characteristics of good school essay

Good School’ Definition and Aspects Essay

Having children is the Joy of every family. On the same note, children are a way through which not only continuity of a family lineage, but also continuity of mankind is ensured. In this regard, every person strives to ensure that his or her children are brought up in the best way possible.

Among the basic needs that children should get is good education. Therefore, getting a good school for a child is every parent’s priority. Nonetheless, it is quite difficult to come to a consensus as it regards what makes a good school. Despite this, it is important to note that there are fundamental qualities that a good school should poses.

To begin with, a good school should have the required facilities to make learning possible. These include the necessary buildings as well as learning equipment. A good school is one that has enough classrooms so that students can fit in without being overclouded.

When students are clouded in one classroom, it becomes difficult even for teachers to effectively teach the students. Arguably, buildings alone have nothing to offer to learners without the learning equipment. Therefore, a good school should have enough learning equipment be it books and other reference materials or equipment used for practical lessons.

It is important to note that children join schools when they are very young and much of their socialization and cultural modification processes take place at school. In this regard, schools have a very crucial role to play as far as citizenry behavior is concerned. Therefore, a good school should be based on good discipline as well as good moral values.

If children’s morals are likely to be negatively influenced at school, then there is no need for them to attend such a school. Most learners spend much of their time at school thus their behavior, both present and future highly depends on how the school modifies them. It is the prayer of every parent that his or her child will be well mannered. A good school should enable parents achieve this dream.

On the same note, a school without teachers is as well as dead. Teachers are guides of learners and they highly influence what students learn at school. In this regard, a good school will be one that has academically qualified teachers, to ensure academic excellence.

Moreover, since students especially young ones look at teachers as their role models, teachers should be well mannered so that they can help in positively molding the learners. Of importance to note is that if a teacher is overwhelmed by the number of students that they handle, then they are bound to compromise quality of their services. Consequently, a good school should have the recommended teacher to student ratio.

Notably, it is the quality of education that matters in the end. The aim of parents and the society at large is not just to have academically qualified people, but people who are all round. Therefore, despite the fact that school is where learners go to sharpen their academic skills, a good school should not do this while disregarding other aspects of life.

Society expects its people to mingle well within the community. On the same note, it is expected that people who have gone to school should be able to solve problems more logically compared to those who did not go to school. Moreover, there is more to life that just academic excellence.

A good school should be able to mix curriculum and co-curriculum activities to produce learners who are well fitted to enhance development in the society. When all these are met by a school, then one can be confident that his or her child will gain by going to such a school.

• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

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Good Qualities Of A Student Essay

The essay explores the topic of the good qualities of a student, focusing on the objective and impersonal aspects. It aims to provide an academic perspective on the characteristics that make a student exemplary and highlight their importance in education.

The article will examine various qualities such as discipline, dedication, curiosity, and perseverance that contribute to shaping an ideal student. Additionally, it will delve into the responsibilities of an ideal student and discuss how teachers and parents play a crucial role in nurturing these qualities. Furthermore, techniques for becoming an ideal student will be explored to guide readers toward achieving their academic goals.

This essay delves into exploring these qualities from an objective standpoint without any personal biases or pronouns. By shedding light on what makes a student exceptional, it aims to inspire readers with a subconscious desire for freedom to strive towards becoming better individuals academically and personally. Understanding the significance of these traits is essential for educators, parents, and students themselves as they collectively shape our future generation.

Key Points To Remember When Writing Essay On An Ideal Student For Lower Primary Classes

When writing an essay on an ideal student for lower primary classes, it is important to keep in mind the following key points. Firstly, a good student should possess certain qualities that set them apart from others. These qualities include being attentive, disciplined, and respectful toward teachers and classmates. An ideal student also demonstrates excellent behavior both inside and outside the classroom.

Secondly, an ideal student exhibits certain characteristics that make them stand out. They are curious and eager to learn new things. They actively participate in class discussions and ask relevant questions to enhance their understanding of the subject matter. They are punctual and always complete their homework assignments on time. Values play a crucial role in shaping an ideal student’s personality. They uphold moral values such as honesty, integrity, and compassion toward others. 

They treat everyone with kindness and show empathy towards their peers. An ideal student understands the importance of teamwork and cooperation. Habits contribute significantly to defining an ideal student’s success. A good study routine is essential for effective learning outcomes. The ability to manage time efficiently enables them to balance academics with extracurricular activities without compromising either aspect of their education. Regular exercise habits promote physical fitness and overall well-being.

