essay on individual identity and community

The Impact of Community on Individual Identity: A Sociological Perspective

In the intricate tapestry of human society, community holds a profound influence over the development and perception of individual identity. This essay delves into the sociological dynamics between community and individual identity, exploring how communal environments shape personal identities, the psychological impacts of inclusion and exclusion, and the evolving role of community in a globalized digital age. By examining these relationships, we gain insights into the fundamental processes through which individuals come to understand themselves and their place in the world.

<h2 style="font-weight: bold; margin: 12px 0;">How does community influence individual identity?</h2>Community plays a pivotal role in shaping individual identity, acting as a mirror reflecting personal and social values. From birth, individuals are immersed in a community that imparts the norms, customs, and ideologies that guide their understanding of themselves and the world. This influence is profound and multifaceted, encompassing language, religion, cultural practices, and social expectations. For instance, a person raised in a community that values academic achievement may internalize this priority, shaping their aspirations and self-concept. Similarly, communities that emphasize collective over individual success can influence members to prioritize group goals. This complex interplay between community values and individual identity highlights the community's role as a cornerstone in the construction of personal identity.

<h2 style="font-weight: bold; margin: 12px 0;">What are the effects of community exclusion on identity?</h2>Exclusion from a community can have significant psychological effects on an individual's identity. Being ostracized or marginalized can lead to feelings of low self-worth, isolation, and a diminished sense of belonging, which are critical components of a healthy identity. For example, individuals who face exclusion due to their ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic status might struggle with identity confusion or develop a fragmented self-image. This exclusion not only impacts their internal sense of self but can also affect their external relationships and opportunities, reinforcing feelings of alienation. The struggle for acceptance and the pain of rejection underscore the powerful impact of community on shaping one’s identity.

<h2 style="font-weight: bold; margin: 12px 0;">Why is community identity important in the modern world?</h2>In today's globalized society, community identity serves as a grounding force amidst widespread change and diversity. It provides a sense of continuity and security, offering individuals a framework within which to understand their roles and contributions to society. Community identity can foster resilience against the homogenizing effects of globalization, preserving unique cultural practices and languages. Moreover, in a world where individuals can often feel disconnected or alienated, a strong community identity helps to foster connections among members, promoting social cohesion and support. This is crucial for mental health and well-being, as individuals feel valued and understood within their social groups.

<h2 style="font-weight: bold; margin: 12px 0;">Does globalization diminish the role of community in shaping identity?</h2>Globalization presents both challenges and opportunities for community roles in identity formation. On one hand, the increased interaction between diverse cultures can lead to a dilution of distinct community identities, as global norms and values permeate local traditions. This can result in a more homogenized global culture where individual identities are shaped more by global media and less by local community values. On the other hand, globalization can also lead to a heightened awareness and appreciation of one's own community identity as individuals seek to reaffirm their unique cultural heritage in a diverse world. Thus, while globalization can diminish the role of community, it can also invigorate and redefine it.

<h2 style="font-weight: bold; margin: 12px 0;">Are digital communities as influential as physical communities in shaping identity?</h2>Digital communities have emerged as powerful platforms influencing individual identity, paralleling the impact of physical communities. These online spaces allow for the expression and exploration of identity components that might be stifled in one's immediate physical environment. For instance, individuals exploring gender identity may find support and acceptance in online forums that are absent in their local communities. Moreover, digital communities can also reinforce or challenge existing beliefs and biases, providing new perspectives that can reshape one's identity. However, the influence of digital communities can vary greatly depending on the individual's level of engagement and the nature of the community itself.

Throughout this discussion, it is evident that community is a fundamental force in shaping individual identity. From the direct transmission of cultural values to the subtler influences of communal expectations and norms, the community environment is integral to the formation of personal identity. Whether through physical or digital interactions, the influence of community is pervasive, underscoring the complex interdependencies that define human social existence. As society continues to evolve, the interplay between community and identity will undoubtedly shift, reflecting broader cultural, technological, and global changes.

Related Essays

Building strong communities: strategies for fostering social cohesion.

Building strong communities is essential for fostering social cohesion and creating a sense of belonging. By implementing strategies that promote inclusivity, encourage civic engagement, and foster social connections, communities can thrive and become more resilient. This article explores various approaches to building strong communities and highlights the importance of active participation and collaboration. What are some strategies for building strong communities?Building strong communities can be achieved through various strategies such as promoting inclusivity, fostering social connections, and encouraging civic engagement. By creating spaces that welcome diversity, organizing community events, and providing opportunities for residents to actively participate in decision-making processes, communities can strengthen social cohesion and create a sense of belonging. How does promoting inclusivity contribute to social cohesion?Promoting inclusivity is crucial for fostering social cohesion within communities. When individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives feel valued and included, they are more likely to form meaningful connections with one another. Inclusive communities celebrate diversity, embrace different viewpoints, and ensure that everyone has equal access to resources and opportunities, thereby fostering a sense of unity and belonging. What role does civic engagement play in building strong communities?Civic engagement plays a vital role in building strong communities. When residents actively participate in community initiatives, such as volunteering, attending public meetings, or joining local organizations, they contribute to the overall well-being of the community. Civic engagement encourages collaboration, empowers individuals to have a voice in decision-making processes, and strengthens social bonds, ultimately leading to a more cohesive and resilient community. Why is fostering social connections important for community development?Fostering social connections is essential for community development as it creates a network of support and enhances overall well-being. Strong social connections promote trust, empathy, and cooperation among community members. By organizing social events, facilitating networking opportunities, and encouraging neighborly interactions, communities can build relationships that foster a sense of belonging and unity, leading to a more vibrant and resilient community. How can community leaders encourage active participation in community-building efforts?Community leaders play a crucial role in encouraging active participation in community-building efforts. They can promote transparency, provide platforms for residents to voice their opinions, and actively involve community members in decision-making processes. By recognizing and appreciating the contributions of individuals, community leaders can inspire others to actively engage in initiatives that promote social cohesion and community development.In conclusion, building strong communities requires intentional efforts to promote inclusivity, encourage civic engagement, and foster social connections. By embracing diversity, empowering residents to have a voice, and creating opportunities for meaningful interactions, communities can strengthen social cohesion and create a sense of belonging. It is through these collective efforts that communities can thrive, grow, and overcome challenges together.

