good quality of student essay

• SAT BootCamp
• SAT MasterClass
• SAT Private Tutoring
• SAT Proctored Practice Test
• ACT Private Tutoring
• Academic Subjects
• College Essay Workshop
• Academic Writing Workshop
• AP English FRQ BootCamp
• 1:1 College Essay Help
• Online Instruction
• Free Resources

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.

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. 

CHECK OUT THESE RELATED POSTS

How Colleges Read Your Application: A 4 Step Process

March 1, 2021

Do you know what happens after you hit that "Submit" button? Learn about how selective colleges read your application.

4 Essential Social Media Tips for College Applicants

March 8, 2020

Yes, college admissions officers may view your Instagram profile! Use these social media tips to ensure what you post doesn't compromise your application.

5 Things Asian Parents Get Wrong About College Admissions

November 5, 2017

We address common misconceptions about college admissions and provide tips for overcoming them, based on the insights we’ve developed over the past 12 years.

Privacy Preference Center

Privacy preferences.

25,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today

Here’s your new year gift, one app for all your, study abroad needs, start your journey, track your progress, grow with the community and so much more.

Verification Code

An OTP has been sent to your registered mobile no. Please verify

Thanks for your comment !

Our team will review it before it's shown to our readers.

• Leverage Beyond /

22 Qualities of a Good Student

• Updated on  
• Jan 9, 2024

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.  

Team Leverage Edu

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Contact no. *

Leaving already?

8 Universities with higher ROI than IITs and IIMs

Grab this one-time opportunity to download this ebook

Connect With Us

25,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. take the first step today..

Resend OTP in

Need help with?

Study abroad.

UK, Canada, US & More

IELTS, GRE, GMAT & More

Scholarship, Loans & Forex

Country Preference

New Zealand

Which English test are you planning to take?

Which academic test are you planning to take.

Not Sure yet

When are you planning to take the exam?

Already booked my exam slot

Within 2 Months

Want to learn about the test

Which Degree do you wish to pursue?

When do you want to start studying abroad.

September 2024

January 2025

What is your budget to study abroad?

How would you describe this article ?

Please rate this article

We would like to hear more.

50+ Qualities of a Good Student (According to Experts)

Being a good student is no easy task. It can be challenging to meet the demands of school and all its associated activities, especially with the frenzied lifestyle most of us lead.

But what does it truly mean to be a good student? Is there a specific quality that all successful students share?

According to experts, here are the qualities of a good student:

Dedra Eatmon, Ph.D.

High School Teacher | Founder,  Tassel to Tassel

All good students are not born; some are developed and nurtured. This goes against the grain of popular thinking that sees intellectual ability as inherent. Intellect can be developed but is not often acknowledged or nurtured in US education. 

Those who arrive at answers quickly are often rewarded, and the concept of struggle isn’t viewed as an opportunity for learning. From my experience teaching both secondary and post-secondary students, I’ve found a few qualities all good students have in common.

Good students are persistent

Knowing that intellectual growth comes with uncertainty and challenge means students are better able to persist when they face difficulty. Persistent students do not shy away from challenging ideas/topics/concepts and view them as part of the learning process. 

An initial lack of understanding is not an indictment on their intellect; it is recognized as the need to work differently to understand and potentially master a concept. 

As associate director for a university summer bridge program, I found students who got the most from experience were those who had a bit of difficulty in high school. 

Although the program targeted students whose high school record suggested post-secondary challenge — based on standardized test scores — the ones with higher GPAs did not put in the same effort as those who shared in the interview process that their first year or two of high school was a struggle.

Good students are resilient

At some point in their (academic) life, every student will face what feels like an insurmountable challenge, not do as well as they would like, or have a bad academic experience. 

Good students don’t harp on not doing well 

They go back and review the tape, then do what they can to do and be better. In other words, they learn the lesson, bounce back, and keep moving forward.

Good students are committed

Being a good student requires staying the course in the face of distraction and seeing tasks through. Good students study with minimal distractions and put their work before leisurely activities. They also dedicate time to studying, and putting in study time is required, not optional.

Good students are receptive

Leaving ego at the door and being okay with imperfection allows the type of vulnerability necessary for success. Good students view their  “mistakes”  as growth opportunities and are open to feedback and/or guidance from others, be they peers , teachers , mentors , tutors , or parents . 

Good students are inquisitive

The cherry on top for any educator is the students who are really interested in learning. Many good students do the work that is required of them, but it doesn’t always go beyond that. A really good, no great student wants to know more. 

They ask themselves  “What if”  and seek the answer, not just to check a box of completion but for the sake of learning alone.

The qualities of good students aren’t elusive or part of an intellectual and developmental lottery. The way students show up in school will undoubtedly influence how they show up in the world. 

Developing more good students is the result of a collective effort to shift away from always being  “right”  to other factors that set our students up for true success beyond the classroom.

Elementary Montessori Teacher, That’s So Montessori

Having the qualities of a good student can be key to achieving success in the classroom and beyond. Learning is an integral part of a student’s academic journey, and the qualities that they possess can have a huge impact on their ability to learn and grow. 

Positive student qualities such as having an open mind, the ability to listen, a willingness to learn, and persistence promote learning and set students up for success.

They are open-minded

Being open-minded is an essential quality of a good student because it allows them to explore and learn new ideas, concepts, and perspectives. 

Having an open mind enables elementary students to think critically and to be more flexible and adaptable when faced with new challenges. 

By being open-minded, students are better able to evaluate different solutions to problems and consider a variety of solutions that may lead to more creative outcomes.

Cultivating an open mind allows students to become more curious, engaged learners that are better prepared for life beyond the classroom.

They have the ability to listen

Having the ability to listen is a crucial quality for any student. The ability to listen can help students better understand and retain the information they are being taught, which is an essential part of learning. 

When students actively listen to their teachers, they’re more likely to remember and comprehend the lesson, as well as ask questions that can further their understanding.

Good listening skills also help foster communication between students and teachers, creating a more positive learning environment.

The ability to listen promotes better comprehension of the material, encourages collaboration and communication, and facilitates problem-solving skills.

Related: 50+ Reasons Why Listening Is Important

They have the willingness to learn

A willingness to learn is essential for any elementary student to reach their full potential. 

A student’s eagerness to take in new knowledge and skills is the foundation of all learning. It drives curiosity , inquiry , and problem-solving — all invaluable components of academic success. 

A willingness to learn also enables students to ask questions , make mistakes , and think critically . This helps them become resilient and creative thinkers who can work through challenges independently.

By fostering a love of learning from an early age, teachers can help students cultivate the skills necessary for success both inside and outside of the classroom.

They are persistent

From elementary school to college, persistence is an excellent quality for any student. This quality helps students become successful by providing them with the drive and determination to keep going even in the face of adversity. 

Persistence can help students stay focused on their studies and remain motivated to finish projects and assignments. 

When a student perseveres in the face of difficulty or setback, they learn to  problem solve ,  develop confidence , and  gain valuable skills  that can be applied throughout their lives. 

With persistence, students are able to stay on track to reach their goals and overcome any challenges they may face along the way.

It is important to recognize the many qualities that contribute to making a great student. Qualities such as  having an open mind and being persistent , coupled with strong listening skills and the willingness to learn, all help ensure success in school and life. 

Charles Bibilos

Teacher & Tutor | Founder, GMAT Ninja

Students often hate me before we even meet since I’m the guy who teaches deeply unsexy topics:  high school grammar ,  PhD-level statistics , and standardized tests like the GRE and GMAT. 

Students usually work with me only because they’re forced to take my course or because they need a particular score on a standardized exam. 

How do my students survive — or even thrive — when studying topics they prefer to avoid entirely? Honestly, my best students aren’t usually the most talented or intelligent. 

Instead, they share three traits: curiosity , introspection , and vulnerability .

Curious students are lovely; introspective students are even better

Even with unpleasant subjects like grammar or the GRE, genuinely curious students rise above the rest of the crowd, regardless of their background or abilities. 

Curious students find something that sparks a glimmer of passion and energy: maybe they start asking why grammar rules were invented, how a standardized test’s scoring algorithm works, or how statisticians derived complicated formulas long before computers existed. 

Without fail, those curious students outperform in the long run — even if they never wanted to take my class or study for a particular exam in the first place.

Even better: some students are curious and introspective about themselves , not just about an academic topic. When my best students struggle with a particular concept, they genuinely want to know what’s happening in their own brains. 

These students always improve more than their peers because they’re willing to take a good, hard look at their behavior, psychology, and thought patterns — even when it’s painful. 

The very best students are open and vulnerable

I’d argue that students of all ages have far more pressure on them than they did when I started teaching in the late 1990s. 

More often than not, when a student gets clobbered by a course or an exam, something  “non-academic”  — such as sleep deprivation, family struggles, or test anxiety — plays an outsized role.

It can be incredibly difficult to discuss personal matters with a teacher or tutor, but the best students I’ve ever worked with are entirely open about the underlying causes of their academic struggles. 

Regardless of what happens on their exams in the end, those students always learn and grow far more than their peers, often in ways that go far beyond the course material.

In other words: whenever a student is willing to be 100% open about who they are and why they struggle, they’re helping a teacher serve them better. When they do that, good things always happen.

Evan Weinberger

Co-Founder,  Illuminos Academic Coaching & Tutoring

Staying organized

Staying organized can be difficult. It’s very common for students to struggle with keeping their things in order, yet it’s one of the keys to success both in school and in life. 

Not only are there many obvious practical benefits to staying organized, but research consistently shows that people who stay organized do better in school and work. These people also tend to be happier and more productive . Luckily, staying organized isn’t as hard as it seems. 

Here are a few simple ideas that can help any student stay on top of their organization.

Keep your binders in tip-top shape

Have you ever found yourself rifling through your backpack, looking for the paper you need? If each subject or class has its own section in your binder, this problem disappears. Not only do subdividers help you find what you need quickly, but they also eliminate clutter in your backpack. 

In fact, our company and Staying Ahead of the Game , love using dividers and subdividers in our organization systems because it feels like each class has its own binder without having actually to carry around a separate binder for every class. 

This way, you never have to worry about having the correct papers for each class when you need them. 

Color-coding the subjects in your binder with custom-printed binder tabs can also be a great way to keep track of the work for your different subjects, cutting down  “search time”  and making you a more productive student or worker.

Pro tip:  Did you know you can even color-code your folders in Google Drive (i.e., your e-binder) to match the color-coding system you have in your binder? Just right-click on the folder in Google Drive, and the option to color-code will appear.

Use an agenda to keep track of tasks and assessments

Even people with the best memories forget things. On any given school day, teachers give students  short-term ,  medium-term , and  long-term  assignments in addition to the plethora of assessments and projects due that day. 

Trying to keep track of everything in your head often has disastrous consequences.

Instead,  keep a planner and write your assessments down throughout the day . Outsource some of that memory work to your planner to create more space in your brain for more important tasks. 

That way, you only need to remember one thing look in your planner! 

If your school doesn’t provide a planner, don’t worry. They are cheap and easy to find. Just be sure to look for an academic planner rather than a yearly planner. These are meant for students and are easier to navigate in a school setting. 

For students in college or device-friendly schools, there are some great apps on both Apple and Android platforms to use for planning purposes. 

Planners also help you prioritize tasks by putting everything you have to do in one place, so you can order tasks by importance and urgency, helping you get ahead and stay ahead.

Make sure you have a backup for everything

“Always be prepared”  isn’t just a mantra for boy scouts. It should be a first principle for any student looking to succeed both inside and outside of the classroom. Always have a spare. This applies to everything, from pencils and pens to folders and notebooks. 

By preparing for the worst ahead of time, if something breaks or gets lost, you don’t waste time searching for a replacement. Knowing you’ve got backups at home and/or in your locker just in case not only provides peace of mind but it also eliminates an excuse for procrastinating.

Retire binders at the end of each semester

Keeping highly organized binders is crucial. However, as students matriculate into middle school and high school, their binders can get full very fast. 

Filing systems at home can be cumbersome and oftentimes lead to things getting lost or bent out of shape in the process. Consider retiring binders at the end of each semester. 

If the size and organization work, create new ones that are set up the exact same way for the new semester. Just instead of labeling it Fall Semester, label it Spring Semester. Dedicate a shelf in the house to keeping the older binders. 

As the years go by, you’ll feel proud of all that you’ve accomplished, and you’ll have quite the library of previous course material for you or your younger siblings to reference. Think of all of the social capital this one move creates. 

Be organized everywhere

Staying organized goes far beyond binders and planners. It’s also about keeping your desk, locker, drawers, and school supply cabinets in order at all times.

Ensure that you have enough materials in all of the places where they are required. 

For example, you may not need a calculator or hole-puncher for your locker and your backpack, and your desk. But it’s probably a good idea to have extra  paper , pencils ,  pens ,  erasers , etc., in most of those places. 

Being prepared and organized turns potential  “procrastination traps”  into workflows that increase productivity. The more effort you put into these systems on the front end, the more time they will save later on. 

If you have siblings or share spaces with other people at home or at school, discuss organization expectations with them . Consider labeling a particular shelf, drawer, or cabinet as yours to maintain. 

Since it is all toward staying organized and maximizing performance, the people around you should respect your wishes. Learning how to have these conversations early in your school career will make the transition to living with a roommate in college much more fluid.

Keep a consistent schedule or routine

Another essential part of staying organized is sticking to a consistent schedule or routine whenever possible. Not only has having a routine been scientifically proven to be great for your health, but it is also a great way to increase productivity. 

Everything from homework and exercise to mealtimes to bedtimes is best when they happen on a set schedule.

An essential consideration when creating a consistent schedule is to make sure that there is enough time allotted for each activity. If you’re always in a rush, it’s difficult to feel organized and in control.

Figure out how much time it takes you to get ready in the mornings, and make sure you wake up with enough time to do everything you need to do at a comfortable, relaxed pace so you make it to class with time to spare. 

The same goes for the rest of the day. Intelligently designed routines translate to calm, productive days. The more rushed you are, the higher the risk of you making simple mistakes on tests and quizzes or forgetting an urgent task.

Consider doing some tasks before they become urgent. For example, if you are more of a night person than a morning person, make your life easier by stacking as much as you can in the evenings when you are more alert. 

You can do things like lay out your clothes for the next day and/or load your backpack in the car the night before instead of waiting for the morning. By doing this, you have one less thing to worry about in the morning. It’s a great way to get the next day started on the right foot.

Staying organized is an essential part of being successful as a student (and as a person), and it doesn’t have to be hard! Following these simple tips can help any student become more organized, more productive, and more relaxed throughout their academic career.

Michelle Sagalyn

President, Successful Study Skills 4 Students

Strong executive functions

Academic success requires the skill and implementation of executive functions, which include  planning ,  organization ,  prioritization , and  execution . 

EF requires self-awareness of one’s own cognitive strengths and limitations and can adapt and tailor one’s learning approach to suit their learning style.

Time management skills

Students that know how to balance multiple responsibilities and effectively manage their time have a good chance of succeeding at school. These students prioritize tasks, use their time efficiently, and avoid procrastination . 

They can balance their academic and personal life effectively and don’t let one affect the other.

Related: 65+ Time Management Tips for Students

Has strong study skills and habits

A good student has honed effective strategies for absorbing and retaining new information. They are proficient in techniques such as  active reading  and  note-taking  and use tools such as flashcards to aid memorization. 

Additionally, they recognize that practice and repetition are crucial for solidifying new knowledge and skills and are willing to seek additional support when needed to strengthen their understanding.

Can manage deadlines

Being well-organized and able to manage assignments, deadlines, and materials effectively is a critical skill all students need for success. 

Keeping track of tasks and due dates and being proactive in planning ahead makes it easier for the successful student to stay on top of responsibilities and be on time with assignments.

Practicing effective note-taking

Note-taking, whether during a class lecture or when reading, is an essential skill for students because it helps them to actively engage with the material they are learning, which leads to remembering and understanding it better. 