Writing an essay on an ideal student for lower primary classes requires highlighting qualities such as attentiveness, discipline, respectfulness towards teachers and classmates; characteristics like curiosity, active participation in class discussions; emphasis on moral values such as honesty, integrity, compassion; development of good habits like efficient time management and regular exercise routines would result in shaping a well-rounded individual who not only excels academically but also displays admirable behavior throughout their academic journey at lower primary level, which will lay a strong foundation for their future success and personal growth.

What Is An Ideal Student?

An ideal student possesses a combination of qualities that contribute to their academic success and overall growth. They serve as role models for their peers, demonstrating the importance of dedication and hard work in achieving goals.

Academic excellence is a top priority for ideal students, as they strive to consistently perform well in their studies and excel in all subjects. In addition to academic prowess, an ideal student also exhibits leadership qualities, taking initiative and inspiring others to do their best.

Active participation is another key characteristic of an ideal student. They are actively involved in classroom discussions, group projects, and extracurricular activities, showcasing their enthusiasm for learning and willingness to collaborate with others. Their eagerness to engage with different ideas and perspectives contributes not only to their own growth but also enhances the educational experience of those around them. Furthermore, an ideal student maintains a positive attitude towards learning and life in general.

 They approach challenges with resilience and optimism, viewing setbacks as opportunities for personal growth rather than obstacles. This positive outlook not only helps them overcome difficulties but also influences their peers by fostering a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. An ideal student serves as a role model through their commitment to academic excellence, leadership qualities, active participation, and positive attitude.

 These qualities not only contribute to their own success but also inspire others around them. By embodying these characteristics, an ideal student creates an environment conducive to learning and personal development for themselves as well as their peers.

1 Line Essay On An Ideal Student For Kids

Exemplifying the epitome of academic excellence and leadership, an ideal student embodies qualities that inspire and motivate those around them.

A role model in both their studies and extracurricular activities, an ideal student consistently achieves high standards of academic performance. They demonstrate a positive attitude towards learning, approaching each task with enthusiasm and determination to succeed. 

This student not only excels individually but also thrives in a collaborative environment, showcasing exceptional teamwork skills. Furthermore, an ideal student possesses self-discipline, which is crucial in maintaining focus and achieving goals.

 They exhibit strong time management skills, prioritizing their responsibilities effectively and avoiding procrastination. By adhering to deadlines and managing their workload efficiently, they set a remarkable example for their peers.

An ideal student serves as a role model for academic excellence, displaying a positive attitude toward learning while embodying the values of teamwork and self-discipline . Their commitment to personal growth sets them apart from their peers as they approach challenges with resilience and optimism. By exemplifying these qualities, an ideal student inspires those around them to strive for greatness in all aspects of life.

Short Essay On An Ideal Student In 150 Words For Children

A model student epitomizes academic excellence and leadership, demonstrating qualities that inspire and motivate others.

One of the most important qualities of a role model student is the recognition of the importance of education. They understand that education is not just about achieving good grades, but also about gaining knowledge and skills that will help them succeed in life. Model student takes their studies seriously, actively participates in class discussions, asks questions, and seeks to deepen their understanding of various subjects.

In addition to valuing education, an ideal student also knows the significance of developing good study habits. They recognize that consistent effort and dedication are necessary for effective learning. They set aside dedicated time for studying, create a conducive environment free from distractions, and utilize various techniques such as making summaries or flashcards to reinforce their learning. By cultivating these habits early on, they lay a solid foundation for future success academically.

Being disciplined is another crucial quality possessed by an ideal student. They understand that discipline plays a vital role in achieving goals and maintaining focus amidst challenges or distractions. They follow deadlines diligently, submit assignments on time, and prioritize their responsibilities effectively. This discipline not only helps them excel academically but also prepares them for the demands of professional life where adherence to schedules and commitments is essential.

A model student embodies qualities such as valuing education, developing good study habits, being disciplined, and embracing positive peer influence. These attributes contribute not only to their own academic success but also inspire those around them to strive for excellence. Through their actions and achievements, they serve as role models for other students, motivating them to reach their full potential in both academics and personal growth.

Long Essay On An Ideal Student For Kids

The qualities of an ideal student can greatly contribute to their success in academics and personal growth. Hard work is a key characteristic that enables students to achieve their goals and excel in their studies. Discipline ensures that students stay focused, manage their time effectively, and avoid distractions that may hinder their progress.

Punctuality reflects a sense of responsibility and respect for others’ time, allowing students to make the most out of their learning opportunities.

