I need help. I don’t know how to start my college essay.

College Essays
#1

<p>I need help. I don’t know how to start my college essay.
For the common application personal essay I chose. . .
-Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and it impact on you.
Many people go on mission trips or go on retreats. I haven’t gone to a mission trip nor did I go to a retreat this summer.
Instead I have two things to write about, but I don’t think it’s significant enough to be turned into a college essay.
a. Public Speaking Class- conquering my fear.
b. A year at a therapeutic school.- helped me tremendously<br>
If anyone could give me feedback I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you so much. </p>

<p>-lupemonkey1993</p>

#2

<p>I agree with you, lots of people go on missions or retreats -- At a Tufts session, they strongly suggested NOT writing about that -- they get a many of these essays, and basically they don't stand out (in fact, the words were the one essay you shouldn't write is "I went on a mission to XXXXXX and it changed my life.)</p>

<p>Of the two you mentioned, I would think b is better. Fear of public speaking is common. Therapeutic school is much less so. If you can write a good essay, it will make you memorable, which is whatyou're shooting for.</p>

#3

<p>Tell a story. Write about the fear and anxiety you experienced just thinking about having to speak in public. Provide detail: where were you? what did you where? What you wanted to eat, but didn't dare? Describe the class, what did you learn, what did you do to overcome the fear? What did you give a speech about? Who was in the audience? Was there a mic.? What were the lights like? Were you thirsty? Butterflies?How close was the exit - - did you think about running out of there? Did you have the proper shoes for running away. did you stay? how did it go? Are you glad you did it? Why?</p>

<p>What did you learn about yourself? What about that experience are you going to bring to campus to share with your new friends at college?</p>