Grit is the new buzzword in college admissions.We’re here to unpack this term, so that you can show grit in your college essay!
What does grit mean exactly?
Grit essentially translates to resilience, courageousness, or strength of character. People often display this toughness during times of difficulty. Colleges want students with mental toughness because college life can be challenging, entailing more than just rigorous academics. Your circumstances may include starting anew socially, living separately from your family, and encountering intimidating questions about your future. Grit certainly comes in handy when adapting to an unfamiliar, overwhelming environment.
How can you display grit in your application?
Think of a time in which things haven’t come easy for you, and write about that in your college essay. If you are having trouble coming up with a topic and feel as though you haven’t really struggled much during your life, you do NOT want to invent something. Instead, consider a time when you’ve gone out of your comfort zone. Your experiences don’t need to be outlandish. You just need to tell a story that exudes determination despite the obstacles you face. Another note: don’t turn things that aren’t really a struggle (e.g. you didn’t get the class you wanted) into something bigger than it is. That is the opposite of gritty!
Which grit topics should you avoid?
Unfortunately, some situations are too common to consider for your college essay. Though you may have learned a lot from that incident, it’s not a topic that would stand out to admissions counselors. Here are a few examples: dealing with your parents’ divorce, failing your road test, or not making the varsity sports team. When brainstorming topics, ask yourself whether that experience differentiates you from other applicants. For more college essay topics to avoid, read this article!
All in all, there are plenty of ways to express “grit” in your college essay. Don’t be afraid to embrace the moments that haven’t gone according to plan, and share what you’ve learned as a result of those challenges. Colleges are eager to hear what you have to say!