The Role of Community in Mental Health and Well-being

The role of community in mental health and well-being is a topic of increasing interest and importance. Communities are not just physical locations, but social constructs that provide a sense of belonging, support, and identity. They can play a significant role in promoting mental health, preventing mental illness, and supporting recovery. This essay will explore the multifaceted role of community in mental health and well-being, drawing on research and real-world examples. What is the role of community in mental health?The role of community in mental health is multifaceted and significant. Communities provide a sense of belonging, which is crucial for mental well-being. They offer social support, which can act as a buffer against mental health problems. Communities can also provide resources and services that promote mental health, such as mental health clinics, support groups, and educational programs. Furthermore, communities can influence mental health through social norms and attitudes. For instance, communities that stigmatize mental illness can negatively impact the mental health of their members, while those that promote acceptance and understanding can foster mental well-being. How does community involvement impact mental health?Community involvement can have a profound impact on mental health. Being actively involved in one's community can foster a sense of purpose and meaning, which are key components of mental well-being. It can also provide opportunities for social interaction, which can alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation. Moreover, community involvement can promote a sense of empowerment and control, which can be beneficial for individuals struggling with mental health issues. It can also provide opportunities for skill development and personal growth, which can boost self-esteem and self-efficacy. Why is community support important for mental health recovery?Community support is crucial for mental health recovery for several reasons. Firstly, it can provide emotional support, which can help individuals cope with the challenges of mental illness. Secondly, it can provide practical support, such as help with daily tasks, which can alleviate stress and promote recovery. Thirdly, community support can provide a sense of belonging and acceptance, which can combat the stigma and isolation often associated with mental illness. Lastly, community support can facilitate access to mental health services and resources, which can aid in recovery. What are some examples of community resources for mental health?There are numerous community resources for mental health. These include mental health clinics, which provide assessment, treatment, and counseling services; support groups, which offer peer support and shared experiences; educational programs, which provide information and skills training; and advocacy organizations, which work to promote mental health awareness and policy change. Other resources might include recreational programs, employment services, and housing programs, which can address the social determinants of mental health. How can communities promote mental health and well-being?Communities can promote mental health and well-being in several ways. They can foster social connections and provide opportunities for community involvement, which can enhance mental well-being. They can provide access to mental health services and resources, which can prevent and treat mental health problems. They can also promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma, which can create a more supportive environment for individuals with mental health issues. Furthermore, communities can address the social determinants of mental health, such as poverty and social inequality, which can have a profound impact on mental health.In conclusion, communities play a vital role in mental health and well-being. They provide a sense of belonging, social support, and access to resources and services. They can also influence mental health through social norms and attitudes. Active involvement in community life can enhance mental well-being, while community support can aid in mental health recovery. However, communities also have a responsibility to promote mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and address the social determinants of mental health. By doing so, they can create a supportive environment that fosters mental health and well-being for all members.

Community Engagement and Social Change: How Individuals Can Make a Difference

Community engagement and social change are two intertwined concepts that have shaped societies throughout history. From the Civil Rights Movement to the Women's Suffrage Movement, community engagement has been at the forefront of social change, driving progress and fostering a sense of shared responsibility and ownership over the community's future. This essay explores the role of community engagement in social change, how individuals can contribute, its importance, examples of its success, and the challenges it faces. What is the role of community engagement in social change?Community engagement plays a pivotal role in social change. It is the process by which individuals and organizations work together to create sustainable change for the betterment of their community. This engagement can take many forms, from volunteering and activism to participating in community meetings or serving on local boards. The goal is to foster a sense of shared responsibility and ownership over the community's future. By actively participating in community life, individuals can influence policies, programs, and services that directly affect their lives. This active participation can lead to more equitable and inclusive communities, fostering social change on a broader scale. How can individuals contribute to social change through community engagement?Individuals can contribute to social change through community engagement in numerous ways. They can volunteer their time and skills to local organizations, participate in community meetings, or advocate for policies that promote social justice. By actively participating in these activities, individuals can help shape their community's future and contribute to social change. They can also foster a sense of community and shared responsibility, which can lead to more equitable and inclusive communities. Furthermore, individuals can use their unique skills and perspectives to address community issues, contributing to a more diverse and inclusive social change process. Why is community engagement important for social change?Community engagement is crucial for social change because it fosters a sense of shared responsibility and ownership over the community's future. It allows individuals to influence policies, programs, and services that directly affect their lives, leading to more equitable and inclusive communities. Furthermore, community engagement can help address systemic issues by bringing diverse perspectives to the table, fostering a more inclusive and equitable social change process. By actively participating in community life, individuals can contribute to social change and help create a more just and equitable society. What are some examples of community engagement leading to social change?There are numerous examples of community engagement leading to social change. For instance, the Civil Rights Movement in the United States was largely driven by community engagement, with individuals and organizations working together to advocate for racial equality. Similarly, the Women's Suffrage Movement was a result of women engaging in their communities to fight for their right to vote. More recently, community engagement has played a key role in movements for environmental justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and police reform. These examples illustrate the power of community engagement in driving social change. What are the challenges of community engagement in social change?While community engagement is crucial for social change, it also presents several challenges. One of the main challenges is ensuring that all voices are heard and represented, particularly those of marginalized and underrepresented groups. This requires intentional efforts to create inclusive spaces and processes. Another challenge is sustaining engagement over time, as social change often requires long-term commitment and effort. Additionally, community engagement can be hindered by systemic barriers such as poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to resources. Despite these challenges, community engagement remains a powerful tool for social change.In conclusion, community engagement plays a pivotal role in social change. It allows individuals to influence policies, programs, and services that directly affect their lives, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and ownership over the community's future. While it presents several challenges, including ensuring representation and sustaining engagement, community engagement remains a powerful tool for social change. By actively participating in community life, individuals can contribute to social change and help create a more just and equitable society.