Good manners foster positive relationships with peers and teachers, creating a harmonious learning environment . Finally, obedience demonstrates the ability to follow rules and instructions, which is essential for maintaining order in the classroom and preparing students for future professional environments.

Demonstrating diligence and perseverance, a student’s hard work is a key attribute that contributes to their academic success.

Perseverance and determination are essential qualities for a student to possess in order to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. In the pursuit of knowledge, students often encounter difficulties and setbacks. Additionally, goal setting is another important aspect of a student’s hard work. By setting clear objectives for themselves, students have something to strive towards, providing them with motivation and direction. Goals give students a sense of purpose and help them stay focused on what needs to be accomplished.

Furthermore, self-discipline is imperative for maintaining consistency in one’s efforts. It requires students to resist distractions, manage procrastination tendencies, and maintain focus even when faced with competing priorities. Developing self-discipline enables students to stay committed to their studies even when they may not feel motivated or when challenges arise.

Lastly, hard work often entails sacrifice and commitment. Students must be willing to dedicate significant time and effort towards their studies while making sacrifices such as giving up leisure activities or social engagements in order to meet academic responsibilities.

An ideal student possesses the quality of hard work which encompasses perseverance, determination, time management skills, goal-setting abilities, self-discipline as well as sacrifice and commitment. 

Discipline is a vital trait for students aiming to achieve academic success, as it allows them to stay focused and committed to their studies. Self-control development is an important aspect of discipline, as it helps students resist distractions and temptations that may hinder their progress. 

Moreover, discipline emphasizes the importance of rules in academic settings. Following rules not only demonstrates respect for authority but also creates a conducive environment for learning. 

This understanding fosters a sense of responsibility and accountability among students, encouraging them to adhere to deadlines, participate actively in class discussions, and engage in constructive behavior. The benefits of discipline extend beyond academic achievements.

It also plays a significant role in maintaining focus throughout the educational journey. With numerous distractions vying for attention – such as social media or personal obligations – disciplined students are better equipped to stay on track with their studies. 

Furthermore, discipline contributes to building character by instilling values such as perseverance and dedication. Students who practice discipline develop resilience when faced with challenges or setbacks. They learn how to push through difficulties without giving up easily, which is crucial not only during their academic pursuits but also in various aspects of life beyond the classroom.

Discipline serves as a cornerstone for student success by promoting self-control development, emphasizing the importance of rules, maintaining focus on academic goals, and building character traits such as perseverance and dedication. By incorporating discipline into their lives, students can enhance their overall academic performance while cultivating valuable skills essential for personal growth and achievement.

Punctuality

Punctuality is an indispensable attribute for students striving to excel academically, evoking a sense of respect and professionalism while ensuring efficient use of time. Effective time management is crucial in the pursuit of academic success, and punctuality plays a significant role in this aspect. By being punctual, students are able to allocate their time effectively, ensuring that they can complete their tasks and assignments within the given deadlines. 

This not only showcases their commitment and dedication but also allows them to make the most out of their study hours. Developing punctuality skills also brings about various benefits for students. Firstly, being punctual demonstrates reliability and responsibility. It shows others that they can be counted on to fulfill their obligations promptly, which contributes to building trust among peers and teachers alike.

To improve punctuality, there are several tips that students can follow. Setting reminders or using organizational tools such as calendars or planners can help individuals stay on track with their schedules. Creating a routine by waking up early or allocating specific times for different activities can also contribute to developing a habit of being punctual. Moreover, it is essential for students to recognize the importance of being on time in order to motivate themselves towards practicing punctuality consistently.

Punctuality holds great significance for students aiming for academic excellence. It aids in effective time management, showcases professionalism, instills discipline, and fosters trustworthiness among peers and teachers alike. By incorporating strategies such as setting reminders and creating routines, students can cultivate this important quality that will benefit them not only during their academic journey but throughout their lives as well.

Good Manners

Exhibiting courteous behavior and respectful attitudes towards others is essential for fostering harmonious social interactions and cultivating a positive learning environment. Good manners play a crucial role in shaping classroom behavior and promoting effective social skills among students.

When individuals demonstrate respect for others through their actions, it creates an atmosphere of mutual understanding and acceptance.

Having good manners involves showing politeness, empathy, and consideration toward classmates, teachers, and other members of the school community. Students who possess these qualities understand the importance of listening attentively to others, waiting their turn to speak, and expressing their thoughts in a respectful manner. By actively engaging in thoughtful communication with their peers, they develop strong interpersonal skills that contribute to meaningful discussions and collaborative learning experiences.

