora’s wrenching “Solito,” I worked with a student who had been transported by a coyote into the U.S. and was reunited with his mother in the parking lot of a big-box store. I don’t remember whether this essay focused on specific skills or coping mechanisms that he gained from his ordeal. I remember only the bliss of the parent-and-child reunion in that uninspiring setting. If I were making a case to an admissions officer, I would suggest that simply being able to convey that experience demonstrates the kind of resilience that any college should admire.

The essays that have stayed with me over the years don’t follow a pattern. There are some narratives on very predictable topics — living up to the expectations of immigrant parents, or suffering from depression in 2020 — that are moving because of the attention with which the student describes the experience. One girl determined to become an engineer while watching her father build furniture from scraps after work; a boy, grieving for his mother during lockdown, began taking pictures of the sky.

If, as Lorrie Moore said, “a short story is a love affair; a novel is a marriage,” what is a college essay? Every once in a while I sit down next to a student and start reading, and I have to suppress my excitement, because there on the Google Doc in front of me is a real writer’s voice. One of the first students I ever worked with wrote about falling in love with another girl in dance class, the absolute magic of watching her move and the terror in the conflict between her feelings and the instruction of her religious middle school. She made me think that college essays are less like love than limerence: one-sided, obsessive, idiosyncratic but profound, the first draft of the most personal story their writers will ever tell.

Nell Freudenberger’s novel “The Limits” was published by Knopf last month. She volunteers through the PEN America Writers in the Schools program.

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22 Qualities of a Good Student

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  • Updated on  
  • Jan 9, 2024

Qualities of a Good Student

What you teach children today will reflect in their tomorrow! It is necessary to tell kids some basic qualities and attributes, to ensure they behave good in society. Great lessons are not learnt in a day, hence you have to start inculcating good qualities in kids at an early age. Here are 22 must learn qualities of a good student that can take you to great places!

This Blog Includes:

Self-discipline, being motivated, being goal-driven, having perseverance, being punctual, being courteous, having a sense of respect, being responsible, being honest, being resourceful, competitive, being friendly, having patience, pursuing hard work, attentiveness, having balance, being optimistic, participating in extracurricular activities, a good listener, excellent organizer, simplicity of mind, why qualities of a good student are essential in life.

The first thing that a student should have is self-discipline. Students understands the importance of their education when they are disciplined. It helps them to set their priorities right and hence differentiate between important and non-important activities. These students don’t need a push from their teachers or parents, they themselves set their goal.

Self-motivation is an important aspect of a student. It motivates the student to progress ahead. This makes them determined and hence they don’t give up easily. They grow in life and learn new things. They are always looking forward to growing their skills.

One of the most significant qualities of a good student is that he is goal-driven . Having both short- and long-term goals will assist you in achieving your objectives. Depending on your school’s grading system, short-term goals could include completing each semester with a minimum of a 90, 1.75, or A- for an overall grade. Finishing a course or, at the very least, graduating on time are examples of long-term goals.

Importance of Choosing a Subject as Per Your Career Goals

Perseverance is synonymous with dedication. You will not quit up and accept incompetence, no matter how complex your subjects/courses are. Instead, you will always put in sufficient effort, if not more, to produce excellent output or performance.

A good student never misses class. Yes, timeliness is challenging to maintain, but if you are serious about getting the most out of your education, you will make an effort to get at school early. This will prevent you from making a terrible first impression as well as skipping early quizzes and other events.

qualities of a successful student essay

Respecting your professors , school personnel, and fellow students demonstrates that you are more than a good student—it demonstrates that you are a decent person. As a result, make it a habit to greet or at the very least smile at folks you pass in the hallways.

Qualities of a Good Student

Good pupils will always show a high level of respect for the nation’s, society’s, and school’s laws, as well as societal norms. Students who thrive without effort always choose the country’s aspirations over their own. When the duty of their country demands them, they are even willing to put academic pursuits aside. 

Apart from following the law, good students have high regard for their teachers and fellow students, allowing them to concentrate solely on their studies rather than on issues stemming from disrespect.

One of the qualities of a good student, as well as a good performer, is responsibility. They never blame their mistakes or flaws on excuses; instead, they accept full responsibility for their acts and accept the consequences of their actions. Good students also take responsibility for developing their character while in school so that they can graduate with successful capabilities.

Hard Work vs Smart Work: What’s Better?

Cheaters do not make good students, so leave your cheating friends goodbye. Exams are assessments of your knowledge. It doesn’t matter if you don’t receive perfect grades as long as you get to evaluate how much you learned from each course. ExamCollection helps to pursue entry level examination for students.

Being resourceful involves finding solutions when there seems to be none. If you have a project but don’t have the funds to complete it, you can recycle materials that can be used to complete it. It is definitely one of the qualities of a good student.