Key skills in note-taking require the ability to understand high-level ideas and supporting details.

Has motivation

Motivation is a key factor in the success of a student, as it drives the student to set goals, pursue them, and stay engaged in their work. 

It is the foundation for a student’s willingness to take action and make sacrifices toward achieving their academic goals. Without motivation, a student may find it difficult to persevere through challenges and setbacks, and may ultimately struggle to achieve their academic goals.

Self-advocacy

Self-advocacy is an essential skill for students, as it enables them to communicate their needs and speak up for themselves in academic settings. 

It allows a student to identify their strengths and limitations and takes charge of their own learning. By being an effective self-advocate, a student can build relationships with teachers and other students, navigate the educational system and make informed decisions about their academic and career paths.

Lance Menster

Managing Director of Elementary School Programs, YES Prep Public School

They have a passion for reading, writing, and problem solving

Students with a passion for  reading ,  writing , and  problem-solving  can more easily broaden their vocabulary and articulate concepts accurately and more effectively to others, increasing their communication skills .  

They are also more apt to enjoy the challenges of education. These challenges are the core of a growth mindset; with them, students get the opportunity to take risks, learn to fail, and figure out how to solve their problems.

They practice a growth mindset

The growth mindset believes that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work — natural talent and intelligence are just starting points. 

Students with a growth mindset understand that what may seem like an insurmountable challenge can be achieved with dedication, and they learn from those around them. Their mantra is that I cannot do this yet, but I will improve . 

They develop positive relationships with others

Strong relationships give students a strong foundation for  engagement , belonging , and  learning . The more high-quality relationships students have with their peers and instructors, the better their engagement in their education. 

These students are secure and proud of who they are. They help their peers feel included and strive to work things out with their friends.

They work to build a joyful community  

Students who work to build a joyful community help themselves and their peers see the classroom as a safe, caring environment that provides support. These students learn from their peers and celebrate their peers’ accomplishments. 

This strong community will increase trust in taking academic risks, decrease behavior issues and create a sense of ownership of their education.

They advocate for their needs

The final quality that an exceptional student possesses is the ability to advocate for their needs. They speak up for themselves if they have an issue and know whom to ask for help. 

Self-advocacy creates confidence , independence , and self-sufficiency in students and empowers them to find solutions to their problems that others may not think of. Learning self-advocacy provides students with a life skill that will prepare them to navigate life long after graduation. 

Laurie Kopp Weingarten, CEP

President & Chief Educational Consultant, One-Stop College Counseling

Most of the students I work with are high-achieving teens, and there are definitely some whom I consider to be excellent students.

Here are the traits of the best, most successful students I work with:

They keep lists of what needs to be done

The students who are organized, who keep lists of what needs to be done and then make sure they are completed, are always ahead of the others who are rushing to make deadlines at the last moment. 

The quality of work is better, and they are less stressed because they are typical “early”  to complete their tasks.

Disciplined and focused 

It’s so easy and tempting to be distracted by a text from a friend or by a popular social media post, but the best students know how to block out distractions. 

They may shut their phone off for an hour, work diligently, and then take a quick break to check messages. Or they may limit their phone usage to certain hours of the day. It takes discipline, but teens who have mastered time-management skills are more likely to succeed.

Persistence or grit

Everybody faces setbacks and obstacles, but sometimes students don’t have the coping skills to move forward. It’s important to learn how to push past failures, perhaps finding innovative ways to combat the issues they’re facing.

Good manners or etiquette

Somebody can be a good student but not interact in an appropriate manner. Students should thank teachers/peers for any help they provide, should respond to emails, and show appreciation. 

This is sometimes forgotten in the attempt to be a  “perfect”  student, but good behavior, and paying it forward by helping others, are admirable traits to possess!

Sophie Parker

Head of Content, Oxford Scholastica Academy

Being a good student in 2023 means more than just spending all day in the library and getting straight-A grades. As the world rapidly advances in an age of globalization, digitalization, and climate crisis, good students are more conscious, connected, and committed than ever. 

Here, we look at just some of the qualities of a good student today.

Aware of the various political challenges they’re facing

In an age of increasing politicization of, well, just about everything, it is more vital than ever that students are both aware of the various political challenges we’re facing and also actively engage in solving them.

Whether it’s the climate crisis, human rights concerns or international conflicts, one of the most essential qualities of a successful student in 2023 is a willingness to confront the things they see as unjust and intolerable.

Just look at international figures such as Malala Yousafzai and Greta Thunberg – from supporting strikes and protests to fundraising for causes close to their hearts and writing to local authority figures to inform them of important issues, good students are actively working for change.

How important are international connections?

Good students today will be connected in a way that wasn’t possible 50 years ago. 

Our young people have only ever known a world of constant communication across borders, from news stories televised around the globe to mobile phones and, of course, the internet; we now have access to the international community in a previously unthinkable way.

This virtual access to the world also broadens opportunities to build international networks in person — from Oxford Summer Schools in the UK to subject-specific student conferences across the globe. 

Being a good student means engaging with the experiences of others from all over the globe and using this knowledge to build a better future.

Good students balance their commitments

With a drive to solve global problems, an international network to support them, and access to all of the human knowledge via the internet, it’s valid to ask how good students today manage to balance everything while still maintaining their own well-being.

The answer is that good students today are more aware of their own boundaries and mental health . They are able to tap support networks and take time out in order to return to their work more refreshed than ever.

It’s this combination of skills, engagement, and self-care that sets good students today apart from earlier generations, and we’re sure to reap the rewards of this change in the years to come.

Scott Winstead

Education Technology Expert | Founder,  My eLearning World

A good student is one who displays qualities that guarantee success in education and beyond. Good students possess strong work ethics, a desire to learn, focus, determination, and resilience. 

Has strong work ethics

Having a strong work ethic means that students can plan and organize their tasks accordingly and consistently work towards achieving their goals with focus and consistency. 

Has an insatiable curiosity for knowledge

A good student also has an insatiable curiosity for knowledge; they are willing to keep learning regardless of the subject or lack thereof. 

Has the ability to stay on track

Focus is paramount as it allows a student, despite the many distractions within their environment, the ability to stay on track with the completion of tasks within a given timeframe. 

Can remain focused on accomplishing their goals

Determination and resilience allow these students to continue working hard even when faced with challenges or setbacks, such as failure or not meeting expectations — they remain strongly focused on accomplishing their goals. 

All these qualities assure success both in school and far beyond graduation day.

Danilo Coviello

Founding Partner,  Espresso Translations

As students progress through their academic journey, it is essential that they develop the qualities that make them stand out among their peers. 

These qualities include: 

• Following instructions
• A strong work ethic

Being self-motivated

• Attentiveness
• Asking questions
• Commitment to continuous learning and improvement
• Self-discipline

These qualities are not only important for success in school, but they also play a vital role in the student’s personal and professional development. 

This is why they are important:

They are following instructions

When a student is able to follow instructions, it demonstrates that the student is responsible, reliable, and able to complete tasks as directed. 

Following instructions is essential for success in the classroom, as it allows students to understand and complete assignments, projects, and exams correctly. 

Again, when students follow instructions, they are less likely to make mistakes or misunderstand the task at hand.

They have a strong work ethic

A strong work ethic shows that you are dedicated to your studies and that you put in the necessary time and effort to succeed. 

It also means as a student, you understand that success in school requires hard work, and you are willing to put in the necessary hours to achieve your goal. With a strong work ethic, you have one good student character.

When you have that inner drive to learn, it shows you have a genuine interest in your studies and is excited to learn new things. 

You are able to challenge yourself to pay attention, learn the difficult things, and become a mastermind in the area. Being self-motivated drives you to succeed and helps you stay determined to achieve your goals.

Pay close attention on the task

Attentiveness is a critical quality of a good student. It refers to the ability to pay close attention and focus on the task at hand, whether it be listening to your tutors, reading a textbook, or completing a project. 

An attentive student is able to process and retain information more effectively as they are able to engage fully in the learning process. 

Additionally, being attentive also helps in the student’s daily life. It allows them to have better memory retention and thus helps them to complete their work in a more efficient manner and with few errors.

They ask questions

Asking questions is also an important quality of a good student. It shows that the student is actively engaged in their learning, curious about the subject matter, and interested in expanding their understanding. 

A curious mind or an inquiring mind can easily solve their problems because they can get help easily by asking questions. When you ask questions, it helps you clarify any confusion or misunderstanding you may have about the material being presented. 

It also encourages critical thinking and helps students develop their problem-solving skills. 

They always look for ways to improve themselves

Good students always look for ways to improve themselves and their understanding of the world. They don’t rest on their laurels, always looking for ways to add to their understanding. 

They are constantly seeking out new learning opportunities and are open to feedback and constructive criticism, which can help them better adjust and get them back on track.

Sean de Beerand

Creator, GradePivot

Time management and organization

Good time management is a core part of what makes a good student. This allows them to make the most out of their learning and academics. 

This means using high-yield evidence-based studying techniques, effectively scheduling and prioritizing tasks, setting goals, and meeting deadlines. 

But additionally, time management also helps with other aspects of education, such as participating in sports and extracurriculars. Good time management allows for an overall well-rounded experience. 

Critical thinking and problem-solving

Good students have strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which means they are able to analyze information, make logical and informed decisions, and develop solutions to problems. 

Perhaps most importantly, they are able to think creatively and outside the box, and they are comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty. 

As you become more and more advanced as a student, there is a general move away from simply memorizing and recalling large amounts of material. 

Professors want you to work with the information from many angles. They want you to work with and directly apply that information to new scenarios and see that you have a deep understanding of it.

Always learning

Lastly, a good student is always learning. They actively  seek out new information , learning resources , and  opportunities to grow and develop . 

This allows them to stay current and competitive in their field and to be well-prepared for future opportunities. But beyond this, a good student is naturally curious and wants to learn.

Carson Lang

Co-Founder & COO, Test Prep Insight

As a tutor and test prep instructor, I work with a broad range of students on a daily basis, all with different strengths and weaknesses. Some are naturally bright, some are simply well-standardized test takers, some learn by doing, and others thoroughly study their way to good grades with long hours. 

Good students are the grinders

However, after all these years, I can say that the best students are the grinders. In my experience, it isn’t the brightest or most naturally talented students that perform well in class and on tests. 

It is those that gut it out with hours of studying. These students grind, hour after hour, doing homework and studying for exams. The reality is that most exams require students to memorize and then regurgitate large quantities of substantive information. 

Some tests do require the ability to think critically, make inferences, and solve based on logical deductions, but most simply require you to recall information stored away in your brain. 

That is where good old-fashioned hard work comes into play. Those naturally brilliant students can’t recall information they’ve never learned. 

Good students have grit

That is why it is my belief that the best quality a student can have is grit. Those who are dedicated and work their butt off win out far more often than naturally bright but underachieving and lazy individuals. 

I’ve tutored several students who, I kid you not, must have had IQs under 75. But they worked tirelessly just memorizing information and often outperformed naturally smarter peers.   

Thus, as much as it stinks to hear, the only path to becoming a truly good student is hard work. You need to study, study, study.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a student successful in life.

When it comes to success in life, there are certainly a lot of factors at play. But if we’re talking specifically about what makes a student successful, there are a few key things to keep in mind.

First, a successful student is someone who is motivated and dedicated to their studies. They set goals for themselves and work hard to achieve them, even when things get tough. But that doesn’t mean they never make mistakes or struggle with a particular subject — in fact, learning from failure is an important part of the process.

Another important factor in student success is having a support system in place. This might include teachers, parents, or friends who encourage and inspire them to keep going, even when the going gets tough. And of course, having access to good resources and educational opportunities can make a big difference as well.

But perhaps most importantly, a successful student is someone who is curious and engaged with the world around them. They’re not content to simply memorize information for tests — they actively seek out new knowledge and experiences, and are always looking for ways to learn and grow.

What defines a successful student?

A successful student is someone who consistently achieves their academic goals while also maintaining a healthy balance between their personal and academic life. Here are some qualities that can help define a successful student:

• Passionate : Successful students have a passion for learning and actively seek out new knowledge and challenges. They are curious and always eager to learn more.

• Self-motivated : Successful students are self-motivated and take responsibility for their own learning. They don’t rely solely on their teachers or parents to tell them what to do, but instead take the initiative to study and practice on their own.

• Organized : Successful students are organized and manage their time effectively. They prioritize their tasks and create schedules that allow them to accomplish their goals.

• Resilient : Successful students are resilient and able to bounce back from setbacks. They view failures as opportunities to learn and grow.

• Collaborative : Successful students are collaborative and work well with others. They are able to communicate effectively and contribute to group projects in a positive and constructive manner.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

As you found this post useful...

Share it on social media!

We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

Let us improve this post!

Tell us how we can improve this post?

The Editors

• How to Write Dazzlingly Brilliant Essays: Sharp Advice for Ambitious Students

Rachel McCombie, a graduate of St John’s College, Oxford, shares actionable tips on taking your essays from “Good” to “Outstanding.”

For ambitious students, essays are a chance to showcase academic flair, demonstrate original thinking and impress with advanced written English skills.

The best students relish the challenge of writing essays because they’re a chance to exercise academic research skills and construct interesting arguments. Essays allow you to demonstrate your knowledge, understanding and intelligence in a creative and relatively unrestricted way – provided you keep within the word count! But when lots of other people are answering the same essay question as you, how do you make yours stand out from the crowd? In this article, we’re going to show you the secret of writing a truly brilliant essay.

What are essays actually for?

Before we get into the nitty gritty of how to write an outstanding essay, we need to go right back to basics and think about what essays are actually designed to test. Only by understanding the purpose of an essay can you really begin to understand what it is that tutors are looking for when they read your work. No matter what the academic level of the student is, essays are designed to test many things: – Knowledge – fundamentally, essays test and help consolidate what you’ve read and learned, making them an important part of the learning process, particularly for humanities subjects. –  Comprehension – they test your ability to make sense of and clearly explain complex concepts and issues. – They test your ability to understand the question and produce a considered response to it. – They evaluate your ability to absorb and condense information from a variety of sources , which will probably mean covering a lot of material in a short space of time; this necessitates appraisal of which bits of material are relevant and which are not. – They test your ability to write a balanced and coherent argument that considers a number of points of view. – They showcase your level of written English skills. – They even put your time management to the test – essays are a part of your workload that must be planned, prioritised and delivered to a high standard, to deadline.

Characteristics of the perfect essay

Now that we know why we’re asked to write essays, what are the characteristics that define the essays that impress? The tutors marking your essays may have their own preferences and things they look for in outstanding essays, but let’s take a look at a few of the irrefutable traits of the best.

Original thinking

The hallmark of the truly brilliant essay is original thinking. That doesn’t have to mean coming up with an entirely new theory; most of, if not all, the topics you’ll be studying at GCSE , A-level or even undergraduate level have been thought about in so much depth and by so many people that virtually every possible angle will have been thought of already. But what it does mean is that the essay stands out from those of other students in that it goes beyond the obvious and takes an original approach – perhaps approaching the topic from a different angle, coming up with a different hypothesis from what you’ve been discussing in class, or introducing new evidence and intelligent insights from material not included on the reading list.

Solid, in-depth knowledge and understanding

It goes without saying that the brilliant essay should demonstrate a strong knowledge of the facts, and not just knowledge but sound comprehension of the concepts or issues being discussed and why they matter. The perfect essay demonstrates an ability to deploy relevant facts and use them to form the basis of an argument or hypothesis. It covers a wide range of material and considers every point of view, confidently making use of and quoting from a variety of sources.

Clear structure with intelligent debate

The perfect essay provides a coherent discussion of both sides of the story, developing a balanced argument throughout, and with a conclusion that weighs up the evidence you’ve covered and perhaps provides your own intelligent opinion on how the topic should be interpreted based on the evidence covered.