Community Development: A Guide to Creating Thriving Neighborhoods

Community development is a vital process that empowers individuals and communities to create thriving neighborhoods. It involves a collaborative effort to address social, economic, and environmental challenges, ultimately leading to a more vibrant and sustainable place to live. This essay will explore the multifaceted nature of community development, examining its key components, benefits, and examples of successful projects. What is community development?Community development is a multifaceted process that aims to improve the social, economic, and environmental well-being of a particular neighborhood or community. It involves a collaborative effort between residents, local organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders to address shared challenges and create a more vibrant and sustainable place to live. This process encompasses a wide range of activities, including: How can I get involved in community development?Getting involved in community development can be as simple as volunteering your time or as complex as leading a community-based organization. Here are some ways you can contribute: What are the benefits of community development?Community development brings numerous benefits to individuals, neighborhoods, and society as a whole. Some of the key advantages include: What are some examples of successful community development projects?There are countless examples of successful community development projects around the world. Here are a few notable examples: Why is community development important?Community development is essential for creating thriving and sustainable neighborhoods. It empowers residents to take ownership of their communities, address local challenges, and build a better future for themselves and future generations. By fostering collaboration, promoting social inclusion, and addressing issues like poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation, community development creates a more just, equitable, and vibrant society for all.Community development is a powerful force for positive change, empowering residents to shape their communities and create a better future for all. By fostering collaboration, promoting social inclusion, and addressing local challenges, community development creates thriving neighborhoods that are vibrant, sustainable, and equitable. As we move forward, it is crucial to continue investing in community development initiatives and empowering residents to be active participants in shaping their communities.

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How to Write the Community Essay – Guide with Examples (2023-24)

September 6, 2023

Students applying to college this year will inevitably confront the community essay. In fact, most students will end up responding to several community essay prompts for different schools. For this reason, you should know more than simply how to approach the community essay as a genre. Rather, you will want to learn how to decipher the nuances of each particular prompt, in order to adapt your response appropriately. In this article, we’ll show you how to do just that, through several community essay examples. These examples will also demonstrate how to avoid cliché and make the community essay authentically and convincingly your own.

Emphasis on Community

Do keep in mind that inherent in the word “community” is the idea of multiple people. The personal statement already provides you with a chance to tell the college admissions committee about yourself as an individual. The community essay, however, suggests that you depict yourself among others. You can use this opportunity to your advantage by showing off interpersonal skills, for example. Or, perhaps you wish to relate a moment that forged important relationships. This in turn will indicate what kind of connections you’ll make in the classroom with college peers and professors.

Apart from comprising numerous people, a community can appear in many shapes and sizes. It could be as small as a volleyball team, or as large as a diaspora. It could fill a town soup kitchen, or spread across five boroughs. In fact, due to the internet, certain communities today don’t even require a physical place to congregate. Communities can form around a shared identity, shared place, shared hobby, shared ideology, or shared call to action. They can even arise due to a shared yet unforeseen circumstance.

What is the Community Essay All About?             

In a nutshell, the community essay should exhibit three things:

• An aspect of yourself, 2. in the context of a community you belonged to, and 3. how this experience may shape your contribution to the community you’ll join in college.

It may look like a fairly simple equation: 1 + 2 = 3. However, each college will word their community essay prompt differently, so it’s important to look out for additional variables. One college may use the community essay as a way to glimpse your core values. Another may use the essay to understand how you would add to diversity on campus. Some may let you decide in which direction to take it—and there are many ways to go!

To get a better idea of how the prompts differ, let’s take a look at some real community essay prompts from the current admission cycle.

Sample 2023-2024 Community Essay Prompts

1) brown university.

“Students entering Brown often find that making their home on College Hill naturally invites reflection on where they came from. Share how an aspect of your growing up has inspired or challenged you, and what unique contributions this might allow you to make to the Brown community. (200-250 words)”

A close reading of this prompt shows that Brown puts particular emphasis on place. They do this by using the words “home,” “College Hill,” and “where they came from.” Thus, Brown invites writers to think about community through the prism of place. They also emphasize the idea of personal growth or change, through the words “inspired or challenged you.” Therefore, Brown wishes to see how the place you grew up in has affected you. And, they want to know how you in turn will affect their college community.

“NYU was founded on the belief that a student’s identity should not dictate the ability for them to access higher education. That sense of opportunity for all students, of all backgrounds, remains a part of who we are today and a critical part of what makes us a world-class university. Our community embraces diversity, in all its forms, as a cornerstone of the NYU experience.

We would like to better understand how your experiences would help us to shape and grow our diverse community. Please respond in 250 words or less.”

Here, NYU places an emphasis on students’ “identity,” “backgrounds,” and “diversity,” rather than any physical place. (For some students, place may be tied up in those ideas.) Furthermore, while NYU doesn’t ask specifically how identity has changed the essay writer, they do ask about your “experience.” Take this to mean that you can still recount a specific moment, or several moments, that work to portray your particular background. You should also try to link your story with NYU’s values of inclusivity and opportunity.

3) University of Washington

“Our families and communities often define us and our individual worlds. Community might refer to your cultural group, extended family, religious group, neighborhood or school, sports team or club, co-workers, etc. Describe the world you come from and how you, as a product of it, might add to the diversity of the UW. (300 words max) Tip: Keep in mind that the UW strives to create a community of students richly diverse in cultural backgrounds, experiences, values and viewpoints.”

UW ’s community essay prompt may look the most approachable, for they help define the idea of community. You’ll notice that most of their examples (“families,” “cultural group, extended family, religious group, neighborhood”…) place an emphasis on people. This may clue you in on their desire to see the relationships you’ve made. At the same time, UW uses the words “individual” and “richly diverse.” They, like NYU, wish to see how you fit in and stand out, in order to boost campus diversity.

Writing Your First Community Essay

Begin by picking which community essay you’ll write first. (For practical reasons, you’ll probably want to go with whichever one is due earliest.) Spend time doing a close reading of the prompt, as we’ve done above. Underline key words. Try to interpret exactly what the prompt is asking through these keywords.

Next, brainstorm. I recommend doing this on a blank piece of paper with a pencil. Across the top, make a row of headings. These might be the communities you’re a part of, or the components that make up your identity. Then, jot down descriptive words underneath in each column—whatever comes to you. These words may invoke people and experiences you had with them, feelings, moments of growth, lessons learned, values developed, etc. Now, narrow in on the idea that offers the richest material and that corresponds fully with the prompt.

Lastly, write! You’ll definitely want to describe real moments, in vivid detail. This will keep your essay original, and help you avoid cliché. However, you’ll need to summarize the experience and answer the prompt succinctly, so don’t stray too far into storytelling mode.