This does not imply that you should regard your peers as competitors. Instead, being competitive implies you don’t back out of any of your classes’ hard tasks. If your teacher assigns a tough Math problem, for example, you try to solve it yourself rather than waiting for your peers to figure it out.

qualities of a successful student essay

An excellent student is also an excellent socializer. The only thing stopping you from establishing friends with your classmates is your perception of them as potential dangers to your aim of becoming the best in class or your belief that you are not good enough to be friends with them. 

Insecurity manifests itself in both of these ways. One of the qualities of a good student is that he maintains cordial relations with his peers and never envies them for their success.

Unless you are a genius , you may find it difficult to master your studies or certain talents at times. Rather than being frustrated, you must remain patient with your progress, no matter how difficult it may be. What matters is that you continue to learn and try new things.

Good students can put them all into their studies by researching widely online and through numerous recommended texts to obtain a broader understanding of various topics and see a topic from a different perspective, rather than depending just on the coursework outline provided by their lecturers. All of this can only be accomplished through hard work , as effective study takes hours.

Hard Work is the Key to Success…Or Is It Not?

One of the qualities of a good student is being attentive to what is being taught in the classroom. They concentrate intensely on what the teacher is attempting to convey during lectures, which helps a lot because they don’t have to try to understand a subject on their own after class since they didn’t pay attention during the lecture. This makes it very simple to understand subjects.

A good student is capable of being well-rounded. That is to say; you should remember that you have other responsibilities in life, such as being a child, a sibling, or a friend. Make sure you can still assist with housework, spend time with your family, and meet up with friends on occasion. Balance is important. Furthermore, they utilize  assignment help  resources wisely, using them to maintain a balance between study and private life, and view them as supplementary tools to enhance their understanding rather than relying on them as the primary source of assistance.

You can’t expect a school year to be without difficulties. Maintaining a happy attitude is the most effective strategy to triumph while avoiding undue stress. Never give up, no matter how difficult things become. Other qualities of a good student are diligence and determination, which go hand in hand with optimism. 

Another virtue is diligence, which is similar to having a positive attitude. Students who keep a planner, start early, fight distractions, and work hard all the time are attributes of effective students who can overcome academic problems.

Students should not hesitate to participate in extracurricular activities, whether athletics, arts or any other type because these activities are aimed at increasing a student’s overall capacity. As a result, an excellent student is actively involved in extracurricular activities in order to develop all aspects of his or her personality. Good students, on the other hand, do not put their academics aside when participating in these activities.

Also Read: Types of Co Curricular Activities

A good listener is one of the most important attributes of a good student. In the classroom, he’ll be a good listener. He should pay attention to what his parents and teachers say and act on their instructions. This characteristic is also required for a student to be a good listener in order to understand what is being taught in class. As a result, he must strengthen and improve his listening skills.

Teachers will tell you that a class full of well-behaved pupils who follow procedures and rules has a better chance of demonstrating their full learning potential. In addition, students who behave well are far more likely to learn better than their peers who have had disciplinary actions taken against them. 

No one wants to work with bad-mannered students who constantly create trouble, but teachers will go to great lengths for pupils who show respect, courtesy and follow the rules.

Being an excellent organizer is one of the qualities of a good student that distinguishes an exceptional student from an average student. Students who plan their time and day always perform better than those who do not. Organizing their study time, evaluation time, and other activities are all beneficial to a good student. The excellence of this organization extends beyond school-related activities.

Also Read: 10 Organizational Skills Every Student Must Have

Because of how complicated their minds are, kids frequently fail to grasp the topics being taught to them. This is not the case, however, for good students. A good learner keeps their thoughts simple, allowing tough subjects to be broken down and solved quickly.

This is critical because, while it is common for students to have complicated academic pursuits, good students consistently outperform the standard.

  • A good student will succeed in life more often.
  • They become good citizens.
  • A good student contributes better to a world.
  • Good students become a proper asset to the society.
  • Good Students make informed decisions and are always learning along the way.
  • They possess a receptive mindset.

Related Reads:-

1- What is the point of a good student?

A good student is self-motivated, has discipline, takes responsibility for their learning, and knows how to tackle different situations.

2- What are 5 characteristics of successful students?

  • They attend class regularly.
  • They pay attention in their respective classes.
  • They make neatly done and well-made assignments.
  • They take opportunities to earn extra credit.
  • They are hardworking.

3- What are the qualities of a good learner?

Some of the qualities of a good learner are mentioned below:-

  • They work well independently as well as in groups.
  • The have the ability of critical thinking and asking questions to deepen their understanding.
  • To enhance their learning, they take responsible risks.
  • They accept, reflect and learn from their mistakes.

With this, we come to the end of our blog. We hope you find this information helpful. Stay tuned with  Leverage Edu  for more such awesome content.  

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