No superfluous information

Everything written in the perfect essay serves a purpose – to inform and persuade. There’s no rambling or going off at tangents – it sticks to the point and doesn’t waste the reader’s time. This goes back to our earlier point about sorting the relevant facts from the irrelevant material; including material that isn’t relevant shows that you’ve not quite grasped the real heart of the matter.

Exceptional English

The words in the perfect essay flow effortlessly, and the reader feels in safe hands. Sentences need never be read more than once to be understood, and each follows logically on from the next, with no random jumping about from topic to topic from one paragraph to the next. Spelling and grammar are flawless, with no careless typos. So how do you go about writing this mythical Perfect Essay? Read on to find out!

Put in extra background work

Committed students always read beyond what the reading list tells them to read. Guaranteed to impress, wide reading gives you deeper knowledge than your peers and gives you the extra knowledge and insights you need to make your essay stand out. If you’re studying English, for example, don’t just read the set text! Here are some ideas to widen your reading and give you a good range of impressive quotes to include in your essay: – Other works by the same author – how do they compare with your set text? – Works by contemporary authors – does your set text fit into a wider movement, or is it very different from what was being written at the time? – Works by the author’s predecessors – what works inspired the author of your set text? How do you see them shining through in the text you’re studying, and how have they been developed? – Literary criticism – gauge the range of opinions about your set text by reading what the literary critics have to say. Whose opinion do you most agree with, and why? – Background history – so that you can appreciate and refer to the context in which the author was writing (we’ll come back to this last point a little later). It sounds like a lot of extra work, but you don’t necessarily have to read everything in full. It’s fine to dip into these other resources providing you don’t inadvertently take points out of context.

Know what you want to say before you start writing

You’re probably sick of hearing this particular piece of advice, but it’s important to start out with a clear idea in your mind of what you want to say in your essay and how you will structure your arguments. The easiest way to do this is to write an essay plan. This needn’t be a big deal, or time-consuming; all you need to do is to open a new document on your computer, type out the ideas you want to cover and drag and drop them into a logical order. From there, you simply start typing your essay directly into the plan itself. Your essay should include an introduction, a series of paragraphs that develop an argument rather than just jumping from topic to topic, and a conclusion that weighs up the evidence.

Answer the question you’ve been set, not the question you want to answer

A common problem with students’ responses to essays is that rather than answering the question they’ve been set , they try to mould the question to what they’d prefer to write about, because that’s what they feel most comfortable with. Be very careful not to do this! You could end up writing a brilliant essay, but if didn’t actually answer the question then it’s not going to be well received by the person marking it.

Give a balanced argument…

Good essays give both sides of an argument, presenting information impartially and considering multiple points of view. One-sided arguments won’t impress, as you need to show that you’ve thought about the evidence comprehensively.

…but your opinion and interpretation matter too

Show that you’ve made your own mind up based on your weighing up of the evidence. This shows that you’re not just hiding behind what other people say about the topic, but that you’ve had the independence of mind to form your own intelligent opinion about it.

Quote liberally

Use quotations from academic works and sources to back up points you want to make. Doing so strengthens your argument by providing evidence for your statements, as well as demonstrating that you’ve read widely around your subject. However, don’t go too far and write an essay that’s essentially just a list of what other people say about the subject. Quoting too much suggests that you don’t have the confidence or knowledge to explain things in your own words, so have to hide behind those of other people. Make your own mind up about what you’re writing about – as already mentioned, it’s fine to state your own opinion if you’ve considered the arguments and presented the evidence.

Context matters

As we’ve already touched on, if you can demonstrate knowledge of the context of the subject you’re writing about, this will show that you’ve considered possible historical influences that may have shaped a work or issue. This shows that you haven’t simply taken the essay question at face value and demonstrates your ability to think beyond the obvious. An ability to look at the wider picture marks you out as an exceptional student, as many people can’t see the wood for the trees and have a very narrow focus when it comes to writing essays. If you’re an English student, for instance, an author’s work should be considered not in isolation but in the context of the historical events and thinking that helped define the period in which the author was writing. You can’t write about Blake’s poetry without some knowledge and discussion of background events such as the Industrial Revolution, and the development of the Romantic movement as a whole.

Include images and diagrams

You know what they say – a picture speaks a thousand words. What matters in an essay is effective and persuasive communication, and if a picture or diagram will help support a point you’re making, include it. As well as helping to communicate, visuals also make your essay more enjoyable to read for the person marking it – and if they enjoy reading it, the chances are you’ll get better marks! Don’t forget to ensure that you include credits for any images and diagrams you include.

Use full academic citations and a bibliography

Show you mean business by including a full set of academic citations, with a bibliography at the end, even if you haven’t been told to. The great thing about this is that it not only makes you look organised and scholarly, but it also gives you the opportunity to show off just how many extra texts you’ve studied to produce your masterpiece of an essay! Make use of the footnote feature in your word processor and include citations at the bottom of each page, with a main bibliography at the end of the essay. There are different accepted forms for citing an academic reference, but the main thing to remember is to pick one format and be consistent. Typically the citation will include the title and author of the work, the date of publication and the page number(s) of the point or quotation you’re referring to. Here’s an example: 1. Curta, F. (2007) – “Some remarks on ethnicity in medieval archaeology” in Early Medieval Europe 15 (2), pp. 159-185

Before you ask, no, a spell check isn’t good enough! How many times have you typed “form” instead of “from”? That’s just one of a huge number of errors that spell check would simply miss. Your English should be impeccable if you want to be taken seriously, and that means clear and intelligent sentence structures, no misplaced apostrophes, no typos and no grammar crimes. Include your name at the top of each page of your essay, and number the pages. Also, make sure you use a font that’s easy to read, such as Times New Roman or Arial. The person marking your essay won’t appreciate having to struggle through reading a fancy Gothic font, even if it does happen to match the Gothic literature you’re studying!

Meet the deadline

You don’t need us to tell you that, but for the sake of being comprehensive, we’re including it anyway. You could write the best essay ever, but if you deliver it late, it won’t be looked upon favourably! Don’t leave writing your essay until the last minute – start writing with plenty of time to spare, and ideally leave time to sleep on it before you submit it. Allowing time for it to sink in may result in you having a sudden brilliant revelation that you want to include. So there we have it – everything you need to know in order to write an essay to impress. If you want to get ahead, you might also want to think about attending an English summer school .

Image credits: banner

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

• Knowledge Base

The Beginner's Guide to Writing an Essay | Steps & Examples

An academic essay is a focused piece of writing that develops an idea or argument using evidence, analysis, and interpretation.

There are many types of essays you might write as a student. The content and length of an essay depends on your level, subject of study, and course requirements. However, most essays at university level are argumentative — they aim to persuade the reader of a particular position or perspective on a topic.

The essay writing process consists of three main stages:

• Preparation: Decide on your topic, do your research, and create an essay outline.
• Writing : Set out your argument in the introduction, develop it with evidence in the main body, and wrap it up with a conclusion.
• Revision:  Check your essay on the content, organization, grammar, spelling, and formatting of your essay.

Instantly correct all language mistakes in your text

Upload your document to correct all your mistakes in minutes

Table of contents

Essay writing process, preparation for writing an essay, writing the introduction, writing the main body, writing the conclusion, essay checklist, lecture slides, frequently asked questions about writing an essay.

The writing process of preparation, writing, and revisions applies to every essay or paper, but the time and effort spent on each stage depends on the type of essay .

For example, if you’ve been assigned a five-paragraph expository essay for a high school class, you’ll probably spend the most time on the writing stage; for a college-level argumentative essay , on the other hand, you’ll need to spend more time researching your topic and developing an original argument before you start writing.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

Before you start writing, you should make sure you have a clear idea of what you want to say and how you’re going to say it. There are a few key steps you can follow to make sure you’re prepared:

• Understand your assignment: What is the goal of this essay? What is the length and deadline of the assignment? Is there anything you need to clarify with your teacher or professor?
• Define a topic: If you’re allowed to choose your own topic , try to pick something that you already know a bit about and that will hold your interest.
• Do your research: Read  primary and secondary sources and take notes to help you work out your position and angle on the topic. You’ll use these as evidence for your points.
• Come up with a thesis:  The thesis is the central point or argument that you want to make. A clear thesis is essential for a focused essay—you should keep referring back to it as you write.
• Create an outline: Map out the rough structure of your essay in an outline . This makes it easier to start writing and keeps you on track as you go.

Once you’ve got a clear idea of what you want to discuss, in what order, and what evidence you’ll use, you’re ready to start writing.

The introduction sets the tone for your essay. It should grab the reader’s interest and inform them of what to expect. The introduction generally comprises 10–20% of the text.

1. Hook your reader

The first sentence of the introduction should pique your reader’s interest and curiosity. This sentence is sometimes called the hook. It might be an intriguing question, a surprising fact, or a bold statement emphasizing the relevance of the topic.

Let’s say we’re writing an essay about the development of Braille (the raised-dot reading and writing system used by visually impaired people). Our hook can make a strong statement about the topic:

The invention of Braille was a major turning point in the history of disability.

2. Provide background on your topic

Next, it’s important to give context that will help your reader understand your argument. This might involve providing background information, giving an overview of important academic work or debates on the topic, and explaining difficult terms. Don’t provide too much detail in the introduction—you can elaborate in the body of your essay.

3. Present the thesis statement

Next, you should formulate your thesis statement— the central argument you’re going to make. The thesis statement provides focus and signals your position on the topic. It is usually one or two sentences long. The thesis statement for our essay on Braille could look like this:

As the first writing system designed for blind people’s needs, Braille was a groundbreaking new accessibility tool. It not only provided practical benefits, but also helped change the cultural status of blindness.

4. Map the structure

In longer essays, you can end the introduction by briefly describing what will be covered in each part of the essay. This guides the reader through your structure and gives a preview of how your argument will develop.

The invention of Braille marked a major turning point in the history of disability. The writing system of raised dots used by blind and visually impaired people was developed by Louis Braille in nineteenth-century France. In a society that did not value disabled people in general, blindness was particularly stigmatized, and lack of access to reading and writing was a significant barrier to social participation. The idea of tactile reading was not entirely new, but existing methods based on sighted systems were difficult to learn and use. As the first writing system designed for blind people’s needs, Braille was a groundbreaking new accessibility tool. It not only provided practical benefits, but also helped change the cultural status of blindness. This essay begins by discussing the situation of blind people in nineteenth-century Europe. It then describes the invention of Braille and the gradual process of its acceptance within blind education. Subsequently, it explores the wide-ranging effects of this invention on blind people’s social and cultural lives.

Write your essay introduction

The body of your essay is where you make arguments supporting your thesis, provide evidence, and develop your ideas. Its purpose is to present, interpret, and analyze the information and sources you have gathered to support your argument.

Length of the body text

The length of the body depends on the type of essay. On average, the body comprises 60–80% of your essay. For a high school essay, this could be just three paragraphs, but for a graduate school essay of 6,000 words, the body could take up 8–10 pages.

Paragraph structure

To give your essay a clear structure , it is important to organize it into paragraphs . Each paragraph should be centered around one main point or idea.

That idea is introduced in a  topic sentence . The topic sentence should generally lead on from the previous paragraph and introduce the point to be made in this paragraph. Transition words can be used to create clear connections between sentences.

After the topic sentence, present evidence such as data, examples, or quotes from relevant sources. Be sure to interpret and explain the evidence, and show how it helps develop your overall argument.

Lack of access to reading and writing put blind people at a serious disadvantage in nineteenth-century society. Text was one of the primary methods through which people engaged with culture, communicated with others, and accessed information; without a well-developed reading system that did not rely on sight, blind people were excluded from social participation (Weygand, 2009). While disabled people in general suffered from discrimination, blindness was widely viewed as the worst disability, and it was commonly believed that blind people were incapable of pursuing a profession or improving themselves through culture (Weygand, 2009). This demonstrates the importance of reading and writing to social status at the time: without access to text, it was considered impossible to fully participate in society. Blind people were excluded from the sighted world, but also entirely dependent on sighted people for information and education.

See the full essay example

Receive feedback on language, structure, and formatting

Professional editors proofread and edit your paper by focusing on:

• Academic style
• Vague sentences
• Style consistency

See an example

The conclusion is the final paragraph of an essay. It should generally take up no more than 10–15% of the text . A strong essay conclusion :

• Returns to your thesis
• Ties together your main points
• Shows why your argument matters

A great conclusion should finish with a memorable or impactful sentence that leaves the reader with a strong final impression.

What not to include in a conclusion

To make your essay’s conclusion as strong as possible, there are a few things you should avoid. The most common mistakes are:

• Including new arguments or evidence
• Undermining your arguments (e.g. “This is just one approach of many”)
• Using concluding phrases like “To sum up…” or “In conclusion…”

Braille paved the way for dramatic cultural changes in the way blind people were treated and the opportunities available to them. Louis Braille’s innovation was to reimagine existing reading systems from a blind perspective, and the success of this invention required sighted teachers to adapt to their students’ reality instead of the other way around. In this sense, Braille helped drive broader social changes in the status of blindness. New accessibility tools provide practical advantages to those who need them, but they can also change the perspectives and attitudes of those who do not.

Write your essay conclusion

Checklist: Essay

My essay follows the requirements of the assignment (topic and length ).

My introduction sparks the reader’s interest and provides any necessary background information on the topic.

My introduction contains a thesis statement that states the focus and position of the essay.

I use paragraphs to structure the essay.

I use topic sentences to introduce each paragraph.

Each paragraph has a single focus and a clear connection to the thesis statement.

I make clear transitions between paragraphs and ideas.

My conclusion doesn’t just repeat my points, but draws connections between arguments.

I don’t introduce new arguments or evidence in the conclusion.

I have given an in-text citation for every quote or piece of information I got from another source.

I have included a reference page at the end of my essay, listing full details of all my sources.

My citations and references are correctly formatted according to the required citation style .

My essay has an interesting and informative title.

I have followed all formatting guidelines (e.g. font, page numbers, line spacing).

Your essay meets all the most important requirements. Our editors can give it a final check to help you submit with confidence.

Open Google Slides Download PowerPoint

An essay is a focused piece of writing that explains, argues, describes, or narrates.

In high school, you may have to write many different types of essays to develop your writing skills.

Academic essays at college level are usually argumentative : you develop a clear thesis about your topic and make a case for your position using evidence, analysis and interpretation.

The structure of an essay is divided into an introduction that presents your topic and thesis statement , a body containing your in-depth analysis and arguments, and a conclusion wrapping up your ideas.

The structure of the body is flexible, but you should always spend some time thinking about how you can organize your essay to best serve your ideas.

Your essay introduction should include three main things, in this order:

• An opening hook to catch the reader’s attention.
• Relevant background information that the reader needs to know.
• A thesis statement that presents your main point or argument.

The length of each part depends on the length and complexity of your essay .

A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.

The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons:

• It gives your writing direction and focus.
• It gives the reader a concise summary of your main point.

Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.

A topic sentence is a sentence that expresses the main point of a paragraph . Everything else in the paragraph should relate to the topic sentence.

At college level, you must properly cite your sources in all essays , research papers , and other academic texts (except exams and in-class exercises).

Add a citation whenever you quote , paraphrase , or summarize information or ideas from a source. You should also give full source details in a bibliography or reference list at the end of your text.

The exact format of your citations depends on which citation style you are instructed to use. The most common styles are APA , MLA , and Chicago .

Is this article helpful?

Other students also liked.