This includes using appropriate language, refraining from offensive or derogatory remarks, and being sensitive to diverse perspectives. Such conduct fosters an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and accepted.

Exhibiting good manners not only enhances individual character but also contributes to creating a positive learning environment where all students can thrive academically and socially. By displaying respect for others through considerate behavior, active listening skills, effective communication strategies, and embracing diversity within the classroom setting; students develop important life skills that will benefit them both inside and outside of school.

Obedience training plays a crucial role in shaping an individual’s behavior and instilling discipline from an early age. It is not merely about blindly following rules or authority figures; rather, it encompasses understanding the importance of discipline and embracing the benefits that come with obedience.

Obedience ensures that individuals understand boundaries, take responsibility for their actions, and develop self-control. Through obedience training, students learn to prioritize tasks, manage their time efficiently, and work collaboratively with others. These skills not only enhance their academic performance but also prepare them for future challenges they may encounter in personal or professional settings.

This attentiveness allows for greater engagement with teachers’ instructions while fostering a positive learning environment for both themselves and their peers. Additionally, obedient students are more likely to develop strong relationships based on trust and respect with their educators and classmates. These qualities contribute not only to academic success but also lay the groundwork for healthy social interactions throughout life.

Obedience should be seen as more than compliance; it is a valuable life skill that promotes discipline and enhances overall character development in students. By incorporating obedience training into education systems, we can help young learners cultivate essential qualities such as responsibility, self-control, focus, and collaboration. 

Honesty, a core value that underpins ethical conduct and fosters trust in individuals, is an essential trait for academic success and personal growth. The benefits of honesty are manifold and extend beyond the academic realm. By consistently displaying honesty, students build a reputation for integrity that can open doors to various opportunities.

 In academia, honesty plays a crucial role in maintaining academic integrity. Students who engage in honest practices such as citing sources correctly and submitting their own work not only uphold the principles of fairness but also demonstrate their commitment to learning.

The importance of honesty extends beyond academics; it also forms the foundation of personal relationships. Honesty creates an environment where individuals feel safe to express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns openly. When people know they can trust each other’s words, they are more likely to form deep connections based on authenticity and mutual respect.

Practicing honesty is vital for academic success as well as personal growth. It builds trust among peers and contributes to stronger relationships both academically and personally. By valuing this important quality, students pave the way for a bright future filled with opportunities for self-improvement and meaningful connections with others.

Helpfulness

Moving on from the previous subtopic of honesty, another important quality of a good student is helpfulness. Being helpful not only contributes to a positive learning environment but also helps foster a sense of community within the classroom.A helpful student displays collaboration skills by actively seeking opportunities to assist their peers and contribute to group projects. This not only benefits the student being helped but also allows the helper to reinforce their own understanding of the material.

Being helpful extends beyond the confines of the classroom. Many schools offer volunteer opportunities where students can engage in activities that benefit their local community. By participating in such initiatives, students develop empathy and learn to prioritize helping others over personal gain.

Additionally, peer tutoring is another way for students to demonstrate their helpfulness. Through peer tutoring, students take on leadership roles by offering academic support and guidance to their classmates who may be struggling with certain subjects or concepts.

This collaborative approach not only enhances learning for everyone involved but also creates an inclusive atmosphere where every student feels valued.

A positive attitude is an essential component of being helpful as it encourages others and promotes a healthy learning environment. Students who possess this quality are optimistic in their interactions with peers and teachers, fostering an atmosphere conducive to open communication and cooperation.

Overall, being helpful encompasses various aspects such as collaboration skills, engagement in volunteer opportunities, peer tutoring, active classroom participation, and maintaining a positive attitude. These qualities contribute not only to individual growth but also help create an enriching educational experience for all students involved.

Humility is a key attribute that promotes a sense of modesty and self-awareness in individuals. It involves recognizing one’s own strengths and weaknesses without arrogance or excessive pride. Self-reflection is an essential aspect of humility as it allows individuals to assess their actions and behaviors, acknowledging areas for improvement. By engaging in self-reflection, students can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their abilities, enabling them to make positive changes and grow academically.

Modesty in success is another important element of humility. Students who possess this quality do not boast about their achievements but instead remain humble and grounded. They understand that success is not solely a result of their efforts but also the contributions of others, such as teachers, mentors, and peers. Such students are grateful for the opportunities they have been given and appreciate the support they receive along the way.

