Hi, I’m a senior applying to some Ivy League schools and other universities this year.
In my personal essay, I’m writing about how I was bullied from 1st-4th grade (not physical, but no one would talk to me no matter how many times I tried to make friends) and how that made me feel like I had to be perfect/the “best” to have worth. I focus mainly how I grew out of that idea through self reflection and learned to love education along the way. I explain that this is how I learned that the only person I have to gain respect from is myself, and that I do things now because they inspire me and give me purpose. I also talk about how this is why I think we as people should try to be kind and understanding to one another- because we’re all struggling in one way, and the way we get through is by helping one another.
I was wondering if you guys thought that this would go more with prompt #2 or prompt #5
Prompt 2: “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 that experience?”
Prompt 5: “Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of you or others.”