• How long is an essay? Guidelines for different types of essay
• How to write an essay introduction | 4 steps & examples
• How to conclude an essay | Interactive example

More interesting articles

• Checklist for academic essays | Is your essay ready to submit?
• Comparing and contrasting in an essay | Tips & examples
• Example of a great essay | Explanations, tips & tricks
• Generate topic ideas for an essay or paper | Tips & techniques
• How to revise an essay in 3 simple steps
• How to structure an essay: Templates and tips
• How to write a descriptive essay | Example & tips
• How to write a literary analysis essay | A step-by-step guide
• How to write a narrative essay | Example & tips
• How to write a rhetorical analysis | Key concepts & examples
• How to Write a Thesis Statement | 4 Steps & Examples
• How to write an argumentative essay | Examples & tips
• How to write an essay outline | Guidelines & examples
• How to write an expository essay
• How to write the body of an essay | Drafting & redrafting
• Kinds of argumentative academic essays and their purposes
• Organizational tips for academic essays
• The four main types of essay | Quick guide with examples
• Transition sentences | Tips & examples for clear writing

Unlimited Academic AI-Proofreading

✔ Document error-free in 5minutes ✔ Unlimited document corrections ✔ Specialized in correcting academic texts

30 Qualities of A Good Student

• Post author By admin
• August 23, 2023

Discover the 30 qualities of a good student. From curiosity to adaptability, unlock the secrets to academic success and personal growth. Be inspired to become not just a good student, but an exceptional one!

Hey there, fellow learners and future champions of the classroom! Ever wondered what makes some students stand out like shining stars? Well, get ready to dive into a journey through the 30 qualities that make a good student truly extraordinary.

Being a top-notch student isn’t just about acing tests (though that’s definitely a cool skill to have). It’s about rocking qualities that not only make your teachers nod in approval but also make your friends go, “Wow, how do they do that?”

Think of these qualities as your personal toolkit for success. They’re the secret sauce that not only helps you conquer the toughest subjects but also shapes you into someone who’s ready to take on the world.

From being curious enough to ask questions that could stump a genius, to having the superpower of adapting to any classroom curveball, these qualities are your guide to becoming a real-life superhero.

Whether you’re in kindergarten, high school, or somewhere in between, these qualities are like your trusty sidekicks.

They’re the ones who cheer you on when you’re racing against the clock to finish that assignment or whisper words of wisdom when you’re facing a challenging math problem.

So, get excited because we’re about to uncover the magic behind being an awesome student. Get ready to explore how a bit of positivity, a sprinkle of creativity, and a whole lot of determination can turn you into not just a good student, but a legendary learner. Let’s dive in and discover how you can shine both in and out of the classroom! 

Table of Contents

Have a close look at 30 qualities of a good student:-

1. Curiosity

Think about that student who’s like a professional question-asker, always eager to dive deeper. They’re the ones who won’t stop until they’ve watched five documentaries, interviewed experts, and maybe even started a club about the topic they’re passionate about.

2. Positive Attitude

Imagine having a friend who can make a rainy day feel like a party. When faced with a tough math problem, they’d be the ones saying, “Okay, this might be a challenge, but it’s also a chance to show math who’s boss!”

3. Hardworking

These are the students who practically live in the library (or their bedroom) because they’re so committed to getting things right. They’re the ones you see burning the midnight oil, not because they have to, but because they genuinely want to.

4. Time Management

Picture a student who’s practically the Einstein of scheduling. They’ve got planners, calendars, and apps all working together to ensure they never miss a beat, whether it’s a test, a project deadline, or just hanging out with friends.

5. Adaptability

Adaptable students are like academic chameleons. New learning style? No problem! Online classes? They’ve got it covered. They’re quick to embrace change and make it work for them.

6. Critical Thinking

These are the skeptics who make you question everything in a good way. In a history class, they won’t just nod and accept; they’ll dive into different sources, ask ‘why’ a million times, and turn debates into lively discussions.

7. Effective Communication

These students are like the language wizards of Hogwarts. They can turn a complex idea into something as easy to understand as a YouTube tutorial. They’re the friends you run to when you’re stuck on a concept.

In group projects, empathetic students are like human glue, keeping everyone together. They’re the ones who not only listen to ideas but also tune into how everyone’s feeling, making sure nobody’s left out.

9. Organization

Imagine someone whose desk looks like a stationery store display. Their notes are color-coded, their files are labeled, and their life is so organized you wonder if they’ve discovered a secret time-turner.

10. Motivation

These students are the champions of ambition. They don’t just aim high; they aim for the stars. Whether it’s acing a test, winning a debate competition, or starting their own podcast, they’re fueled by passion.

11. Responsibility

They’re the responsible pals in group projects. If something goes wrong, they’re the ones stepping up, admitting their part, and brainstorming solutions, proving that teamwork makes the dream work.

12. Collaborative

In group projects, they’re like the coordinators of a grand performance. They make sure everyone’s ideas are heard and valued, turning group work into a fun and creative experience.

13. Creativity

Good students are the Hogwarts-level magicians of academics. For a science project, they won’t settle for a simple volcano; they’ll concoct a crazy experiment that’ll make jaws drop.

14. Persistence

These are the real-life Rocky Balboas of learning. When they hit a wall, they keep going. They know that progress comes from effort, and they’re ready to put in the work.

15. Integrity

These students are like the moral compasses of their class. They’re the ones who’d rather fail than cheat, and they inspire others to do the right thing.

16. Goal-Oriented

They’re like the navigators of their own ships. They set their sights on specific targets and steer toward them with unwavering determination, even when the sea gets rough.

17. Study Habits

Imagine students who approach studying like they’re crafting a masterpiece. Visual learners create vibrant mind maps; auditory learners teach concepts to their imaginary class, and kinesthetic learners turn their rooms into interactive learning spaces.

18. Cultural Awareness

They’re the cultural explorers, diving into different cultures, trying new cuisines, and even learning a few phrases in different languages to truly embrace diversity.

19. Leadership Skills

Whether they’re leading a dance troupe or spearheading a charity drive, they don’t just lead; they inspire and motivate everyone around them.

20. Tech-Savviness

In this era of emojis and hashtags, they’re the fluent speakers of the digital language. They’re comfortable with tech tools, apps, and online platforms that help them learn smarter.

21. Financial Literacy

Imagine students who not only know how to handle money but also how to make money work for them. They understand budgeting, investing, and saving for their future.

22. Healthy Lifestyle

They’re the gurus of holistic well-being. They know that a balanced life isn’t just about good grades but also about staying active, eating well, and nurturing their mental health.

23. Environmental Awareness

Good students are like the Earth’s protectors. They recycle, advocate for sustainable practices, and are always the first to join a beach cleanup or tree-planting event.

24. Networking

They’re the social connectors. They’re the ones who effortlessly make friends, build relationships with mentors, and create networks that span across fields.

25. Respect for Authority

Even when they disagree, they do it respectfully. They understand that respect fosters a positive learning environment and healthy conversations.

26. Global Perspective

They’re like global ambassadors, staying informed about world events and engaging in discussions about global issues. They’re the ones who remind us that we’re all part of a bigger picture.

25. Conflict Resolution

When conflicts arise, they’re the peacemakers. They tackle disagreements calmly and find solutions that leave everyone smiling.

28. Lifelong Learning

For them, learning isn’t just a phase; it’s a lifelong adventure. They know that education doesn’t end with a diploma; it continues with every experience and lesson life offers.

29. Admirable Character

They’re the heroes of kindness, reliability, and honesty. Their good character earns them the respect and trust of everyone they meet.

30. Balance

They’re the experts at keeping all the plates spinning. They know when to study hard, when to relax, and when to enjoy life’s adventures, striking a perfect balance.

These qualities make students not just academically stellar but also incredible people who bring positivity to their communities and personal growth. 

What are the qualities of good student?

Have a close look at some of the good qualities of a good student:-

Ever met someone who’s always asking, “Why?” That’s a good student for you. They’re naturally curious, like a detective on a mission. They don’t stop at what’s taught in class; they dive deeper, explore further, and never stop wondering.

Positive Attitude

Good students are the eternal optimists of the classroom. Challenges? Bring ’em on! They see them as chances to grow, like levels in a video game. They believe in themselves and their ability to conquer whatever comes their way.

Hardworking

These students are the quiet heroes. They’re the ones who put in the extra hours, burning the midnight oil to get that assignment just right. Diligence is their middle name.

Time Management

Ever seen someone juggle flaming torches while riding a unicycle ? Well, that’s how good students manage their time. Schedules, to-do lists, and prioritizing tasks are their secret weapons.

Adaptability

They’re like chameleons in the classroom. Whether it’s traditional lectures or the virtual world of online learning, they thrive. They adapt, adjust, and make the most of every situation.

Critical Thinking

Good students are the Sherlock Holmes of the class. They don’t just read; they analyze, question, and connect the dots. Facts are like puzzle pieces, and they love putting them together.

Effective Communication

These are the smooth talkers and eloquent writers. They express ideas with clarity, whether through essays, presentations, or lively class debates. They’re the ones everyone wants on their team for group discussions.

Good students have hearts as big as their brains. They listen to others, understand different viewpoints, and lend a caring ear when someone needs it. They make the classroom feel like a warm and inclusive place.

Organization

Imagine their study space as a perfectly arranged art gallery. Binders, notes, and assignments are neatly organized, making them the masters of finding what they need, when they need it.

They’ve got goals, and they’re not stopping until they reach them. Their inner drive is like rocket fuel, propelling them towards success.

Responsibility

These students are the first to admit when they goof up. They learn from their mistakes and never pass the blame to others. Responsibility is their hallmark.

Collaboration

They’re the dream teammates. In group projects, they bring diverse ideas together, respect different perspectives, and make sure everyone shines.

These qualities not only make a student academically successful but also contribute to their personal growth and positive impact on their community.

What are 3 characteristics of an ideal student?

Have a close look at 3 characteristics of an ideal student:-

An ideal student is like that friend who’s always excited about learning new things. They approach their studies with a kind of infectious energy, and you can see the sparkle in their eyes when they talk about what they’ve learned.

They’re not just in the classroom to pass tests; they genuinely love soaking up knowledge like a sponge.

Inquisitiveness

Think of them as the perpetual question-askers. They’re never satisfied with just the surface explanation; they want to dig deeper.

You’ll often hear them say, “But why does it work that way?” or “I wonder what happens if…” They’re like little detectives on a quest for answers.

Respectful Manners

These students are not just polite; they’re the ones who make you feel valued. They listen when others speak, they’re considerate of different viewpoints, and they’re the first to offer a helping hand when someone’s stuck.

They create a classroom vibe where everyone feels heard and appreciated.

So, an ideal student is not just about hitting the books; they bring an infectious enthusiasm, endless curiosity, and a dash of kindness to the learning journey. 

What are 5 characteristics of successful students?

Have a close look at the 5 characteristics of successful students:-

Self-Motivation

Successful students are like those friends who have their own cheering section. They don’t need someone to tell them to hit the books; they’re driven by their own ambitions. Whether it’s acing a test or finishing a project, they’ve got their internal motivation game strong.

These students are like the maestros of scheduling. They know how to juggle studies, hobbies, and hanging out with friends without breaking a sweat. They’ve got this uncanny ability to fit everything into a day, and they make it look easy.

Successful students are the chameleons of the classroom. Whether it’s switching to online learning or facing a surprise quiz, they roll with the punches and turn challenges into opportunities. They’re like the cool cats who can handle any curveball life throws.

Think of them as the classroom detectives. They’re not satisfied with just learning facts; they want to dig deep and understand the “whys” and “hows.” They’re the ones who turn any topic into a fascinating puzzle to solve.

Collaboration Skills

These are your ultimate teamwork champs. Remember that awesome group project? They’re the glue that held it all together. They listen, they communicate, and they find common ground even when opinions clash.

Incorporating these five traits isn’t just about acing exams; it’s about rocking life with the kind of skills that make you stand out in any crowd.

And there you have it, the wonderful world of “30 Qualities of a Good Student”! It’s not just a checklist; it’s like a treasure map leading you to a world of success, growth, and being an all-around amazing person.

So, what’s the takeaway from this adventure? Well, being a good student isn’t just about acing tests and winning gold stars (though those are pretty cool too). It’s about having qualities that make you shine as a friend, a learner, and a future leader.

Remember, it’s not about nailing all 30 qualities in a single day. It’s about embracing them one by one, letting them become a part of who you are.

From curiosity that makes you a knowledge sponge to empathy that turns you into a caring buddy, these qualities are like tools in your backpack of life.

Whether you’re starting kindergarten or heading into your final year of college, these qualities are your buddies. They’ll guide you through the twists and turns of your educational journey.

And guess what? They don’t just stop when you get that diploma; they stay with you as you conquer life’s adventures.

So, go on and be the student who asks the intriguing questions, who faces challenges like a superhero, and who spreads positivity like confetti.

Your journey as a good student is more than just hitting the books; it’s about lighting up the world with your unique awesomeness.

Now go out there and rock that learning journey, one quality at a time. You’ve got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can a positive attitude impact a student’s academic performance.

A positive attitude enhances motivation, reduces stress, and promotes a proactive approach to learning, resulting in improved academic performance.

What is the significance of adaptability in a student’s life?

Adaptability enables students to navigate changes, learn from new experiences, and thrive in various situations, contributing to holistic development.

Why are organizational skills important for students?

Organizational skills streamline tasks, boost efficiency, and help students manage their time and resources effectively, leading to better academic outcomes.

How does cultural awareness benefit students?

Cultural awareness promotes empathy, open-mindedness, and global understanding, enriching the learning experience and preparing students for a diverse world.

Why is a lifelong learning mindset essential?

Embracing a lifelong learning mindset ensures personal growth, adaptability, and the acquisition of new skills throughout different stages of life.

• australia (2)
• duolingo (13)
• Education (264)
• General (59)
• How To (16)
• IELTS (127)
• Latest Updates (162)
• Malta Visa (6)
• Permanent residency (1)
• Programming (31)
• Scholarship (1)
• Sponsored (4)
• Study Abroad (187)
• Technology (12)
• work permit (8)

Recent Posts

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 11 places to find great college essay examples.

College Essays

 Sure, you might know the theory behind what a college essay is supposed to sound and look like . But just like reading a description of the Golden Gate Bridge pales in comparison to seeing it in person, there’s no replacement for seeing actual college essays written by students just like you. Well, almost like you – they’ve since gotten into college.

But where do you find good sources for reading sample college essays? How can you make sure that these resources will actually strengthen and improve your writing? And what is the best way to use the college essay examples that you do find? In this article, I’ll go over the best books and websites for finding essays, I’ll point out a few to avoid, and I’ll explain how to make the most out of other people’s essays while avoiding common pitfalls.

Why Look At College Essay Examples?

There are some very good reasons for wanting to check out how other people have handled the college admissions essay.

First, because you'll be able to get a better sense of what colleges are looking for, you will necessarily broaden your own topic brainstorming past your first, easiest, and most c lichéd i deas . It's one thing to hear that a completely mundane topic is way better than one focusing on your greatest sports moment. But once you see other students writing about a family meal, or an obsession with a particular board game, or a love of cultivating cacti, you'll be convinced to find your essay in the small moments of your life.

Second, you'll see how your life and writing compares to that of your peers . The great diversity of voices, topics, tones, points of view will show you just how many things you could possibly write about, and how to keep the essay connected to your personality and your voice.

Finally, if you really do have a good story to tell about something that gets written about a lot, like divorce, pet death, a community service trip, or winning the big game, you can get ideas for how to approach a potentially lackluster essay topic in a novel and striking way .

What Makes A Good Sample College Essay Resource?

First, the basics. A source is only as good as its content, so make sure you're reading  college essays that worked, from people who actually got into the schools they applied to . Also, it's best to focus on new essays (not older than 10-15 years), so you are reading what has worked in the most recent past, rather than seeing outdated ideas and historical perspectives.

Next, what you really want is diversity in voice and perspective . Make sure the essays featured come from many different kinds of students: either from applicants to both top and lower-tier schools; or from students with different ethnic, economic, and racial backgrounds; or from writers using both formal and more experimental essay techniques.

Finally, the best sources of admission essays will feature explanatory material . This will give each essay some kind of context: commentary on what makes the essay good, explanations of the drafting process, or, at least, biographical information about students. Without commentary or context, it’s hard to know what you’re supposed to learn from the essays you read.