Additionally, openness to feedback characterizes humble students. They actively seek constructive criticism from others and are receptive to suggestions for growth and development. By being open-minded, these students demonstrate a willingness to learn from others’ perspectives while also displaying respect for different opinions. Lastly, empathy towards others is an integral part of humility as it involves understanding and valuing the feelings and experiences of those around oneself. 

Humble students take into consideration how their actions may impact others and strive to be considerate in their interactions with peers, teachers, and other members of the academic community. Humility plays a vital role in shaping good qualities in students. Through self-reflection, modesty in success, learning from mistakes, openness to feedback, and empathy towards others; students develop a sense of self-awareness that fosters personal growth both academically and socially. 

Responsibility

Responsibility is an integral trait that fosters accountability and conscientiousness in individuals, enabling them to fulfill their obligations and make thoughtful decisions. Accountability is the cornerstone of responsibility, as it requires individuals to take ownership of their actions and accept the consequences. By being accountable for their actions, students demonstrate a sense of maturity and integrity that is highly valued in academic settings.

In addition to accountability, responsibility also encompasses effective time management skills. Students who are responsible understand the importance of prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines. They recognize that managing their time effectively allows them to balance their academic commitments with other responsibilities they may have. This not only ensures timely completion of assignments but also helps in maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Responsible students take initiative and actively participate in group projects or extracurricular activities, demonstrating qualities such as reliability, organization, and effective communication. They are willing to step up when necessary and inspire others through their dedication and commitment. Lastly, self-motivation plays a vital role in fostering responsibility among students. Responsible individuals possess an intrinsic drive to excel academically and strive for personal growth. 

Overall, responsibility encompasses various qualities such as accountability, time management skills, academic honesty, leadership abilities, and self-motivation. Cultivating these traits not only benefits students academically but also prepares them for success beyond the classroom by instilling habits that promote personal growth and achievement.

Qualities Or Characteristics Of An Ideal Student

Good manners, timeliness, etiquette, alertness, and integrity are some of the key qualities that define an ideal student. These characteristics contribute to the overall development and success of a student in both academic and personal realms. By adhering to good manners and displaying etiquette, students create a positive environment for themselves and others.

Being punctual showcases their respect for time management and responsibility. Alertness helps them remain attentive during class discussions, enabling effective learning.

Lastly, exhibiting integrity ensures they maintain honesty and ethical behavior in all aspects of their lives as students.

Good manners

Firstly, the importance of politeness cannot be overstated. When students exhibit polite behavior towards their peers and teachers, it creates an atmosphere of mutual respect and consideration. This not only enhances the overall classroom experience but also sets the foundation for effective communication and collaboration.

Respecting elders is another key aspect of good manners that should be instilled in students. By showing reverence towards their teachers and other authority figures, students acknowledge the wisdom and knowledge they possess. Respecting elders not only promotes a culture of gratitude but also encourages students to seek guidance and learn from those who have more experience.

Being grateful is yet another quality that contributes to good manners in students. Expressing gratitude towards others for their help or contributions fosters a sense of appreciation and acknowledgment. It strengthens interpersonal connections by making individuals feel valued and recognized for their efforts.

Empathy involves understanding others’ feelings, perspectives, and concerns. By empathizing with fellow classmates or teachers who may be going through challenging times or facing difficulties, students create a supportive environment where everyone feels understood and cared for.

Practicing good table manners is often overlooked but equally important in developing good habits among students. Properly using utensils, maintaining cleanliness during meals, and demonstrating appropriate behavior at the dining table showcases self-discipline as well as consideration for others sharing the space. These skills include effective communication, teamwork, empathy, and problem-solving, which are essential for success in any professional and personal setting.

Punctuality, in terms of adhering to designated timeframes and schedules, demonstrates a commitment to efficient and organized conduct within an academic setting. Time management is a crucial skill that students need to develop in order to succeed academically. Being punctual not only shows respect for others’ time but also reflects an individual’s ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.

Efficient scheduling is essential for students to make the most of their time and achieve their academic goals effectively. By allocating specific time slots for different activities, students can ensure that they have enough time for studying, attending classes, completing assignments, and engaging in extracurricular activities. A well-managed schedule allows students to maintain a balanced lifestyle while staying on top of their academic responsibilities.

Timeliness cultivates a sense of time-consciousness among students. It helps them develop habits such as arriving promptly for classes or meetings and being prepared ahead of scheduled events. This awareness not only benefits them academically but also prepares them for future professional endeavors where punctuality is highly valued.