How To Adapt Your Community Essay

Once your first essay is complete, you’ll need to adapt it to the other colleges involving community essays on your list. Again, you’ll want to turn to the prompt for a close reading, and recognize what makes this prompt different from the last. For example, let’s say you’ve written your essay for UW about belonging to your swim team, and how the sports dynamics shaped you. Adapting that essay to Brown’s prompt could involve more of a focus on place. You may ask yourself, how was my swim team in Alaska different than the swim teams we competed against in other states?

Once you’ve adapted the content, you’ll also want to adapt the wording to mimic the prompt. For example, let’s say your UW essay states, “Thinking back to my years in the pool…” As you adapt this essay to Brown’s prompt, you may notice that Brown uses the word “reflection.” Therefore, you might change this sentence to “Reflecting back on my years in the pool…” While this change is minute, it cleverly signals to the reader that you’ve paid attention to the prompt, and are giving that school your full attention.

What to Avoid When Writing the Community Essay  

• Avoid cliché. Some students worry that their idea is cliché, or worse, that their background or identity is cliché. However, what makes an essay cliché is not the content, but the way the content is conveyed. This is where your voice and your descriptions become essential.
• Avoid giving too many examples. Stick to one community, and one or two anecdotes arising from that community that allow you to answer the prompt fully.
• Don’t exaggerate or twist facts. Sometimes students feel they must make themselves sound more “diverse” than they feel they are. Luckily, diversity is not a feeling. Likewise, diversity does not simply refer to one’s heritage. If the prompt is asking about your identity or background, you can show the originality of your experiences through your actions and your thinking.

Community Essay Examples and Analysis

Brown university community essay example.

I used to hate the NYC subway. I’ve taken it since I was six, going up and down Manhattan, to and from school. By high school, it was a daily nightmare. Spending so much time underground, underneath fluorescent lighting, squashed inside a rickety, rocking train car among strangers, some of whom wanted to talk about conspiracy theories, others who had bedbugs or B.O., or who manspread across two seats, or bickered—it wore me out. The challenge of going anywhere seemed absurd. I dreaded the claustrophobia and disgruntlement.

Yet the subway also inspired my understanding of community. I will never forget the morning I saw a man, several seats away, slide out of his seat and hit the floor. The thump shocked everyone to attention. What we noticed: he appeared drunk, possibly homeless. I was digesting this when a second man got up and, through a sort of awkward embrace, heaved the first man back into his seat. The rest of us had stuck to subway social codes: don’t step out of line. Yet this second man’s silent actions spoke loudly. They said, “I care.”

That day I realized I belong to a group of strangers. What holds us together is our transience, our vulnerabilities, and a willingness to assist. This community is not perfect but one in motion, a perpetual work-in-progress. Now I make it my aim to hold others up. I plan to contribute to the Brown community by helping fellow students and strangers in moments of precariousness.    

Brown University Community Essay Example Analysis

Here the student finds an original way to write about where they come from. The subway is not their home, yet it remains integral to ideas of belonging. The student shows how a community can be built between strangers, in their responsibility toward each other. The student succeeds at incorporating key words from the prompt (“challenge,” “inspired” “Brown community,” “contribute”) into their community essay.

UW Community Essay Example

I grew up in Hawaii, a world bound by water and rich in diversity. In school we learned that this sacred land was invaded, first by Captain Cook, then by missionaries, whalers, traders, plantation owners, and the U.S. government. My parents became part of this problematic takeover when they moved here in the 90s. The first community we knew was our church congregation. At the beginning of mass, we shook hands with our neighbors. We held hands again when we sang the Lord’s Prayer. I didn’t realize our church wasn’t “normal” until our diocese was informed that we had to stop dancing hula and singing Hawaiian hymns. The order came from the Pope himself.

Eventually, I lost faith in God and organized institutions. I thought the banning of hula—an ancient and pure form of expression—seemed medieval, ignorant, and unfair, given that the Hawaiian religion had already been stamped out. I felt a lack of community and a distrust for any place in which I might find one. As a postcolonial inhabitant, I could never belong to the Hawaiian culture, no matter how much I valued it. Then, I was shocked to learn that Queen Ka’ahumanu herself had eliminated the Kapu system, a strict code of conduct in which women were inferior to men. Next went the Hawaiian religion. Queen Ka’ahumanu burned all the temples before turning to Christianity, hoping this religion would offer better opportunities for her people.

Community Essay (Continued)

I’m not sure what to make of this history. Should I view Queen Ka’ahumanu as a feminist hero, or another failure in her islands’ tragedy? Nothing is black and white about her story, but she did what she thought was beneficial to her people, regardless of tradition. From her story, I’ve learned to accept complexity. I can disagree with institutionalized religion while still believing in my neighbors. I am a product of this place and their presence. At UW, I plan to add to campus diversity through my experience, knowing that diversity comes with contradictions and complications, all of which should be approached with an open and informed mind.

UW Community Essay Example Analysis

This student also manages to weave in words from the prompt (“family,” “community,” “world,” “product of it,” “add to the diversity,” etc.). Moreover, the student picks one of the examples of community mentioned in the prompt, (namely, a religious group,) and deepens their answer by addressing the complexity inherent in the community they’ve been involved in. While the student displays an inner turmoil about their identity and participation, they find a way to show how they’d contribute to an open-minded campus through their values and intellectual rigor.

What’s Next

For more on supplemental essays and essay writing guides, check out the following articles:

• How to Write the Why This Major Essay + Example
• How to Write the Overcoming Challenges Essay + Example
• How to Start a College Essay – 12 Techniques and Tips
• College Essay

Kaylen Baker

With a BA in Literary Studies from Middlebury College, an MFA in Fiction from Columbia University, and a Master’s in Translation from Université Paris 8 Vincennes-Saint-Denis, Kaylen has been working with students on their writing for over five years. Previously, Kaylen taught a fiction course for high school students as part of Columbia Artists/Teachers, and served as an English Language Assistant for the French National Department of Education. Kaylen is an experienced writer/translator whose work has been featured in Los Angeles Review, Hybrid, San Francisco Bay Guardian, France Today, and Honolulu Weekly, among others.

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Home — Essay Samples — Sociology — Self Identity — My Identity: A Personal Narrative

My Identity: a Personal Narrative

• Categories: Self Identity

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Words: 713 |

Published: Aug 1, 2024

Words: 713 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

Table of contents

Family background, cultural heritage, personal values.