Where to Find Great College Essay Examples

Here are my recommendations for excellent resources, as well as some warnings about resources that I think you should avoid. 

College Essays Collected in Books

I've taken a look at many of the books that collect college essays, so here are my recommendations. I've divided them into three categories:

• Excellent  – meaning  having really diverse essays or very helpful commentary on each essay, or both
• Worthwhile  – meaning either a helpful collection of essays without a lot of context or commentary, or some great advice but a narrow selection of essays geared toward one particular type of school
• Don't Bother   – not useful either as a source of college essays or as a source of essay-writing advice and explanations

Also, please note that although I’ve listed the Amazon prices for all the books, you should definitely check your school and public library for copies before buying them. And even if your library doesn't have a copy, ask them to request one either from another library in the same system or even from the Library of Congress through interlibrary loan .

Excellent Books

Heavenly Essays: 50 Narrative College Application Essays That Worked  

Written by Janine W. Robinson, who blogs about college essays at EssayHell , this book features great sample essays. But it's Robinson's precise and clear explanations of how to use a narrative style in your essay to tell a story about your life that make the book really outstanding. Through long and detailed commentary on each essay, Robinson shows why narrative is exactly the kind of structure that works best for personal essays. You can check out sample sections from the book on her blog. The book retails for $10 new on Amazon.

On Writing the College Application Essay, 25th Anniversary Edition: The Key to Acceptance at the College of Your Choice

Harry Bauld used to be an admissions officer at Brown, so he certainly knows what he is talking about when he writes about  how and why to avoid clichés and explains how to find and keep your specific voice . Bauld demonstrates his points with sample essays, showing how they go from first to final draft. The book is easy to read, uses humor to make points, and his advice will carry over into your college writing as well. It is $12.50 new on Amazon, but there are much cheaper used copies available there as well.

The Berkeley Book of College Essays: Personal Statements for California Universities and Other Select Schools

This compilation features college admissions essays written by seniors from Berkeley High School (which is not affiliated with UC Berkeley). Because the city of Berkeley is economically, racially, and ethnically very diverse, these essays are about many different interests, perspectives, and experiences, and are written in many different styles and tones . Although there is no commentary for the essays, this collection is a great way to get a sense of the broad array of essay possibilities.

Also, because many of the students from Berkeley High apply to UC schools, this collection separates out UC application essay packages. (If you are interested in UC, also check out our own guide to writing excellent UC essays !) This book is currently $15 on Amazon. 

50 Successful Harvard Application Essays: What Worked for Them Can Help You Get into the College of Your Choice

Edited by the staff of the Harvard Crimson, this is a great collection of essays from a not particularly diverse group of students. It is very useful to see how the very top students approach the college essay, as long as their best effort neither intimidates nor stymies you. The contextual material is excellent, with helpful explanations of what makes each essay work well. This book retails for $12 new on Amazon, with much cheaper used copies also available.

Worthwhile Books

College Essays That Made a Difference, 6th Edition

This Princeton Review guide is mostly distinguished by its introductory material, which has detailed interviews with many different colleges at many different tiers about what role essays play in college applications, what kind of mistakes are okay, and what to write and not to write about. The sample essays themselves come without commentary, but each features a very short bio of the student, including test scores, GPA, a list of colleges where the person applied, and a list of colleges where the person got in. Right now, it's $11.50 new on Amazon, but there are cheaper used copies as well.

50 Successful Ivy League Application Essays

This collection of of college essays that worked, edited by Gen and Kelly Tanabe, has somewhat spare, but insightful, commentary explaining what each essay does well and what it could have done better . It also includes an interview with an admissions officer explaining how essays are used in admissions decisions and some comments from students about the writing process. The link above is to a downloadable PDF file.

50 Successful Stanford Application Essays: Get into Stanford and Other Top Colleges  

If you like the Tanabes' approach (they are the authors of the previous book), then you will find this one useful as well. The narrow diversity of essay content and the style of commentary (thoughtful, but not particularly detailed or expansive) is very similar. It's priced at $13.25 new on Amazon with some used options as well.

Fiske Real College Essays That Work  

The "Fiske" of the title is Edward Fiske, who used to be the Education editor of the NY Times, and who therefore has some experience with what colleges want from their applicants. The book itself features an introduction with some helpful essay-writing tips, a diverse selection of essays built around narrative, but unfortunately has very little commentary to go with each essay . It retails for $12.50 new on Amazon, with cheaper used options available.

2015 Elite College Application Essays

Although there's almost no commentary or discussion of what makes these essays work, this book is a reasonably good collection of essays from students who are now enrolled at Ivy and other top-tier schools. What's particularly appealing about this college essay compilation is how very new these essays are: all are from students who became freshmen in 2015 . The book is $14 new on Amazon.

Don't Bother

100 Successful College Application Essays

I'd recommend not spending your time on any of the editions of this collection. The essays are decades old in some cases, the topics are clichéd and boring, and there is little to no commentary to make any of them useful. 

College Essays Published Online

I'll split my recommendations here into "worthwhile" and "don't bother" categories. There aren't any truly great collections of sample college essays online.

Individual College Websites . There are many essays published online by the various colleges where these students now go. This means these essays are guaranteed to be real, authentic, and to have worked on someone's application . Some of the essays even come with brief commentary by admissions officers about what makes them great. (The link will take you to our list of over 130 essays from more than 15 different colleges.)

Teen Ink Magazine . Teen Ink publishes all sorts of writing by teens, including college admission essays, which are split off into their own section on the site. The essays necessary feature a wide range of experiences and perspectives, so this is a great place to get a broad sense of what other students are writing about. The essays don't have any context except comment sections that run the gamut from generic “this is good” comments to some insight. Readers also get a chance to vote on which essays are featured as #1, #2, etc., which may be misleading because readers of Teen Ink aren't admissions officers.

Don't Bother 

Watch out for paid websites like AdmitSee, CollegeMapper, and Acceptional, which claim to give you access to college essays for a monthly or fixed fee. Because of the paywall, there's no way to verify the quality of the essays these sites have. Also, there are enough books that you could borrow from your library that you don’t need to pay monthly fees to these places. Finally, I would particularly stay away from AdmidSee, which uses Amazon reviews for other essay resources as a marketing platform.

The Best Ways To Use College Admission Essay Samples

So now that you've rounded up a bunch of sample college essays, what should you do with them? Here are some tips for your next steps.

When Should You Read Essay Examples?

I'd advise waiting until after you've done some brainstorming of your own before you start immersing yourself in other people's work and ideas. (If you're not sure how to brainstorm, check out our guide to coming up with great college essay topics .)

This way, you can use other people’s essays to think about different possibilities for writing about your own topic. For example, looking at how other people tackled their life experience can show you:

• how to focus on a different detail in your own story
• how to change the insight you want to draw from your story
• how to think about different ways to start and end your narrative

What Can Good College Essays Teach You?

There are both broad and specific learning opportunities to be found in reading other people's work.

Broadly speaking, seeing how other people are approaching the problem of writing a college essay can jog your own creative process. Likewise, reading a diversity of thoughts and voices will show you that even the most normal and boring seeming experiences be made into riveting essays.

More specifically, if you find essays from applicants to your target school, you can get some sense of the level of sophistication they expect to see from your writing. 

Finally, good context and commentary on the essays can show you how they are put together and what makes them work. You can then put this advice to use when rewriting your essay later.

Pitfalls To Avoid

Of course, being surrounded by other people's work, especially when some of that work is much better than what you think you can manage, has its share of temptations. So what do you need to guard against when looking at sample essays?

Plagiarism. This one is basic and obvious. Do not copy these sample essays! Admissions officers have seen them all, read them all, memorized them all – you will not get away with it.

Copying and mimicry. Think of this as a softer kind of plagiarism. Even if you really like someone else’s style, don’t borrow it. Even if someone’s life sounds more exciting than yours, don’t steal a piece of it for your own essay. Why? Because if you don’t sound like yourself, it will be visible to an experienced reader (and guess what, admissions officers are very experienced readers). Also, if you’re writing about experiences that aren't yours, your unfamiliarity will show through the lack of believable details.

Resources for Essay Writing Advice

In researching this article, I came across books and websites that don't necessarily feature a lot of sample essays, but that give really excellent advice on writing your own college essay. I strongly recommend you spend some time checking them out.

Essay Hell blog . This great resource is written by Janine Anderson Robinson, an English teacher and a journalist, whose book Heavenly Essays I recommended above. The blog posts feature lots and lots of well-explained, detailed, easy to understand advice about how to write your essay, and are broken down into easy to understand, bite-sized nuggets of usefulness.

Slate 's Getting In podcast . The entire series is an interesting look at the college application process, with useful tips and explanations about all aspects what seniors are going through. Check out Episode 2: The Essay , in which a student gets feedback in real time on their essay from a former Princeton director of admissions and a panel of experts talk about essay dos and don’ts. The episode is 26 minutes long.

The College Essay Trap: Rescue Your College Application Essay From the "Maybe" Pile

This is incredibly concise and excellent explanation of what not to do and what to avoid when writing your personal statement. It's short, sweet, to the point, and is praised to the skies by legendary Princeton admissions dean Fred Hargadon. Currently $12 new on Amazon.

The Bottom Line

• Look at college essay examples to broaden your own topic brainstorming and get ideas for fixing lackluster topics.
• Look for resources with diverse and recent essays, from many different kinds of students and with explanatory material that explains what makes each essay good.
• Look at essay samples after you’ve generated some of your own ideas to think about different possibilities for writing about your own topic.
• Seeing how other people are approaching the problem of writing a college essay can jog your creative process.
• Avoid both actual plagiarism and “borrowing”: don’t use someone else’s style, voice, or life experiences as your own.

What’s Next?

If you’re starting to work on college essays, check out our article laying out every single kind of essay prompt out there and a step by step guide to writing a great college essay .

Are you working on the Common App essay? Read our  breakdown of the Common App prompts  and our guide to  picking the best prompt for you.

Or maybe you're interested in the University of California? Check out  our complete guide to the UC personal statements .

Working on other pieces of your college applications? We’ve got guides to  choosing the right college for you ,  writing about extracurriculars , and  requesting teacher recommendations .

Thinking about taking the SAT one last time, or prepping for your first run at it? Read  our ultimate guide to studying for the SAT  and make sure you're as prepared as possible.

Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points? We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

Anna scored in the 99th percentile on her SATs in high school, and went on to major in English at Princeton and to get her doctorate in English Literature at Columbia. She is passionate about improving student access to higher education.

Student and Parent Forum

Our new student and parent forum, at ExpertHub.PrepScholar.com , allow you to interact with your peers and the PrepScholar staff. See how other students and parents are navigating high school, college, and the college admissions process. Ask questions; get answers.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

Improve With Our Famous Guides

• For All Students

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 160+ SAT Points

How to Get a Perfect 1600, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 800 on Each SAT Section:

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading

Score 800 on SAT Writing

Series: How to Get to 600 on Each SAT Section:

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading

Score 600 on SAT Writing

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

What SAT Target Score Should You Be Aiming For?

15 Strategies to Improve Your SAT Essay

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 4+ ACT Points

How to Get a Perfect 36 ACT, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 36 on Each ACT Section:

36 on ACT English

36 on ACT Math

36 on ACT Reading

36 on ACT Science

Series: How to Get to 24 on Each ACT Section:

24 on ACT English

24 on ACT Math

24 on ACT Reading

24 on ACT Science

What ACT target score should you be aiming for?

ACT Vocabulary You Must Know

ACT Writing: 15 Tips to Raise Your Essay Score

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

Is the ACT easier than the SAT? A Comprehensive Guide

Should you retake your SAT or ACT?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Looking for Graduate School Test Prep?

Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here:

GRE Online Prep Blog

GMAT Online Prep Blog

TOEFL Online Prep Blog

Holly R. "I am absolutely overjoyed and cannot thank you enough for helping me!”

An Ideal Student Essay

500+ words essay on ideal student.

Being a student is one of the most important facets of an individual’s life. It is a golden period when students are filled with joy and happiness. As a student, they are free from all the worries of grown-up life. At this stage, their mind is very sharp; they have the ability to grasp things very quickly. They observe and learn a lot of things from the people around them and their surroundings. For this very reason, it is vital that every student is properly guided in the right direction. The knowledge they acquire and the qualities they possess will lead them to become ideal students. 

The following essay on ‘being an ideal student’ will help students understand who is considered an ideal student and the qualities one should possess to mould themselves into being an ideal student. They can also access the list of CBSE essays to practise more essays on different topics for their English exam.

Ideal Student

An ideal student is one who is obedient, punctual, determined, well-disciplined, hardworking and sincere. They are the hope of the family, the future of the nation, and the pride and glory of the school. They respect their teachers, parents, elders and peers and help friends when in need. They motivate others around them with their actions and words. They are always ready to learn; they keep the curiosity to learn more alive. They try out new things and experiment with different ways to educate themselves and become better individuals. They analyse their activities, realise their mistakes and work on improving themselves. Moreover, they keep themselves physically and mentally healthy. 

In addition to these, there are a few other qualities also that categorise an individual as an ideal student. An ideal student will be organised; they will have extraordinary time management skills. They will have a timetable based on which they will plan their daily activities and their study schedule. They will stick to their plan and make sure that they make the best use of their time. This does not mean that they are people who have no fun at all. You should be familiar with the saying, ‘All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy’. The mind needs to relax as much as it is used in learning and other activities.

The ancient Indian Sanskrit text (Shloka) lays out the five qualities that an ideal student should possess. It states some particular qualities of a few animals and birds to explain how a student should work on these qualities to become an ideal student. 

Qualities of an Ideal Student

काकचेष्टा बकोध्यानं श्वाननिद्रा तथैव च |

अल्पाहारी ब्रह्मचारी विद्यार्थी पञ्चलक्षणम् ||

The translation of the quoted text is:

These are the 5 qualities of an ideal student –

(1) The agility of a crow

(2) The concentration of a crane

(3) Light sleep like a dog

(4) Light eater

(5) Readiness to stay away from home for learning

These five qualities make a student an ideal student. Even in today’s world, students can follow these qualities. It will help them a lot in their school life and help them to become an ideal student.

Students must have found this Essay on Ideal Student helpful for improving their writing section. They can also access more study material related to CBSE/ICSE/State Board/Competitive exams by visiting the BYJU’S website.

Frequently Asked Questions on an Ideal Student Essay

What should the main focus of a student be.

A student must be keen on learning new things, grasp everything and concentrate purely on academic/ extracurricular activities taught.

What are the qualities of an ideal student?

Respect, self-discipline, faith, concentration, conviction, and modesty are some of the important traits of a student.

How is an ideal student different from a normal student?

An ideal student always has high ambitions and always works towards them continuously and sincerely.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your Mobile number and Email id will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Request OTP on Voice Call

Post My Comment

• Share Share

Register with BYJU'S & Download Free PDFs

Register with byju's & watch live videos.

Counselling

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

16 Strong College Essay Examples from Top Schools

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

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.

Related Posts

25 WAYS TO HELP STUDENTS WHO ARE IN DANGER Of ACADEMIC FAILURE

25 Best Ways to Help Failing Students

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

School Life Diaries

Our website provides interesting and informative content related to school life, teachers, and students. Our articles are written by experienced professionals and provide valuable insights into the world of education.

Whether you’re a student looking for advice or a teacher searching for new ideas, our website is a great resource for anyone interested in learning more about the school experience.

• Teachers Tote

Legal Pages

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use

Social Media

Talk to our experts

1800-120-456-456

• Ideal Student Essay

Essay on Ideal Student

Who is a student? A student is a learner. A person who wishes to acquire knowledge and wisdom or skills in a particular field or develop his intellectual capabilities is a student.  To be an ideal student, a person should possess the qualities of respect, love, self-discipline, self-control, faith, concentration, truthfulness, conviction, strength and firm determination. Their parents, teachers and elders appreciate a person who has such qualities. An ideal student is not only a desirable student for his teacher but also a pride of his family and the nation. 