Developing punctuality skills is vital for success as a student in an academic setting. Efficient scheduling, meeting deadlines, and fostering time consciousness are all key aspects associated with being timely. By embracing these qualities, students exhibit their commitment to effective time management and organizational excellence within their educational journey, ultimately leading to greater success and achievements in their academic endeavors.

Regarding verbal communication, table manners also fall under the umbrella of etiquette. Students who exhibit good table manners demonstrate respect for others and proper social etiquette. They understand the importance of not talking with food in their mouths, using utensils appropriately, and being mindful of their dining companions’ comfort. These small gestures reflect maturity and consideration for others.

The rise of technology has led to the development of online etiquette or ‘netiquette.’ In today’s digital age, it is essential for students to be aware of how they communicate online. Being polite in emails, discussion forums, or virtual meetings shows professionalism and respect for others’ time. Respecting privacy settings on social media platforms is also part of maintaining good online etiquette. Lastly, workplace etiquette is another vital aspect that students should cultivate during their academic journey. 

This includes punctuality, dressing appropriately for professional settings such as internships or job interviews, addressing superiors respectfully, and being mindful of office norms.

By incorporating these various forms of etiquette into their daily lives as students, individuals can enhance their overall character development while contributing positively to the academic community they are a part of.

Moving on from the previous subtopic of etiquette, let us now delve into the significance of alertness in a student’s academic journey. Being attentive and fully present in one’s studies can have numerous benefits that directly impact their academic performance. The importance of being alert cannot be overstated when it comes to learning. 

A focused and engaged mind allows students to absorb information more efficiently, retain knowledge for longer periods, and make connections between different concepts. By actively paying attention in class or during self-study sessions, students can grasp complex ideas more readily, ask relevant questions, and actively participate in discussions.

Being alert enables individuals to identify key points and essential details while listening or reading, enhancing comprehension and critical thinking skills. Consequently, these qualities contribute not only to better academic performance but also to the development of analytical abilities that are valuable beyond the classroom.

To improve their alertness levels, students can adopt various techniques. Firstly, establishing a conducive study environment free from distractions such as noise or clutter is crucial. This allows learners to direct their full attention toward the task at hand without getting sidetracked. 

Remaining alert throughout one’s educational journey holds significant benefits for a student’s academic performance and personal growth. Being attentive improves comprehension skills by aiding information absorption and retention while fostering critical thinking abilities. 

To enhance alertness levels, it is essential for students to create suitable study environments devoid of distractions and implement techniques like regular breaks and active reading strategies into their routines. By embracing these practices with diligence and consistency, students can maximize their potential for success within an educational setting while cultivating habits that will serve them well in their future endeavors.

Integrity is a fundamental principle in academic settings that encompasses honesty, ethical behavior, and adherence to moral standards. It is the embodiment of moral values and plays a crucial role in shaping a student’s character. Trustworthiness is an essential aspect of integrity as it reflects one’s ability to be reliable and truthful. Students who possess integrity are known for their honorable behavior, consistently adhering to ethical conduct even when faced with challenges or temptations.

In academic environments, students with integrity demonstrate strong principles by consistently upholding honesty and fairness. They do not resort to cheating or plagiarism, understanding the importance of originality and intellectual property rights. Moreover, they value accuracy and precision in their work, ensuring that they provide proper citations and references for any external sources used.

Possessing integrity as a student entails embracing moral values such as trustworthiness, honorable behavior, ethical conduct, and strong principles. Students who embody these qualities not only excel academically but also contribute positively to the overall atmosphere within educational institutions. By upholding integrity both inside and outside the classroom, students lay the foundation for personal growth and success in various aspects of life beyond academia.

Pleasantness 

In academic environments, pleasantness is a quality that contributes to a positive learning atmosphere and fosters collaboration among students. A student with a positive attitude can create an uplifting environment that encourages fellow classmates to engage in discussions and actively participate in class activities. By approaching academic challenges with optimism and enthusiasm, a student’s friendly demeanor can help alleviate tension and promote open communication within the classroom . 

This creates an atmosphere where students feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and ideas, ultimately enhancing the learning experience for everyone involved. Moreover, a cooperative nature is another aspect of pleasantness that greatly influences the dynamics of a classroom. 

A student who is willing to work collaboratively with others not only showcases respect for their peers but also demonstrates their commitment to teamwork. Such individuals actively listen to different perspectives and value diverse opinions, fostering an inclusive environment where every voice is heard. Additionally, their respectful behavior towards classmates promotes mutual understanding and empathy, leading to better interpersonal relationships within the academic setting.

