Start jotting down ideas to develop your personal essay.

Events or accomplishments you are proud of:

1. _________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. _________________________________________________________________________________________________

Disappointments or failures that you learned something from:

1. _________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. _________________________________________________________________________________________________

Something you say, do, think, that’s unique to you (hobby, catch phrase, tradition, academic interest):

1. _________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. _________________________________________________________________________________________________

Funny stories from the high school years:

1. _________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. _________________________________________________________________________________________________

Global or personal issues of importance:

1. _________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. _________________________________________________________________________________________________

Important people in your life who have inspired you (positively or negatively):

1. _________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. _________________________________________________________________________________________________