Qualities of an Ideal Student

An ideal student is always disciplined and lives following conduct. He is always conscious of his duties and responsibilities towards his parents and elders.  He is truthful, generous, kind-hearted and optimistic. He has a quest for knowledge. He maintains good health and a sound mind.

An ideal student is persevering and consistent in his studies.  He is regular in his classes. He reads a lot of books other than academic books. An ideal student is always well mannered and sets examples for other students.  He takes part in extracurricular activities. He is an all-rounder in schools. Along with perseverance, he is also a hardworking student. Hard work and consistency go hand in hand. Without hard work, one can never climb the ladder of success.

An ideal student knows the value of time, unless he realizes how precious time is, he will not be able to master himself. If he lacks this quality, he will fail to realize his goals. Time never stops for anyone. Next, he is always obedient and broad-minded. He follows instructions from his teacher and allows himself to be corrected and reformed for betterment. 

An ideal student is always humble. Only if he is humble, he will be able to learn, be obedient and will gain the knowledge and the skills imparted by his parents or teachers. 

An ideal student is responsible. Without having the capability to shoulder the responsibility regarding anything, a student will not be able to achieve anything worthwhile in life. Only a responsible person can carry forward the greater responsibility of being a good citizen, a good person or even for that matter the responsibility of a family. 

An ideal student is never selfish. He is always very helpful and generous. Knowledge is said, increase only by sharing. He will always help his fellow students. He is full of humility and will never know what pride, conceit, vanity or selfishness is. 

An ideal student will have a keen observation and a seeker. Only a curious mind will seek new things and like to learn novel concepts as only a keen observer can acquire knowledge of new things. 

An ideal student is always robust and fits to have a good concentration and to work hard. He, therefore, keeps himself fit by exercising regularly. Exercise increases his capacity to concentrate, makes him disciplined and orderly. 

An ideal student respects and obeys the laws of his country. He has all the qualities of a good citizen. He has respect for all religions. He has a passion for serving his motherland. He never tells lies and he doesn’t betray anyone. He fights against social evils. 

As we all know a disciplined student is always successful. Finally, an ideal student is also respectful. He who has no respect, knows no knowledge, is a maxim. One cannot progress without the blessings of his teachers and elders, which he earns only when he possesses all the above qualities.

Characteristics of an Ideal Student

An excellent student is fully aware of his responsibilities and obligations. He is paving the route for future generations. Today's pupils will be tomorrow's leaders. If pupils have lofty ideas before them, a nation can progress. A student with good grades is not necessarily a good student. He may establish a new school record, but he could be a complete failure in real life. A perfect student is someone who embodies both simple living and high thought. He is fearless enough to tackle life's difficulties.

An ideal student follows the standards of conduct and discipline at all times. This is the stage of life when a person's character is formed. According to the proverb, if you lose your wealth, nothing is lost; if you lose your health, something is lost; and if you lose your character, all is lost.

A student who lacks self-control is like a ship without a rudder. It goes adrift and never makes it to the harbor. He must adhere to the school's rules and must heed his teachers' commands. He should choose his friends carefully and deliberately. To ensure that no evil tempts him, he must be completely aware. He is well aware that a single rotten fruit can ruin the entire basket.

An ideal student understands how much he owes to his parents. When he grows up, he never forgets to take care of them. He is a human being's servant. He expresses his concerns and troubles to his family members. Volunteering in the community is something I'm enthusiastic about. He should take an active role in identifying and resolving various societal issues.

Our country requires students with steely nerves and iron muscles. They should be able to delve into the universe's secrets and mysteries. They must be resolute to carry out their responsibilities, even if it means risking their lives. Only such students can assist the country in obtaining prosperity and overall development.

The Parent's Role in Creating an Ideal Student

Almost every parent desires nothing but the best for their children. Parents are unquestionably influential in their children's lives. Many youngsters strive to be successful, but they lack the qualities that make a perfect student. So, are those children the sole perpetrators? The answer is emphatical no.

This is because parents play a huge role in determining whether or not a student will be an ideal student. Furthermore, parents must recognise that they have a significant role in shaping a child's general personality and attitude. Furthermore, parents must instill in their children the value of education.

FAQs on Ideal Student Essay

1. Who is an Ideal Student?

An ideal student has the qualities of respect, love, self-discipline, self-control, faith, concentration, truthfulness, conviction, strength and firm determination. His self driven and disciplinary nature conducts him to be an ideal student. They are usually the all-rounders who not only excelled in studies in sports but also the overall code of conduct environment. They are generally the listeners and observers who work for the welfare of society.

2. How Does Keeping Fit Help to Become an Ideal Student?

Being fit helps the student to concentrate more and work hard. If the student is fit he will be able to conquer all the sports activities, attain self-confidence and can represent himself in society. He will set an example in front of others on how to maintain personal and student life. An ideal student is one who aims to be an all-rounder and still stay grounded. Keeping fit can help you become an ideal student by encouraging you to eat healthily and hence helping you stay fit school wise.

3. Why Does an Ideal Student Value Time?

Time is important for all of us. Time doesn’t stop for anyone. An ideal student who values time will never fail to realize his goals. Getting yourself a timeline and deadlines to complete a given project is very important for an ideal student. He will be able to complete the given tasks in time and will lead a disciplinary nature. Punctuality also plays an important role in being an ideal student. Timely subject deliveries, completing tasks in time, and punctuality to take responsibilities are one of the key factors to becoming an ideal student.

4. Why is it Necessary for an Ideal Student to be Responsible?

An Ideal student is always responsible because only a responsible person can be a good citizen and a good human being. Responsibility comes if you are an all-rounder, punctual and dedicated student. An ideal student needs to take responsibility and fulfill them. They set an example in front of others on how to perform and work following the code of conduct and still live life to the fullest. Hence an ideal student must be responsible.

5. Is the observation important for an ideal student?

An ideal student is someone who observes and acts accordingly. One should observe their surrounding environment and then act upon it. There might be some features or qualities that an ideal student may take if you find them attractive or help the nation. It is very important to observe and listen to things properly. It is not restricted to the acts going in and around but also people‘s thoughts and mindsets. Hence it is important to listen and act rather than acting and listening.

Essay on Good Qualities Of A Student

Students are often asked to write an essay on Good Qualities Of A 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 Qualities Of A Student

A good student is always curious. They ask questions and want to know more about everything. This helps them learn and understand new things. They don’t just memorize; they try to grasp why and how things happen.

Hard work is key for a student. They don’t give up easily and are always ready to put in effort. Good students practice a lot, do their homework, and prepare for tests to do their best.

Respect is important. A good student respects teachers, classmates, and rules. They listen when others talk and value everyone’s opinions. This makes school a better place for everyone.

Team Player

Being a team player means working well with others. Good students help their friends and work together on projects. They share ideas and learn from one another, which leads to success.

Time Management

Managing time well is a great quality. Good students plan their schedule and use time wisely. They balance school, homework, and fun, making sure they do well in all areas.

250 Words Essay on Good Qualities Of A Student

Curiosity and eagerness to learn.

A good student always has a thirst for knowledge. They ask questions and are eager to learn new things. This curiosity leads them to explore different subjects and ideas, which helps them grow. They are not afraid of not knowing something; instead, they see it as an opportunity to learn.

Hard Work and Determination

Hard work is a key quality of a good student. They put in effort in their studies and do not give up easily. Even when the work is tough, they keep trying. Determination means they are focused on their goals and do not let obstacles stop them. They understand that success comes from effort and persistence.

Respect and Cooperation

Respect is important in school. Good students show respect to their teachers, classmates, and even to themselves. They listen to others and value different opinions. Cooperation is also vital. They work well with others on group projects and understand that teamwork can lead to better results.

Managing time well is a skill good students master. They plan their study time and balance it with play and rest. They know that organizing their time helps them to not feel rushed and do better in their tasks.

Positive Attitude

A positive attitude helps students to face challenges with a smile. Good students stay optimistic and do not get discouraged by failure. They learn from their mistakes and keep a positive outlook, which makes learning enjoyable and less stressful.

500 Words Essay on Good Qualities Of A Student

Curiosity and the love of learning.

One of the best qualities a student can have is curiosity. This means wanting to know more about the world and how things work. Curious students ask lots of questions and are always looking for new things to learn. They love to read books, explore nature, and try out new ideas. This love of learning helps them do well in school because they find joy in discovering new information and skills.

Another important quality is hard work. Students who do well are not always the ones who find things easy. Often, they are the ones who keep trying even when the work is tough. They do their homework, study for tests, and practice their skills every day. Determination means not giving up when things get hard. Students with determination keep going, even when they feel like stopping.

Good students also know how to work with others. They show respect to their teachers and classmates. This means listening when others are speaking, following rules, and being kind. They also help their friends with schoolwork and are happy to share their ideas in group projects. By working well with others, students can learn more and help make the classroom a happy place.

Organization and Time Management

Being organized is a very helpful quality for students. This means keeping track of homework, knowing when tests are, and having the right supplies for class. Good students also manage their time well. They plan when to do their work so that they are not rushing at the last minute. By being organized and managing time wisely, students can do their best work without feeling too stressed.

Responsibility and Honesty

Responsible students take care of their duties. They do their homework on time and are ready for class. They also look after school property and their own things. Honesty is just as important. Good students tell the truth and do their own work. They know that cheating is wrong and they want to be proud of their honest efforts.

Positive Attitude and Perseverance

A positive attitude can make a big difference. Students with a positive outlook believe they can learn and improve. They see mistakes as chances to learn, not as failures. Perseverance is about keeping that positive attitude, even when work is hard or they don’t do as well as they hoped. Students who persevere keep trying and believe in themselves.

In conclusion, the best students are not just smart. They are curious, work hard, and are determined. They respect others and can work in a team. They are organized, manage their time well, and take responsibility for their actions. They are honest and have a positive attitude. These qualities help students do well in school and also prepare them for life outside of school. By developing these qualities, students can achieve their goals and be successful in many ways.

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

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Good Parenting
• Essay on Good Leader
• Essay on Good Life

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Tips for Writing an Effective Application Essay

How to Write an Effective Essay

Writing an essay for college admission gives you a chance to use your authentic voice and show your personality. It's an excellent opportunity to personalize your application beyond your academic credentials, and a well-written essay can have a positive influence come decision time.

Want to know how to draft an essay for your college application ? Here are some tips to keep in mind when writing.

Tips for Essay Writing

A typical college application essay, also known as a personal statement, is 400-600 words. Although that may seem short, writing about yourself can be challenging. It's not something you want to rush or put off at the last moment. Think of it as a critical piece of the application process. Follow these tips to write an impactful essay that can work in your favor.

1. Start Early.

Few people write well under pressure. Try to complete your first draft a few weeks before you have to turn it in. Many advisers recommend starting as early as the summer before your senior year in high school. That way, you have ample time to think about the prompt and craft the best personal statement possible.

You don't have to work on your essay every day, but you'll want to give yourself time to revise and edit. You may discover that you want to change your topic or think of a better way to frame it. Either way, the sooner you start, the better.

2. Understand the Prompt and Instructions.

Before you begin the writing process, take time to understand what the college wants from you. The worst thing you can do is skim through the instructions and submit a piece that doesn't even fit the bare minimum requirements or address the essay topic. Look at the prompt, consider the required word count, and note any unique details each school wants.

3. Create a Strong Opener.

Students seeking help for their application essays often have trouble getting things started. It's a challenging writing process. Finding the right words to start can be the hardest part.

Spending more time working on your opener is always a good idea. The opening sentence sets the stage for the rest of your piece. The introductory paragraph is what piques the interest of the reader, and it can immediately set your essay apart from the others.

4. Stay on Topic.

One of the most important things to remember is to keep to the essay topic. If you're applying to 10 or more colleges, it's easy to veer off course with so many application essays.

A common mistake many students make is trying to fit previously written essays into the mold of another college's requirements. This seems like a time-saving way to avoid writing new pieces entirely, but it often backfires. The result is usually a final piece that's generic, unfocused, or confusing. Always write a new essay for every application, no matter how long it takes.

5. Think About Your Response.

Don't try to guess what the admissions officials want to read. Your essay will be easier to write─and more exciting to read─if you’re genuinely enthusiastic about your subject. Here’s an example: If all your friends are writing application essays about covid-19, it may be a good idea to avoid that topic, unless during the pandemic you had a vivid, life-changing experience you're burning to share. Whatever topic you choose, avoid canned responses. Be creative.

6. Focus on You.

Essay prompts typically give you plenty of latitude, but panel members expect you to focus on a subject that is personal (although not overly intimate) and particular to you. Admissions counselors say the best essays help them learn something about the candidate that they would never know from reading the rest of the application.

7. Stay True to Your Voice.

Use your usual vocabulary. Avoid fancy language you wouldn't use in real life. Imagine yourself reading this essay aloud to a classroom full of people who have never met you. Keep a confident tone. Be wary of words and phrases that undercut that tone.

8. Be Specific and Factual.

Capitalize on real-life experiences. Your essay may give you the time and space to explain why a particular achievement meant so much to you. But resist the urge to exaggerate and embellish. Admissions counselors read thousands of essays each year. They can easily spot a fake.

9. Edit and Proofread.

When you finish the final draft, run it through the spell checker on your computer. Then don’t read your essay for a few days. You'll be more apt to spot typos and awkward grammar when you reread it. After that, ask a teacher, parent, or college student (preferably an English or communications major) to give it a quick read. While you're at it, double-check your word count.

Writing essays for college admission can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. A well-crafted essay could be the deciding factor─in your favor. Keep these tips in mind, and you'll have no problem creating memorable pieces for every application.

What is the format of a college application essay?

Generally, essays for college admission follow a simple format that includes an opening paragraph, a lengthier body section, and a closing paragraph. You don't need to include a title, which will only take up extra space. Keep in mind that the exact format can vary from one college application to the next. Read the instructions and prompt for more guidance.

Most online applications will include a text box for your essay. If you're attaching it as a document, however, be sure to use a standard, 12-point font and use 1.5-spaced or double-spaced lines, unless the application specifies different font and spacing.

How do you start an essay?

The goal here is to use an attention grabber. Think of it as a way to reel the reader in and interest an admissions officer in what you have to say. There's no trick on how to start a college application essay. The best way you can approach this task is to flex your creative muscles and think outside the box.

You can start with openers such as relevant quotes, exciting anecdotes, or questions. Either way, the first sentence should be unique and intrigue the reader.

What should an essay include?

Every application essay you write should include details about yourself and past experiences. It's another opportunity to make yourself look like a fantastic applicant. Leverage your experiences. Tell a riveting story that fulfills the prompt.

What shouldn’t be included in an essay?

When writing a college application essay, it's usually best to avoid overly personal details and controversial topics. Although these topics might make for an intriguing essay, they can be tricky to express well. If you’re unsure if a topic is appropriate for your essay, check with your school counselor. An essay for college admission shouldn't include a list of achievements or academic accolades either. Your essay isn’t meant to be a rehashing of information the admissions panel can find elsewhere in your application.

How can you make your essay personal and interesting?

The best way to make your essay interesting is to write about something genuinely important to you. That could be an experience that changed your life or a valuable lesson that had an enormous impact on you. Whatever the case, speak from the heart, and be honest.

Is it OK to discuss mental health in an essay?

Mental health struggles can create challenges you must overcome during your education and could be an opportunity for you to show how you’ve handled challenges and overcome obstacles. If you’re considering writing your essay for college admission on this topic, consider talking to your school counselor or with an English teacher on how to frame the essay.

Related Articles

Quality Of A Good Student Essay

• Views 153502
• Author Sandra W.