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Community Essay Examples

When crafting your college applications, writing strong essays is essential. Through your essays, you demonstrate who you are–from your values and passions to your lived experiences. Indeed the personal statement is the most common college essay. However, you will also likely have to write some supplemental essays as part of your college application requirements. One of the most common supplemental essay types is the community essay. This essay type is also known as a describe the community you live in essay, cultural diversity essay, or community service essay.

In this article, we will introduce several community essay examples. Most importantly, we’ll describe why they are considered college essays that worked. Specifically, we will share community essay examples from the two schools:

• Princeton University
• Columbia University

By studying these admissions essay samples, you can see what makes these college community essay examples strong and apply those same principles to your writing.

Reviewing Types of College Essays

Each school has different supplemental essay prompts for their college application requirements. However, there are a few types of essays that are most common. By becoming familiar with these essay types, you can begin to brainstorm and strategize what you will write about early on. You might start as early as sophomore or junior year in high school. 

Now, let’s take a look at the most common supplementary essay questions.

Common Supplementary Essay Questions

1. why school.

A Why School essay is, as it sounds, about why you wish to attend a specific institution. The key to answering this prompt well is to be specific. You should identify examples of what you like about a school. Avoid general comments such as “it is a top school” or “it is diverse.” Share specific programs, professors, teaching approaches, cultural elements, or unique opportunities such as research or study abroad.

2. Why Major

The Why Major essay asks you to share specific reasons behind your choice of major and how it relates to your future goals. A strong response to a Why Major essay will highlight your specific motivations. But it will also connect those motivations to a school’s unique opportunities. For example, perhaps you wish to be a pre-law history major, and the school you are applying to offers law-related internships. By highlighting these specific connections, you draw a compelling connection between yourself and the school.

3. Extracurricular Activity

Many schools ask you to describe an extracurricular activity that is particularly meaningful for you. When responding to this question, do not feel limited to only talk about the most popular extracurricular activities for college applications, like clubs or sports. Consider all of the activities you do outside of school. Then choose the one that is most meaningful to you. Also, give specific examples of how you grew or made an impact within your extracurricular activities for college.

4. Community Essay

The Community Essay can have slightly different angles to it. But, the uniting factor is that the school wants to know how you engage with others around you. Some types of community essays are a describe the community you live in essay or a cultural diversity essay. In recent years, the cultural diversity essay has been a more common college application requirement.

Coming up, we will share a bit more about how to break down community essay prompts. We’ll also take a look at college essays that worked. By reading these examples, you’ll know how to approach these common prompts.

How to identify a community essay?

While community essays can have slightly different focuses, they all share the goal of learning about where you come from. A supplemental essay prompt might ask you to share more about your background via a group you are part of. This is likely a community essay. Indeed, a community essay can also be called a describe the community you live in essay, or a cultural diversity essay. Other college community essay examples focus on how you will contribute to a college campus. Finally, in a describe a community you belong to essay example, you will see that students highlight any community that is meaningful to them.

You may be wondering why so many colleges have community essays as a college application requirement. For one, many colleges use a holistic admissions process. This means they care about all aspects of who you are, not simply your grades and test scores. How you engage with your communities shows them your character and values. For example, a describe the community you live in essay example about visiting church every Sunday demonstrates your commitment to religion. Similarly, a cultural diversity essay helps colleges learn more about your cultural background. 

Additionally, colleges want to learn more about how you will engage with their on-campus community. You’ll notice this important factor in the college community essay examples we will share. To some degree, how you have engaged with previous communities can be an indicator of how you will show up on their campus.

How is a community essay different?

As we mentioned, community essays can have slightly different focuses. Some prompts ask you to write a describe the community you live in essay. These types of community essays are more like cultural diversity essays. 

Keep in mind that the word “community” can have many different meanings. A community can be your school, church, or neighborhood. It could also stem from your interests. For example, your dance or robotics team can form your community.

Some community essay prompts want to know specifically how you help strengthen your communities. These types of essays are considered a community service essay. Another term for community service is “civic engagement.” An example of civic engagement might be getting people in your cultural community to sign up to vote. Or, another could be helping with church fundraisers to ensure that your local community has the resources it needs to thrive. 

In sum, the keywords you might see in a community essay prompt are “civic engagement,” “community service,” “serve your community,” “contribute to your community,” or “diversity.” No matter how it’s phrased, your essay should demonstrate the impact you’ve had on your community–whichever one you choose to highlight. 

What are some examples of community essays?

In this article, we will share several community essay examples. Specifically, we will highlight Princeton essay examples and Columbia essays examples. Let’s look at these two colleges’ essay prompts. 

The first Princeton supplemental essay prompt is a part of our college community essay examples and our cultural diversity essay examples. Here is the prompt:

Princeton Community Essay Prompt #1: Cultural Diversity Essay and College Community Essay Examples

Princeton values community and encourages students, faculty, staff and leadership to engage in respectful conversations that can expand their perspectives and challenge their ideas and beliefs. as a prospective member of this community, reflect on how your lived experiences will impact the conversations you will have in the classroom, the dining hall or other campus spaces. what lessons have you learned in life thus far what will your classmates learn from you in short, how has your lived experience shaped you  (please respond in 500 words or fewer.).

In this cultural diversity essay prompt, Princeton wants to know about your lived experiences. By this, they refer to any experiences that have shaped you profoundly. A lived experience can be a specific event, such as experiencing a car crash or winning an award. Or, it could be a set of experiences that resulted from life circumstances, such as being a first-generation college student or having taken a gap year .

This essay prompt will also lead to college community essay examples. Indeed Princeton wants to read about your lived experiences and how they impacted you. But, they also want to know how you will bring those lessons to the Princeton community, should you enroll . Also, note that this prompt mentions challenging ideas and beliefs via conversation. As you respond, look for ways to highlight how you have engaged in fruitful dialogue and how you would do so at Princeton.

To answer this prompt effectively, share specific examples. Additionally, be sure to answer all parts of the prompt. 

Princeton has a second supplemental essay prompt that focuses on how you engage with your community outside of the classroom. The prompt is as follows: 

Princeton Community Essay Prompt #2: Civic Engagement

Princeton has a longstanding commitment to understanding our responsibility to society through service and civic engagement. how does your own story intersect with these ideals (250 words or fewer) .

To answer this prompt well, you must highlight specific examples of how you have positively impacted your community. As a starting point, consider which of your communities you have most engaged with. How have you done so and what results did you have?