Overall, possessing pleasant qualities such as a positive attitude, friendly demeanor, cooperative nature, respectful behavior, and teamwork skills significantly contribute to creating an engaging learning environment. 

Teaching modesty to students is essential as it instills in them the importance of recognizing their limitations and acknowledging the contributions of others. 

The importance of modesty lies in its ability to create a sense of equality among students. When individuals practice humility, they are less likely to dominate discussions or dismiss alternative perspectives. Instead, they actively listen and consider different viewpoints, promoting a healthy exchange of ideas within the classroom. Furthermore, being modest allows students to develop a genuine appreciation for their own achievements without boasting or seeking constant validation from others. 

It helps them focus on personal growth rather than external recognition, allowing for greater self-reflection and continuous improvement. By practicing humility, students also become more receptive to feedback and constructive criticism, enabling them to grow academically and personally.

Teaching modesty has numerous benefits for student development. It fosters an environment conducive to intellectual growth by encouraging collaboration and open-mindedness. Additionally, practicing humility promotes equality among students while nurturing their ability to appreciate personal accomplishments without seeking constant validation. Incorporating these qualities into the educational process ultimately cultivates well-rounded individuals who are not only intellectually competent but also possess the necessary interpersonal skills for success both inside and outside the classroom.

Responsibilities Of An Ideal Student

The responsibilities of an ideal student encompass a range of important tasks and duties that contribute to their academic success and personal development.

One of the key responsibilities is to recognize the importance of discipline in their life. Discipline plays a vital role in shaping a student’s character and instilling good habits. It helps them stay focused on their studies, manage time effectively, and maintain a positive attitude toward learning. By adhering to rules and regulations, an ideal student sets an example for others and creates a conducive environment for learning.

Another responsibility of an ideal student is to actively participate in the learning process. They should take ownership of their education by attending classes regularly, completing assignments on time, and actively engaging with the subject matter. An ideal student understands that education is a collaborative effort between teachers and students, where both parties have specific roles to play.

They embrace opportunities for growth outside the classroom through extracurricular activities or volunteering initiatives. By expanding their horizons beyond textbooks, they develop essential life skills such as leadership, teamwork, and adaptability.

The responsibilities of an ideal student encompass qualities such as discipline, active participation in learning processes, and continuous self-improvement. These responsibilities are not only crucial for academic success but also contribute to personal development.

Role Of Teachers And Parents In Creating An Ideal Student

Teachers and parents play a crucial role in shaping the development of an ideal student. The role of teachers is to provide educational support and create an environment that fosters growth. They are responsible for imparting knowledge, skills, and values that contribute to the overall development of students. By using effective teaching methods, encouraging critical thinking, and providing guidance, teachers can inspire students to become independent learners and responsible citizens.

Parent involvement is equally important in creating an ideal student. Parents serve as the primary caregivers and role models for their children. They have a significant influence on their child’s behavior, attitude towards learning, and overall well-being. By actively participating in their child’s education, parents can reinforce the lessons taught at school and instill important values such as discipline, perseverance, and respect for others.

The collaboration between teachers and parents is essential for creating an ideal student. When teachers and parents work together as partners in a child’s education journey, they can provide consistent support and guidance throughout their academic experience. 

This collaboration can take various forms such as open communication channels between teachers and parents regarding student progress or involving parents in decision-making processes related to their child’s education. By working hand-in-hand with teachers, parents can help identify any challenges or areas where additional support may be needed so that appropriate measures can be taken to address them.

Both teachers and parents play vital roles in shaping an ideal student. Through educational support from teachers and active involvement from parents, students are provided with the necessary tools to succeed academically while also developing important life skills. 

What Are The Techniques To Become An Ideal Student?

When it comes to becoming an ideal student, there are several techniques that can be employed. Firstly, taking care of the body and mind is essential as it promotes overall well-being and enhances focus and concentration.

Secondly, surrounding oneself with good company helps in developing positive habits and attitudes toward learning. Lastly, staying organized by making a routine and preparing a to-do list allows for better time management and increased productivity.

1. Taking care of the body and mind 

Maintaining physical and mental well-being is essential for a student to thrive academically. By practicing mindful eating, students can nourish their bodies with nutritious food that fuels their brains and enhances cognitive function. This involves being aware of the types and quantities of food consumed and avoiding excessive junk food or sugary snacks that may lead to energy crashes or lack of focus.

