Hi everyone,
As you’ve probably seen in my forum username, I’m applying to colleges in the fall. I’ve recently started to write drafts for my essays but am a little stuck. Here’s the prompt:
- What attributes, life experiences, unique perspectives, and/or special talents do you possess that would contribute to the classroom, student body, and/or Air Force Academy?
For background, I am a white female who grew up in California in a middle class family. I’ve always been super lucky with school, and consider myself privileged. I haven’t had any major life experiences I can write about (the only one I can think of is parents divorce, but I know many people write about it so I’m trying to stay away from popular topics).
Any tips? Any help is super appreciated!
Thanks everyone 
College Confidential recently covered this topic in an article that may help answer your question. Read more here: https://insights.collegeconfidential.com/popular-college-application-essay-topics-and-how-to-answer-them
The essay does not have to be about some single life altering experience. They do want to know what positive attributes you have that will contribute to the college community. The key to this type of essay is to identify an attribute(s) and to point to how that has benefited your current community, whether it be in the classroom, school or your local community and how you will apply those attributes to the college community (classroom, student body or institution in general). The more specific you can be in identifying what you have done and intend to do, the stronger the essay.
The attribute can be common. What matters is demonstrating how you have and will apply this attribute.
Think about what the Air Force Academy is looking for in students. They want people that are leaders, and good athletes and good students. They really don’t care that your parents are divorced. Probably a good percentage of applicants have divorced parents. That won’t make you shine from the pile. Try to find someway to showcase your leadership abilities. Were you ever captain of a team, leader of a club? Did you ever organize an event?
I created an internship at my old school (which is now available to other students), and brought the Girls State program to my current HS (I was also chosen as a delegate). My school doesn’t have any sports teams, so I’ve never had the chance to be captain.
whatever it is, make sure it’s an interesting read.
^ Those are great accomplishments and shows both leadership and living a life of meaning for issues greater than yourself. Those are awesome attributes. You should be able to write about those experiences and how they have helped your community, what you’ve learned and how you want to apply that to the Air Force Academy.
Good luck. I hope we all get a chance to thank you for your anticipated service!