The Columbia Community Essay Prompt is another of our college community essay examples. It is a cultural diversity essay, as well. Here is the prompt: 

Columbia Community Essay Prompt: A Cultural Diversity Essay

A hallmark of the columbia experience is being able to learn and thrive in an equitable and inclusive community with a wide range of perspectives. tell us about an aspect of your own perspective, viewpoint or lived experience that is important to you, and describe how it has shaped the way you would learn from and contribute to columbia’s diverse and collaborative community. (150 words or fewer).

While this prompt is similar to Princeton’s, it also references perspectives and viewpoints. In doing so, the prompt opens you up to share opinions or values that are important to you. You might consider highlighting values in your family or community that you either hold close or disagree with. 

Note that Columbia also highlights the word “collaborative” in this prompt. This indicates that your cultural diversity essay should also show how you collaborate with others.

Which schools require a community essay?

In addition to Princeton and Columbia, many other schools have community essays as part of their college application requirements. Here are some other examples of community essay prompts:

In this UNC-Chapel Hill prompt , you must describe a specific example of how you made an impact on a community. The prompt reads:

The University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill: A Community Service Essay Prompt

Discuss one of your personal qualities and share a story, anecdote, or memory of how it helped you make a positive impact on a community. this could be your current community or another community you have engaged. (250-word limit).

In responding, be sure to highlight what community you are referencing, the specific impact you made, and what personal quality helped you do so.

This prompt from UMichigan is a describe a community you belong to essay example, as well as a cultural diversity essay:

The University of Michigan: Describe a Community You Belong to Essay Example

Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it. (required for all applicants. 1,500 character limit.).

In addition to describing the community, make sure to share how you engage with it and what it has taught you. Remember that community is a broad term. So, for this prompt you can respond with any type of community in mind, whether physical or cultural. In contrast to the describe the community you live in essay, you do not have to be geographically close to the community you describe here.

Duke University: Cultural Diversity Essay Prompts

Duke offers students five supplemental prompts to choose from, of which they can reply to two. Of these supplemental prompts, four are examples of cultural diversity essays:

1. We believe a wide range of viewpoints, beliefs, and lived experiences are essential to maintaining Duke as a vibrant and meaningful living and learning community. Feel free to share with us anything in this context that might help us better understand you and what you might bring to our community.

2. we believe there is benefit in sharing or questioning our beliefs or values; who do you agree with on the big important things, or who do you have your most interesting disagreements with what are you agreeing or disagreeing about, 3. duke’s commitment to inclusion and belonging includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. feel free to share with us more about how your identity in this context has meaning for you as an individual or as a member of a community., 4. we recognize that not fully “fitting in” a community or place can sometimes be difficult. duke values the effort, resilience, and independence that may require. feel free to share with us circumstances where something about you is different and how that’s influenced your experiences or identity..

Each of these prompts is a slightly different type of cultural diversity essay, from sharing a range of opinions to not fitting in within a community. Choose the essay prompts that most resonate with you. And share specific examples that bring your cultural diversity essay to life.

In this Yale University supplemental prompt , you must choose a community that you feel connected to and describe why it is meaningful. Here’s the prompt:

Yale University: Describe a Community You Belong to Essay Example

Reflect on your membership in a community to which you feel connected. why is this community meaningful to you you may define community however you like. (400-word limit).

When responding, be sure to highlight what you have learned or how you have grown from this community. In contrast to a describe the community you live in essay, this essay can be about any community, near or far, that resonates with you. Indeed, the prompt gives you plenty of leeway in what you consider community. 

When responding to the UC system prompts , you must choose four of the eight available personal insight questions. One of the PIQs is a community service essay prompt:

The University of California Personal Insight Question: A Community Service Prompt

What have you done to make your school or your community a better place, things to consider: think of community as a term that can encompass a group, team or a place like your high school, hometown or home. you can define community as you see fit, just make sure you talk about your role in that community. was there a problem that you wanted to fix in your community, why were you inspired to act what did you learn from your effort how did your actions benefit others, the wider community or both did you work alone or with others to initiate change in your community.

Similar to many of the other prompts, when answering this question, be sure to identify the specific impact you made on your community.

Now that we have looked at various examples of community essay prompts, we can explore community essay examples. Reading essay examples is a great way to get inspired to write your own college essays. 

In each of the highlighted college essays that worked, note what the author did expertly. Rather than trying to copy their responses, topics, or ideas, consider how you can apply those same skills to your writing. 

Princeton Community Essay Examples

In this section, we will highlight Princeton essay examples that respond to their two community essay prompts: a cultural diversity essay and a community service essay. 

The first of our Princeton essay examples responds to the following Princeton prompt: 

Princeton Essay Examples #1: Cultural Diversity Essay

Now, let’s take a look at a student’s response to this prompt focusing on lived experiences. 

Princeton Essay Examples #1 Student Response

I have spent most of my life living in a 41% minority town of 1.8 square miles called Highland Park, NJ. This typically overlooked town has introduced me to a diverse array of people, and it has been the main influence on my life experiences and core values.

In the face of distinct cultures and customs, we forge a single identity as Highland Parkers and come together to organize large community events. The most prevalent example is our highly touted annual Memorial Day parade, where we join together with neighboring New Brunswick to invite military service members, family members of our fallen war heroes, our legislative and congressional representatives, and our townspeople. Moreover, as our high school band’s vice president, I help organize and lead our ensemble into these performances with a positive and uplifting spirit. We communicate with the town government and arrange the performances every year to perform at the parade. The parade is an example of many of our large community events that serve as a unifying force for our diverse community, reminding us that we are fundamentally connected as one cohesive group, despite our differences. 

As someone deeply interested in historical and political matters, I am well aware of the consequences that arise from dictatorial protocols that limit the freedom of speech and diversity of voices. From my experiences debating in Model UN conferences, I have grown accustomed to being able to present viewpoints from both sides of the argument, and I have learned to incorporate and respect the viewpoints of all sides of an issue before making up my own mind. For example, in a Model Congress debate, I found myself advocating for the interests of a state heavily reliant on traditional fossil fuels. While researching and articulating that perspective, I gained insights into the economic challenges faced by the states that are reliant on these resources. This experience not only broadened my understanding of the complexities surrounding environmental policies but also highlighted the necessity of considering diverse viewpoints for comprehensive decision-making. 