The Admirable Quality Of A Good Student Essay

Most young people believe that all they need to do in order to be good students is to work hard to earn knowledge and get the highest scores. As they grow up, they finally realize that a good student also needs to be an active person in the community and a well-prepared worker for the future. At iWriteEssays.com we will give you some qualities of a good student that you can write in your essay

• A good student should be hardworking since it is hard to get good results and academic success without training and effort. It is hard to earn knowledge and those who are not willing enough to face academic challenges and do not have passion for working hard will never achieve their goals and succeed in their lives.
• A good student should also be active in the community. He should be appreciated not only by his academic success but also by his social activities as well. A good person is usually measure not only by what he is doing well for himself but also by what he is contributing for his community.
• A good student should also be active. He should have good communicating skills and by being active in society, this widens his chance to make friends with everyone around him and to make his college life more fun and increase his confidence.
• A good student should also be well prepared for the future. As much as students are taught to have ambitions and high dreams this cannot come true if they do not know how to turn their dreams into reality. Students should be practical and realistic as life is not always fair with everyone and every step to success takes time and patience.

Recent Posts

• A Sample Essay on Birds 21-08-2023 0 Comments
• Is Homeschooling an Ideal Way... 21-08-2023 0 Comments
• Essay Sample on Man 14-08-2023 0 Comments
• Academic Writing(23)
• Admission Essay(172)
• Book Summaries(165)
• College Tips(312)
• Content Writing Services(1)
• Essay Help(517)
• Essay Writing Help(76)
• Essays Blog(0)
• Example(337)
• Infographics(2)
• Letter Writing(1)
• Outlines(137)
• Photo Essay Assignment(4)
• Resume Writing Tips(62)
• Samples Essays(315)
• Writing Jobs(2)

• Youth Program
• Wharton Online
• Business Journal Articles
• Entrepreneurs & Leaders
• Student Essays

Student Essay: The Power of Stories to Inspire Strong Leaders

Share Article:

Google Classroom:

Maya S. is a Muslim, Egyptian and student athlete who has lived in Saudi Arabia for most of her life. She is 16 and a junior at the American International School of Riyadh, where she is enrolled in the International Baccalaureate program.

In this Student Essay of the Week, Maya talks about how building a platform for others to share their stories has helped her understand why welcoming diversity of thought and experience will make her a stronger, more empathetic leader.

Three steps forward and two steps back. That was my reality during the privilege walk.

In October 2018, I was selected along with 50 other high school students to attend a leadership trip to a farm outside Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We believed that we were all going to learn about how to become leaders with strong voices. However, the trip took a completely unexpected and inspiring turn. Instead, we left knowing how to listen first and speak second.

At the farm, we participated in an activity called a privilege walk , where we were asked to step forward or backward in response to certain questions. From the responses, it became obvious that all of us were struggling with something that those around us knew nothing about.

I learned that the girl beside me once wondered where her next meal would come from. The girl beside her was afraid to leave the house at night because she had been assaulted. The boy to my left had been held at gunpoint. And the boy beside him had a mental disorder. This realization hit me hard. I was able to understand that although it’s impossible for us all to experience the same things, it is possible for us to try and listen to each other and understand each other’s differences. I began to appreciate the meaning of finding beauty in diversity. During that trip I learned that true leaders listen to the voices of others, and as a result they are able to enrich their own points of view.

“Living with anxiety is like feeling alive through the motions of life, but never freely living. It’s being aware of my surroundings, but lost in another world inside my head.”

During the summer of that year, someone I loved dearly was faced with medical issues, and my family began dealing with a lot of uncertainty. Even when it was all over, I felt lost and changed. I couldn’t explain it, but I wished that someone understood. I then began thinking of the people standing around me that day in Riyadh during the privilege walk, and everyone around the world like us. Did we all feel the same desire to be understood? How could we all feel seen and valued, regardless of our stories? I wanted to hear more about the stories of all those kids I met that day in line. I wanted to understand how we all ended up there, despite our different paths. I wanted to create something that would allow them to express their stories.

That summer, I started Voice of Change , a weblog that allows other teenagers to contribute writing that reflects the experiences that have shaped them. The first story I received was “Purpose,” from a girl struggling with depression. She wrote, “Purpose: a reason, a given, motivation , a point. We all live life because we have a purpose. We realize that there is a point, we have motivation and a reason to live. We look forward to things and create opportunities for ourselves. We see a future. Imagine living life feeling as though you have no purpose… That means no reason, no motivation, simply no point… the best way to describe this feeling is as if [you’re] dead. This feeling is depression.”

After I posted the article, which talked about how depression impacted the author’s life, I received comments, emails and texts from others saying that the article communicated what they needed to hear and couldn’t put into words. This initial response fueled the rest of my work. I began receiving other stories about challenging experiences, ranging from sexual assault and racial discrimination, to losing a loved one and struggling with body image. Here are a few powerful quotes from these articles:

“I’m not sure who or what I’m living for, but I’d never want to risk my family members feeling as I do right now. It’s okay that I’m suffering right now, because I have faith that it will pass, eventually it will.” – “Live On”

“I am not ignorant because I’m Arab. I’m not a terrorist because I’m Muslim. I am not a thug because I’m black. I am not who I am because of what you see on the news. I am who I am because of what I’ve been through, and what I have become.” – “Assume”

“Living with anxiety is like feeling alive through the motions of life, but never freely living. It’s being aware of my surroundings but lost in another world inside my head.” – “I Choose Life”

I see my Voice of Change journey as having so much to do with becoming a better leader. It has helped me to see clearly the type of leader I hope to become. I have developed a stronger perspective by understanding the voices and stories of others. I have become more empathetic to other people’s struggles, a quality I will need when I run my own business one day. You can’t understand your customers’ wants or your employees’ needs if you don’t listen and appreciate where they’re coming from. Also, Voice of Change has shown me how much our experiences shape us and contribute to how we see the world and solve problems. Each person offers a unique voice and a different perspective – all powerful and important in their own way.

Related Links

• The Privilege Walk
• What Is Empathy? (Sesame Street)
• Knowledge@Wharton: The Emotional Intelligence Deficit
• Wharton’s McNulty Leadership Program

Conversation Starters

What is empathy and why is it such an important leadership quality? How is empathy related to storytelling? Use the Related Links with this article if you need to better understand empathy.

How have your experiences shaped you? Share your story in the Comment section of this article.

Maya writes that she has come to appreciate “how much our experiences shape us and contribute to how we see the world and solve problems.” Diversity of thought is incredibly powerful in the business world. Why does it hold such value? How does it enrich the team dynamic and important outcomes?

6 comments on “ Student Essay: The Power of Stories to Inspire Strong Leaders ”

Hi Maya, Thank you for sharing your fantastic story with us. Being able to appreciate the people around you and, in first place, yourself is one of the major keys to success and, most importantly, happiness in life, at least according to my experience. We all come from different environments and experiences, the same ones which make us who we are, in our uniqueness and diversity, as you clearly and beautifully stated in your essay. Appreciation is one of those emotions, if that’s how we want to define it, I have learned to consider and embrace later in life, but it is surely the one all the rest comes down to: appreciation for life, appreciation for love from our beloved ones… Having dealt throughout life with friends who coped with depression and anxiety, I can say I have experienced the emotional upheaval that tends to follow this kind of acknowledgements. It gives you a completely different perspective on the world, on the people that surround you and on the way you look at your very own life. On the other hand, I’ve been lucky enough to feel the wonderful sense of relief and joy which comes after helping this people, which taught me the value of the word, indeed, appreciation. In the same way I’ve been able to help my dearest friends deal with these horrible feelings and find a way out of them, I find what you have done with this very same individuals awesome: not only giving them a voice through the blog, but giving their peers the chance to find sympathy and reassurance in their words. Keep it up! And take care.

Sonder – n. The realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own—populated with their own ambitions, friends, routines, worries and inherited craziness (The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows).

I believe that sonder, a short and simple made-up word to describe a complex feeling, perfectly captures the spirit of Maya and her article. Maya realized the complexity of the lives of those around her, that every stranger on the leadership trip had their own unique story to tell, filled with their personal struggles. She reaches the conclusion that “each person offers a unique voice and a different perspective – all powerful and important in their own way.”

Sonder, and more broadly, empathy, is a crucial element of being a good leader. I had my own moment of sonder last summer when I had the opportunity to volunteer at my local Chinese senior center. I started volunteering there because I had to fill my school’s requirement for service hours but ended up gaining much more out of it than that. At first, I was wary of taking on the job because my Chinese conversational skills were acceptable at best and rudimentary at worst. However, I quickly found that the seniors were very welcoming and were just happy that someone was willing to sacrifice their time to help out. I performed tasks such as preparing and serving food as well as helped teach ESL and citizenship classes. I learned about the hard work ethic of the workers and volunteers around me while washing apples. I learned about the amiability and habits of the seniors in the lunchroom. There would always be those in the back table playing cards, the younger seniors chatting in the front, and the seasoned mahjong players upstairs. I even had the chance to hear some of their rich stories, stories of their journeys of emigrating from communist China, stories of their successful children, stories of their war experiences, and stories of their hope in America. I truly understood that these seniors, whom I would not have given a second glance on the street, lived such deep and meaningful lives, each of which would be a thrilling standalone novel.

Just like Maya learned to understand those from different backgrounds, I was able to empathize with these seniors and develop an appreciation for their experiences. We should all have empathy for each other in this world full of division and hatred. Sonder helps us have that empathy not only with those close to us but with everyone around us.

When I became the youngest Student Council President of my school, my idea of a strong leader was someone who could command and lead a group of people with total authority the way they like it. So, that’s what I tried to do during my early days as a leader. I thought I would be a strong leader by commanding the student council and demonstrating my full authority over the rest. But after the first month, like Maya, the experience of being a leader took a completely unexpected and inspiring turn. I learned, like Maya, that you have to listen first and speak second. It is by listening to others that makes you a stronger leader because it is easier to command and display your authority. But it is harder to swallow your pride and listen to others when their opinions or stories differ from yours.

Therefore, in the Student Council that I am in, I launched an initiative called “Listen Monday” with the purpose of listening to everyone’s opinions and views in the student council and utilizing them for the betterment of the school.

By understanding the voices of others it has helped me develop a better perspective. I have become more empathetic to others. Listening to others has allowed me to see the full picture that I have never seen. And because I see the bigger picture, I realized that other’s experiences can help shape how I see the world and solve problems. As Maya said, each person offers a unique voice and a different perspective, all-powerful and important in their own way.

I want to thank Maya for inspiring me.

When I became the youngest Student Council President of my school, my idea of a strong leader was someone who could command and lead a group of people with total authority the way they like it. So, that’s what I tried to do during my early days as a leader. I thought I would be a strong leader by commanding the student council and demonstrating my full authority over the rest. But after the first month, like Maya, the experience of being a leader took a completely unexpected and inspiring turn. I learned, like Maya, that you have to listen first and speak second. It is by listening to others that makes you a stronger leader because it is easier to command and display your authority. But it is harder to swallow your pride and listen to others when their opinions or stories differ from yours.

Therefore, in the Student Council that I am in, I launched an initiative called “Listen Monday” with the purpose of listening to everyone’s opinions and views in the student council and utilizing them for the betterment of the school.

By understanding the voices of others it has helped me develop a better perspective. I have become more empathetic to others. Listening to others has allowed me to see the full picture that I have never seen. And because I see the bigger picture, I realized that other’s experiences can help shape how I see the world and solve problems. As Maya said, each person offers a unique voice and a different perspective, all-powerful and important in their own way. I realized exhaustively now that a strong leader is someone that listens first and speak second.

I want to thank Maya for inspiring me to become a better leader.

Hello L Dau K!

Thank you for sharing your experience and lessons as a student council president. Listening to your implementation of listening Mondays has brought me back to a time when I was the storyteller, pouring my life out, not to a student council president, but to my mother.

Before the story begins, I must tell you about my mother. She is a very successful corporate leader of hundreds of people. Of course, when it comes to life, she’s never lost her footing when it comes to parenting. Her dogma for me was always the same as that for her employees. She required me to write a time schedule and reflect on life every day and report my academic progress to her with a PowerPoint presentation every week. Similar to your listening Mondays, but coerced. Of course, these rules also apply to her employees. I argued with her countless times, berating her for treating me, at the time, a 12-year-old, as her employee. Perhaps you have already begun to detest my mother’s parenting philosophy, or that she is just another derelict mother who neglects her children’s emotional needs to give her career 100%. But she was a mother for the first time, and I as her oldest child witnessed her growth and how she became a leader, both to her employees and to me.

Where should I begin my story with this leader? As I counted the episodes that flashed through my mind, neither the long conversation in the evening breeze nor the laughing conversation in the dark living room seemed like the most appropriate beginning of the story. Puzzled, I put down my thoughts and sat down to recall the beginning of our conversations. There’s no longer nameless fear and tension when she approaches me, dreading to hear what she has to say. Instead, I always walked up to her when I found her alone, and the dialogue always began with a sigh. I told her many stories about young love, friends, hobbies, and self-reflection, all parts of me that I was reluctant to reveal in PowerPoints. She is busy all day but never said no when I started a conversation. I could feel that she valued every part of our communication, regardless of how nonsensical it was, taking it wholeheartedly. She would sit down and listen to every word I had to say, and she would take to heart every hint of emotion I tried to convey. She did her best to understand my passions, cater to my needs, and embrace my sentiments. And that’s one of the most valuable lessons she’s taught me as a leader.

My mother’s growth as a leader came naturally to her as she listened to every ebullient story and every heart-wrenching sob. She did what many leaders, even in family relationships, fail to do: give the most attention to her children and subordinates, dwelling on their stories, bringing herself into their emotions, and living their experiences. Simply receiving a comment differentiates from understanding the root of their feedback. Through sharing stories with my mother, as my thoughts became words and leaped out of my mouth, my thoughts received a carrier. The stories I told were imparted with meaning through the process of communication. These words made me who I am and marked every footprint of mine. Not only giving her a chance to guide me but giving me a chance to recourse, bonding two unknown souls by building emotional bridges rather than giving ice-cold PowerPoint presentations. I myself am walking on those bridges, and I will be learning to build them up. Through open communication, we can build bridges high enough to see the world from a bigger view, see the tips of Mt. Everest, hear the mumbles of rhinoceros and vaquitas, and unveil a side of the world that we have never seen before.

In her essay “The Power of Stories to Inspire Strong Leaders”, Maya S. quotes “I was able to understand that although it’s impossible for us to all experience the same things, it is possible for us to try and listen to each other and understand each other’s differences. I began to appreciate the meaning of finding beauty in diversity. During that trip I learned that true leaders listen to the voices of others, and as a result they are able to enrich their own points of view.” This quote taught me that in order to be understood, one must learn to understand.

As an international student living in the states, my school days were certainly different from most of my classmates. There were a lot more plane rides, more hours of memorizing English vocabulary, and less people that paid attention to the struggles I went through. It was hard to focus on the upside of life when I knew that my comfort zone was about 6800 miles away. I felt like I was drowning in my own world, and was unsure of what I needed to do to get out of it.

As time passed, I did learn to embrace my new home. That started with a simple step: Learning about how people here lived. I added Kendrick Lamar and Olivia Rodrigo to my playlist, started to watch the NBA, and reached out for corrections when I didn’t recognize an English word. As I began to understand and appreciate what was around me, it was way easier to fit in. My struggles started to pay off as I received multiple honors and varsity MVP awards. Apart from Academics, I also became much more active in the social circle. I learned more about life here from my new friends, and also taught them some parts of life that I left behind back in Korea. After these changes, I could proudly say that I’m definitely leading my own life.

Maya’s story of the privilege walk reminded me of the change in my perspective before and after trying to understand American culture. At first I was hesitant in getting to know the new environment, but now I see the hidden value of entirely different customs, just like how Maya was able to understand the children with more depth. Furthermore, something Maya did that I greatly appreciate is that she didn’t just stop from enlightenment and took action to advocate for her beliefs. I believe that Maya’s propulsion of creating the “Voice of Change” weblog exemplifies what leaders do to promote their voice to the world. As a person aspiring to be a global leader and a businessman, I was greatly inspired by Maya’s quotes of insight and her action to spread her words.