My background and experiences have fostered in me a profound appreciation for the value of diversity, inclusivity, and the pursuit of knowledge. At Princeton University, I will seek to contribute as an active participant in the community, actively provide unique perspectives and insights, and respect and learn from others’ perspectives even if there are disagreements. I wish to partake in student government, which has like-minded peers who want to make a substantive impact, and also participate in service programs like the Civic Leadership Council. Also, I hope to increase my impact from the leadership positions I currently hold on the Red Cross club and teen mayoral advisory council using the platforms in Princeton. I look forward to making a positive impact on both the campus and the broader community. 

Why This Cultural Diversity Essay Worked

In the first of our Princeton essay examples, the student successfully responds to all parts of the Princeton prompt. They begin by describing their community and sharing some details about its makeup. Indeed, the first sentence hooks the reader–it is unique and compelling. 

Then, the student illustrates how they specifically contribute to their community each year by leading the high school band in the Memorial Day parade. They also highlight how their experience in Model UN shaped their appreciation for diverse perspectives. In sharing these two examples, the student demonstrates their leadership and open-minded thinking. Finally, the student ends by highlighting how they would use these values to contribute to Princeton’s community– by partaking in student government and Civic Leadership Council, among other activities.

In the second of our Princeton essay examples, the student responds to the second Princeton prompt which is: 

Princeton Essay Examples #2: A Community Service Essay

Princeton has a longstanding commitment to understanding our responsibility to society through service and civic engagement. how does your own story intersect with these ideals (250 words or fewer).

And, here is a student’s response:

Princeton Essay Examples #2 Student Response

My first experience with the Red Cross was when my older sister was desperately trying to recruit people to join the club during the harsh COVID year. Things were so bad for the club that I, as a freshman, ran for the position of treasurer unopposed. My first blood drive experience was marked by masks, social distancing, and low turnout among blood donors. Even many donors who showed up ended up being turned away due to health-related issues. Needless to say, it was not the greatest first high school service experience, and I admittedly started to doubt if the time I spent on this front was worth it. 

However, as we returned in person, things quickly turned around. As the vice president of the club, I helped recruit more than twice the club membership compared to the previous year, and our blood drives started to regain momentum; our blood targets have been exceeded every time since. Organizing and participating in blood drives has become a passion. It’s fulfilling, especially when I personally donate, to know that I’m actively serving the community and saving lives. I have realized that, despite my relatively young age, I am capable of making an impact through public service. I plan to continue my commitment to the Red Cross’s adult program and participate in service programs like Community Action at Princeton to serve the Princeton community and abroad.

Why This Essay Worked

In this admissions essay sample, we learn about a student’s volunteerism with the Red Cross as an example of civic engagement. This essay works for several reasons. First, it provides a specific example of the student’s civic engagement and demonstrates their impact by becoming vice president and increasing membership. Secondly, the essay provides an honest take on the struggles of this service experience, which lends credibility and authenticity to the story. 

The student also demonstrates an important lesson learned. This aligns with Princeton’s values– that students can have a positive impact on society. 

Columbia University Essay Examples

In this section, we will highlight Columbia essays examples that landed students admission to the prestigious Ivy League university. The first of our Columbia essays examples is written by the same student who responded to the first Princeton prompt above. Here’s a reminder of the Columbia prompt: 

As you read the example below, notice how the student edited their Princeton cultural diversity essay to meet the prompt and lower word count for Columbia:

I have spent most of my life living in a 41% minority town called Highland Park, NJ. This typically overlooked town has introduced me to a diverse array of people, and it has been the main influence on my life experiences and core values. 

HP has convinced me that we can build institutions that are strong and united while embracing a wide variety of voices and perspectives. It has shaped my core values of diversity and inclusion. An English teacher used to encourage me to talk in front of the class by saying even if I believed my thoughts were “dumb,” I could only enrich the conversation.

At Columbia University, I will seek to continue my contributions as an active participant in the community and look to actively provide unique perspectives and insights. Actively engaging in student groups such as ColumbiaVotes will be a big part of my experience. 

The Columbia essay prompt only allows for a 150-word response. This could pose a challenge for many students. What makes this essay among the Columbia essays examples that worked is how succinctly it completely answers the prompt. 

The response begins by hooking the reader with a relevant detail of the student’s community. Then, the student shares how this community shaped them by influencing their values of diversity and inclusion. Finally, the student shares how they would engage with a Columbia organization that also supports diverse viewpoints. Though short and sweet, this response clearly answers all parts of the Columbia prompt. 

More Community Essay Examples

The final of our community essay examples is a community service essay. Let’s look at how student framed their service experience:

“I don’t believe that’s the best way to do this.” 

The moment I thought this the first time I volunteered at my local soup kitchen was one that resulted in a drastic change. When I was informed of the way the food was being served to the public, the initial excitement that I had felt diminished. We were told that the plates would be served before anyone arrived and would remain in an area where people could pick it up and seat themselves. I felt that this method was impersonal and inconsiderate, and disappointment washed over me. 

I turned to the people that were around me and discovered that they shared the same disapproval I felt. When we agreed that a change must be made, we exchanged ideas on how to present this to the woman in charge of the program. I suggested that we should serve each person one-by-one, and only give them the food if they wanted to/could eat it. They suggested multiple ideas, including that we should offer to seat them, hold their plates for them, continue to check in on them, and dispose of their plates once they finish their meal. We believed that this way would genuinely make them feel better and would allow us to get to know some of them personally. A simple smile and conversation could be enough to improve their day. 

From this day on, the way in which the local soup kitchen serves our community has changed dramatically. This experience taught me the importance of speaking up for what you believe in. In a group setting, it is likely that there will be others who share the same end goal and are willing to contribute different ideas to achieve the goal. These different perspectives can allow you to see situations in ways that you previously hadn’t, and can result in better outcomes. It also showed me the importance of leadership.

If I had never spoken up about the way the food was being served, a change might have never happened. When you work in the group, the end goal may not be for the benefit of anyone in the group, but for others who are in need. This experience also showed me the beauty in doing good for others and making others happy, even through small things such as serving them food to their liking.

In this community service essay, the student shares their experience volunteering at a soup kitchen. Volunteering at a soup kitchen is not necessarily unique in the list of extracurricular activities for college applications. However, the student highlights several aspects of the experience that make it meaningful to them. 