Our world today is heavily interconnected, and the effects of collaborating across diverse backgrounds have never been more apparent. As I reflect on Maya’s quote and my own understanding, I am reminded that true leaders are distinguished by their ability to seek harmony in differences. My journey from a foreign student drowning in isolation to a confident participant in a global community underscores the transformative power of understanding others to be understood. Of course there are still customs that I cannot resonate with, like pineapple on pizza. But as I step forward into a world of connections and communications, I carry with me the invaluable lesson that true understanding is the cornerstone of meaningful process.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Related Articles

Differentiating yourself in the college admission process, financial ratios: evaluating a company’s health and worth.

Home — Essay Samples — Education — Teacher — What Makes a Good Teacher: Main Qualities

What Makes a Good Teacher: Main Qualities

• Categories: Teacher Teacher-Student Relationships

About this sample

Words: 653 |

Published: Sep 1, 2023

Words: 653 | Page: 1 | 4 min read

Table of contents

Passion for teaching, effective communication, adaptability and flexibility, interpersonal skills and empathy, dedication to student growth.

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Verified writer

• Expert in: Education

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

2 pages / 726 words

1 pages / 606 words

1 pages / 599 words

2 pages / 966 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Teacher

What makes a great teacher? Great teachers possess a unique blend of characteristics and skills that enable them to inspire, educate, and empower their students. This essay explores the essential traits of a great teacher and [...]

The partnership between parents and teachers plays a pivotal role in shaping the educational journey of students, providing a solid foundation for their academic and personal growth. This essay explores the significance of the [...]

Should teachers be paid more? This question is at the forefront of discussions surrounding education reform and the value we place on the educators who shape the future of our society. Adequate compensation for teachers is not [...]

Teachers should be paid more. This statement reflects a sentiment shared by many who recognize the vital role that educators play in shaping the future of individuals and societies. In a world where education forms the [...]

The NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct was developed to uphold the application of core values, ideals, and principles to assist teachers” decision-making about ethical issues. The Core Values of the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct is [...]

Society, when viewed from a closer perspective, is coarse. This means that it is composed of different types of individuals, each with different strengths and weaknesses, abilities, talents, skills, and intelligence. It’s just [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

How to use ChatGPT to support teachers: The good, the bad, and the ugly

Tracy wilichowski, cristóbal cobo.

ChatGPT 3.5 – an artificial-intelligence (AI) chatbot – has been around since November 2022. To say it has the potential to revolutionize education systems is an understatement. Currently, it’s unclear exactly how the chatbot will affect the sector, but it’s clear it is both a threat and a gamechanger. There are the skeptics, who have tried to ban ChatGPT in schools , and the advocates, who think it is the “silver bullet” solution to a host of education challenges around the world.

To the skeptics’ point that the chatbot is detrimental to the learning process, it's fair to say it has and will continue to disrupt the most traditional learning tools teachers have used for decades (e.g., writing and revising essays). What follows is an uncomfortable question: With a shortage of 69 million primary and secondary teachers around the world , could ChatGPT supplement teachers, or even replace them?

The launch of ChatGPT has demonstrated the potential for the technology to enhance, and in some cases replace, some of the activities and tasks done within jobs by humans . Will teachers – considered a major determinant for student learning, wellbeing , and long-term success – be an exception? Could the chatbot independently complete tasks currently done by teachers? If so, what are the associated risks? How can teachers use ChatGPT to enhance their practice and/or improve the efficiency of certain tasks?

The opportunity: using ChatGPT as a tool

Here are some examples of how policymakers could encourage teachers to use ChatGPT.

• Enhance lessons . A major challenge for teachers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is transforming a dense curriculum into an engaging lesson. Teachers can use ChatGPT to translate learning objectives into engaging lesson plans , get ideas for preparing classes, or draft new assignments or assessments. ChatGPT can help with lesson preparation and proficiency, but not delivery. As such, teachers will need pedagogical proficiency to teach the lesson with high quality.
• Create assessment questions. Teachers could use ChatGPT to improve assessment questions and generate multiple-choice items. They could also use it as an input to encourage higher-order thinking skills by providing prompts for the essay questions and practical tasks . Teachers can use different types of assessment that could help students to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative skills .
• Support with language barriers. Although it would be ideal for countries to ensure teachers instruct in their native language, the reality is that some systems – despite evidence to the contrary – are moving away from teaching in the local language and shifting toward a second language (i.e., English). In these contexts, teachers also do not know English and have difficulty teaching in a language they don’t understand. Here, the chatbot could serve as a tool for improving the teachers’ language proficiency , helping them to instruct more effectively in their native language or in a foreign language. For example, Duolingo and GPT claim to offer affordable and accessible highly personalized language lessons .
• Provide additional support to students. Teachers could use ChatGPT to cultivate student curiosity and create ideas for their homework assignments. AI tools are particularly useful when they identify the source information used in the chats. The risk is that instead of asking for help, the students ask the chat to complete the homework on their behalf. In addition to teaching about integrity, teachers can address this risk by discussing the limitations of these tools (see Privacy Risks , Bias , or Hallucination ). Finally, teachers should direct their attention towards questions that cannot be answered by ChatGPT. Namely, questions that require specific knowledge that is outside of the chatbot’s training data, such as, human emotions or subjective perspectives.
• Grading assessments and papers. ChatGPT can be used to automatically grade multiple-choice/one-answer tests; it can also help teachers with standards-based grading. It could create a robust dataset for teachers to analyze and better differentiate student learning levels. This has potential unintended consequences for low accuracy, poor grading or false positive proctoring (mistakenly red flagging students for cheating). When considering systems for proctoring or grading, it is critical to take measures to secure fairness, accountability, confidentiality, and transparency of their algorithms whenever needed.
• Tutor students. Teachers can use ChatGPT to provide online tutoring services to students. This could give students an adaptive learning assistant "for free” by adjusting to the learning needs of the students, especially in contexts where teachers are responsible for many students and don’t have the bandwidth to tailor their instruction to each student's needs. According to Khan Academy, GPT could guide students as they progress through courses . This is still an early technology, and it's important to gather more evidence and require proactive supervision at scale. Non-supervised tutoring runs the risk of unintentionally harming students, as ChatGPT can not only "make stuff up" but can also lead to disturbing conversations .

The bottom line: 5 takeaways for policymakers

The education sector needs to prepare students for a changing landscape. It is unlikely that banning ChatGPT will be a productive solution as this technology is becoming increasingly prevalent.  Similarly, prohibiting students from using the Internet is impractical, as it is an integral part of our daily lives. The focus for policymakers should be on utilizing ChatGPT in the most effective way possible.

ChatGPT could present an opportunity in LMICs, though policymakers will need to ensure all users have access to critical infrastructure and advanced digital skills. At a minimum, policymakers should adhere to these ground rules if they plan to incorporate ChatGPT in their education system.

• Collect information: Policymakers should first understand if and how teachers and students are currently using ChatGPT before deciding on any policy that would impact its use. Teachers should also be a part of the decision-making process to determine how ChatGPT will be utilized;
• Revisit digital skills: At a minimum, policymakers must ensure all users develop some level of " algorithmic awareness " to understand the challenges of misinformation and other ethical ramifications. For instance, teachers will need explicit training on how to understand and use this technology;
• Raise awareness: Relatedly, as part of these trainings, policymakers should disseminate information to all users on the limitations of this technology , including inherent biases, underrepresented countries, and languages, etc., emphasizing the lack of evidence available as to its usefulness for learning;
• Hold technology providers accountable: This technology is quickly changing, and it will be difficult to regulate. Even so, policymakers should hold the providers of this technology accountable and promptly assess how to prevent the misuse of it . Regulation is key, as ChatGPT currently has unknown implications on the teaching and learning process and could thus be both advantageous and/or detrimental to learning;
• Ensure teachers continue to supervise students: Last, and arguably most importantly, when using ChatGPT, particularly when it involves children, teachers need to be actively engaged in the teaching and learning process to ensure students use the technology responsibly and safely.

Keeping in mind the current and potential future shortages of teachers, it is likely that more than one policymaker will be tempted to replace teachers or tutors with this technology. Like preexisting technology, these chatbots have the potential to be used as a tool to support teachers but policymakers should proceed with caution . To better understand how this technology could be used to improve teaching and, ultimately, student learning, there needs to be an improved evidence base.

Analyst, Education Global Practice

Senior Education Specialist

Join the Conversation

• Share on mail
• comments added

Analyzing Hate Speech Laws

• Read more about Analyzing Hate Speech Laws

Article Critique

• Read more about Article Critique

Comics Essay

• Read more about Comics Essay

In this essay, students produce their own analysis and interpretation of one or more of the comics that we’ve read in class

Conflicting Values and Ethical Problems

• Read more about Conflicting Values and Ethical Problems

Students think about the conflicting values and worldviews that underlay an ethical problem and examine possibilities for bringing together opposing sides through a focus on shared values. 

Drug Control

• Read more about Drug Control

Literacy Narrative

• Read more about Literacy Narrative

The purpose of the assignment sequence is for the student to reflect upon their own literacy learning as well as that of their classmates and present their understanding of those experiences in writing.

Love and Culture

• Read more about Love and Culture

Prior to writing the discussion paper students watched the first 25 minutes of the documentary film 'Human.'

Nuclear Deterrence

• Read more about Nuclear Deterrence

Prima Facie Duties in Context

• Read more about Prima Facie Duties in Context

W. D. Ross offers a pluralistic moral theory that acknowledges the situational nature of our moral duties.  Here, students construct a mini-essay in which they apply Ross’ theory to two sets of human social experiences with which they are familiar. 

Science, Technology, and Values: Editorial Analysis

• Read more about Science, Technology, and Values: Editorial Analysis

The purpose of this assignment is to think more deeply about the conflicting values and worldviews that underlay controversies pertaining to ecosystem management, and to examine possibilities for bringing together opposing sides through a focus on shared values.

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Guest Essay

It’s Not You: Dating Apps Are Getting Worse

By Magdalene J. Taylor

Ms. Taylor is a writer covering sex and culture.

“The golden age of dating apps is over,” a friend told me at a bar on Super Bowl Sunday. As we waited for our drinks, she and another friend swiped through Bumble and Hinge, hunting for new faces and likes. Across the bar were two young men: phones out, apps open, clearly doing the exact same thing. Never did the duos meet.

What’s lamentable here isn’t only that dating apps have become the de facto medium through which single people meet. Since 2019, three in 10 U.S. adults have reported using them, with that figure rising to roughly six in 10 for Americans under 50 who have never been married. Not only are people not meeting partners in bars or any of the once normal in-person venues — they’re barely meeting them on the apps, either.

Maybe most of us just aren’t as hot as we used to be. Maybe it’s time our inflated egos got knocked down a notch. Maybe the market of people still willing to put themselves out there in an attempt to date has gotten smaller. Or maybe the apps have functionally, intentionally gotten worse, as have our romantic prospects. The more they fail to help us form relationships, the more we’re forced to keep swiping — and paying.

The internet, where so many of us spend so much of our time, has not been spared from the decline in quality that seems to plague so much of consumer life. This phenomenon was described by the writer Cory Doctorow in a November 2022 blog post and is sometimes called “platform decay”: Tech platforms like Amazon, Reddit and X have declined in quality as they’ve expanded. These sites initially hooked consumers by being almost too good to be true, attempting to become essential one-stop shops within their respective spaces while often charging nothing, thanks to low interest rates and free-flowing venture capital funding . Now that we’re all locked in and that capital has dried up, those initial hooks have been walked back — and there’s nowhere else to go.

This is precisely what is happening with dating apps now, too, with much more urgent consequences. What’s worsening isn’t just the technological experience of online dating but also our ability to form meaningful, lasting connections offline.

The collapse of dating apps’ usability can be blamed on the paid subscription model and the near-monopoly these apps have over the dating world. While dozens of sites exist, most 20-something daters use the big three: Tinder, Hinge and Bumble. (Older people often gravitate toward Match.com or eHarmony.) All three sites offer a “premium” version users must pay for — according to a study conducted by Morgan Stanley , around a quarter of people on dating apps use these services, averaging out at under $20 a month. The purpose, many believe, is to keep them as paid users for as long as possible. Even if we hate it, even if it’s a cycle of diminishing returns, there is no real alternative.

In the early heyday of Tinder, the only limits on whom you could potentially match with were location, gender and age preferences. You might not have gotten a like back from someone you perceived to be out of your league, but at least you had the chance to swipe right. Today, however, many apps have pooled the people you’d most like to match with into a separate category (such as Hinge’s “Standouts” section), often only accessible to those who pay for premium features. And even if you do decide to sign up for them, many people find the idea of someone paying to match with them to be off-putting anyway.

“If I don’t pay, I don’t date,” a friend in his 30s told me. He spends around $50 a month on premium dating app subscriptions and digital “roses” to grab the attention of potential matches. He’s gone on 65 dates over the last year, he said. None have stuck, so he keeps paying. “Back in the day, I never would have imagined paying for OKCupid,” he said.

Yet shares (Bumble’s stock price has fallen from about $75 to about $11 since its I.P.O.) and user growth have fallen , so the apps have more aggressively rolled out new premium models. In September 2023, Tinder released a $500 per month plan. But the economics of dating apps may not add up .

On Valentine’s Day this year, Match Group — which owns Tinder, Hinge, Match.com, OKCupid and many other dating apps — was sued in a proposed class action lawsuit asserting that the company gamifies its platforms “to transform users into gamblers locked in a search for psychological rewards that Match makes elusive on purpose.” This is in contrast to one of the group’s ad slogans that promotes Hinge as “designed to be deleted.”

People are reporting similar complaints across the apps — even when they aren’t taking the companies to court. Pew Research shows that over the last several years, the percentage of dating app users across demographics who feel dissatisfied with the apps has risen . Just under half of all users report feeling somewhat to very negative about online dating, with the highest rates coming from women and those who don’t pay for premium features. Notably, there is a gender divide: Women feel overwhelmed by messages, while men are underwhelmed by the lack thereof.

With seemingly increasing frequency, people are going to sites like TikTok , Reddit and X to complain about what they perceive to be a dwindling group of eligible people to meet on apps. Commonly, complaints are targeted toward these monthly premium fees, in contrast to the original free experience. Dating has always cost money, but there’s something uniquely galling about the way apps now function. Not only does it feel like the apps are the only way to meet someone, just getting in the door can also comes with a surcharge.

Perhaps dating apps once seemed too good to be true because they were. We never should have been exposed to what the apps originally provided: the sense that the dating pool is some unlimited, ever-increasing-in-quality well of people. Even if the apps are not systematically getting worse but rather you’ve just spent the last few years as a five thinking you should be paired with eights, the apps have nonetheless fundamentally skewed the dating world and our perception of it. We’ve distorted our understanding of how we’d organically pair up — and forgotten how to actually meet people in the process.

Our romantic lives are not products. They should not be subjected to monthly subscription fees, whether we’re the ones paying or we’re the ones people are paying for. Algorithmic torture may be happening everywhere, but the consequences of feeling like we are technologically restricted from finding the right partner are much heavier than, say, being duped into buying the wrong direct-to-consumer mattress. Dating apps treat people like commodities, and encourage us to treat others the same. We are not online shopping. We are looking for people we may potentially spend our lives with.

There is, however, some push toward a return to the real that could save us from this pattern. New in-person dating meet-up opportunities and the return of speed dating events suggests app fatigue is spreading. Maybe we’ll start meeting at bars again — rather than simply swiping through the apps while holding a drink.

Have you ditched dating apps for a new way to meet people, or are you still swiping left?

Opinion wants to hear your story.

Magdalene J. Taylor (@ magdajtaylor ) is a writer covering sex and culture. She writes the newsletter “ Many Such Cases .”

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

Follow the New York Times Opinion section on Facebook , Instagram , TikTok , X and Threads .