To start, the student shares their experience challenging the way that food was served. The student suggested that food be served directly to attendees in order to better connect with community members. Through this experience, the student learns about leadership and working with others to achieve a common goal. This specific example demonstrates the student’s collaborative values and compassionate way of thinking, both of which are great attributes to highlight in college applications.

How To Write A Community Essay

As we saw in the community essay examples, there are several hallmarks of college essays that worked. To write a good community essay, whether it be a community service essay, a cultural diversity essay, or a describe the community you live in essay, you must start by understanding the prompt. Once you have carefully read through the prompt, brainstorm examples from your own life that relate to it. Sharing specific details and examples will make your response stronger and more unique. 

Additionally, showcase how you grew throughout your response. In each of the community essay examples we shared, the student discussed a skill or perspective they developed through their experiences. Finally, connect your response to the school you are applying to. If you are writing a cultural diversity essay, for example, demonstrate how you would contribute to the cultural diversity at that school, both inside the classroom and in your extracurricular activities for college.  

Topics To Avoid In Your Community Essay

When writing community essays, there is technically no topic that you cannot discuss. However, how you discuss certain topics is important. 

For example, in a community service essay, it is important to not come off as a savior of a community with less privilege than yourself. Similarly, if you are writing a describe the community you live in essay or a cultural diversity essay, you will want to avoid stereotyping any community. Speaking from your own personal experience as a member of a community is fine. However, generalizing your experience to the community at large can come across as insensitive to that community’s diversity. To avoid these pitfalls, have a variety of people read your community essay examples and look for these dynamics.

Additional Tips for Community Essays

We’ve highlighted the strengths in the community essay examples above. Now we will now share some more tips for making your community essays a strong part of your college applications:

Tips for Writing Community Essays

1. research the college.

When reviewing our college community essay examples, you will notice that students highlight specific clubs, programs, or groups on campus to which they will contribute. If you are specific, you demonstrate real interest in the school which adds strength to your college applications.

2. Tell a story

In each of the college essays that worked, students gave details that told a full story . This story incorporated where they come from and what they learned through their experiences. Rather than telling us who they were, the students used this particular story to show us.

As the college admissions landscape gets ever more competitive, students are sometimes tempted to read other students’ essays and copy ideas. Or, more recently, they may even want to use artificial intelligence to write their essays. However, AI and other students’ experiences won’t show admissions who you really are. Don’t worry about whether you have the best extracurricular activities for college or the most unique cultural diversity essay. Instead, talk about the experiences that truly matter to you. By being honest, you are more likely to come across as convincing and interesting. In each of our college community essay examples, students presented a true and well-thought-out response to the prompts.

Other CollegeAdvisor Essay Resources to Explore 

As you work on your college applications, you might be in search of additional resources. CollegeAdvisor has a wealth of webinars and articles that can help you navigate writing your essays. Here are a few:

More CollegeAdvisor Resources for Essays

1. short essay examples.

Some of the cultural diversity essays you may write will be short, meaning that they are 150 words or less. This article with short essay examples can help you understand how to write short and sweet cultural diversity essays.

2. Cultural Diversity Essay Examples

In this article , you will find additional examples of cultural diversity essays. Many community essays are also cultural diversity essays. As such, becoming familiar with how students write about their cultures is useful.

3. The Ultimate Guide to Supplemental Essays

In this webinar , CollegeAdvisor experts provide a rundown of how to write strong supplemental essays for your college applications. In particular, this webinar will help you decode essay prompts and make sure you answer each prompt fully.

4. Editing Your Supplemental Essays

Once you have read up on college community essay examples and written your cultural diversity essays, you might need help editing them. This webinar will provide tips for how to edit your supplemental essays effectively.

Community Essay Examples – Final Thoughts

Completing your college applications can be a daunting task, especially when you must write multiple essays. For some students, writing cultural diversity essays is challenging. These prompts ask you to dig deep and reflect upon your life influences.

In this guide to community essays, we provided an overview of what a community essay is and how to respond to the different types of community essay prompts. We shared cultural diversity essay examples and describe the community you live in essay examples. We also described what makes these essays strong and how they meet college application requirements. 

In short, the key to writing stand-out essays is to be authentic and thorough in your responses. If you need additional help writing your cultural diversity essay, seek out the support of a trusted resource like CollegeAdvisor. We are here to help you craft the best college applications that could gain you admissions to the school of your dreams!

This article was written by Courtney Ng. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, discussing identity in a college essay.

What's up, people? I'm planning to write my college essay about my personal identity, but I'm not sure how to start. Any tips or suggestions on how to tackle this topic and make my essay stand out? Thanks in advance!

Hey there! Here are some tips to help you craft a standout essay that captures your identity:

1. Reflect on specific experiences: Start by brainstorming moments in your life when your identity played a significant role. Think about challenges you’ve faced, times you embraced your culture, or instances where you formed meaningful connections with others. By focusing on specific events, you'll be able to showcase your identity in an engaging and personal way.

2. Show, don't tell: This classic writing advice still rings true. Instead of simply listing aspects of your identity, use descriptive language and anecdotes to help the reader visualize your experiences. This approach will make your essay more memorable and engaging.

3. Connect to your values: Demonstrate how your identity has shaped your values, worldview, or motivations. For instance, you might share how a particular cultural tradition has taught you the importance of community, or how a trip to visit family in another country inspired you to learn a second language.

4. Highlight growth and self-awareness: Admissions officers love to read about personal growth and introspection. Discuss how your understanding of your identity has evolved over time, to showcase your emotional intelligence, growth, and maturity.

5. Keep it focused and organized: It can be easy to get off track when writing about a complex topic like identity. To keep your essay focused, choose one or two main themes to explore, and create a coherent structure that weaves these themes together.

6. Revise and polish: Once you have a draft, take the time to revise and polish your essay. Cut out any extraneous details and ensure that your writing flows smoothly. Ask for feedback from trusted friends, family members, or teachers to gain new perspectives on your essay.

If you’re looking for more detailed advice, CollegeVine’s blog contains a useful breakdown of the Common App essay prompts, all of which have to do with identity: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-common-application-essays. While your particular prompt may be slightly different, much of this advice should still apply.

Remember, your college essay is an opportunity to let the admissions officers get to know you beyond your grades and test scores. By incorporating these tips and presenting a unique, well-crafted essay about your personal identity, you'll be well on your way to standing out in the application process. Best of luck!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.