Incorporating an exercise routine into daily life promotes not only physical fitness but also mental clarity. Engaging in regular physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters that reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being. Students often face immense pressure from academic responsibilities, extracurricular activities, and personal commitments. Learning effective stress management techniques such as time management, prioritization, and relaxation exercises can help alleviate anxiety and prevent burnout.

Promoting mental health awareness within educational institutions creates a supportive environment where students feel comfortable seeking help when needed. Encouraging open conversations about mental health reduces the stigma surrounding these issues and fosters a sense of community among students.

To ensure academic success, students must prioritize self-care practices. These practices may include setting aside time for hobbies or activities they enjoy outside of academics, getting enough sleep each night to recharge their bodies and minds, practicing mindfulness or meditation to reduce stress levels, and seeking support from trusted friends or professionals when facing challenges.

Incorporating these self-care practices into daily routines allows students to maintain a balance between their academic responsibilities and personal well-being.

Overall, taking care of the body and mind is vital for a student’s academic success. Through mindful eating habits, regular exercise routines, effective stress management techniques, promoting mental health awareness, and practicing self-care activities regularly; students can create an optimal environment for learning while ensuring their well-being remains intact.

2. Keeping good company 

Developing positive social connections is crucial for students’ academic success, as surrounding oneself with supportive and motivated peers can foster an environment conducive to learning and personal growth.

Positive influences from peer relationships can greatly impact a student’s overall well-being and academic performance. When students have friends who are motivated and determined, it serves as a source of inspiration, pushing them to strive for excellence. These friendships not only provide emotional support but also encourage healthy competition, leading to improved academic outcomes.

To academic benefits, maintaining healthy friendships contributes to the development of essential social skills and character traits. Interacting with diverse individuals allows students to enhance their communication skills, empathy, and conflict-resolution abilities. Through these interactions, they learn how to navigate different perspectives and understand the importance of respecting others’ opinions.

This sense of camaraderie fosters a positive mindset where students feel supported in their pursuit of personal growth. Overall, keeping good company plays a significant role in a student’s educational journey. Positive influences from peer relationships not only contribute to academic success but also aid in the development of vital social skills and character traits.

3. Staying organized

Time management is crucial for any student seeking academic success. Students need to develop effective study habits and learn how to allocate their time wisely. By having good organizational skills, students are able to create a schedule that allows them to balance their academic responsibilities with other aspects of their lives. This includes setting aside specific periods for studying, attending classes, participating in extracurricular activities, and even personal relaxation time. With proper goal setting, students can establish clear objectives and work towards achieving them within designated timeframes.

Moreover, prioritization techniques play a significant role in staying organized as a student. With multiple assignments and tasks constantly demanding attention, it is important for students to prioritize their workload based on urgency and importance. By effectively prioritizing tasks, students can ensure that they complete important assignments first while managing their time efficiently. Furthermore, adopting organizational strategies such as creating to-do lists or using digital tools can help students keep track of deadlines and maintain an overview of their responsibilities.

Overall, staying organized as a student involves mastering time management skills through developing effective study habits, maintaining organization skills, setting goals, and utilizing prioritization techniques. By implementing these strategies into their daily routines, students can create a structured environment that fosters productivity and success in both academic pursuits and personal growth.

4. Making a routine 

Implementing a consistent routine is essential for students to establish structure and discipline in their daily lives, fostering a sense of stability and promoting optimal academic performance. By establishing habits and practicing effective time management, students can effectively allocate their time and energy towards achieving their goals.

Creating a study schedule allows students to prioritize tasks based on importance and deadlines, ensuring that they stay focused on accomplishing their academic responsibilities.

Having a routine not only helps students manage their time effectively but also provides them with a sense of direction and purpose. When students set specific goals for themselves, they are more likely to stay motivated and work towards achieving those goals.

A well-planned routine enables students to break down large tasks into smaller, manageable chunks, making it easier for them to tackle complex assignments or projects. Moreover, by prioritizing tasks according to urgency or importance, students can avoid procrastination and ensure that all necessary work is completed in a timely manner.

Implementing a consistent routine plays an integral role in the success of a student’s academic journey. It assists in establishing good habits, managing time effectively, setting achievable goals, creating a study schedule, and prioritizing tasks accordingly.

5. Preparing a to-do list 

Preparing a comprehensive to-do list is an effective strategy for students to organize their tasks and prioritize their responsibilities, fostering a sense of structure and productivity in their academic pursuits. By utilizing preparation techniques such as creating a to-do list, students are able to effectively manage their time and allocate it appropriately to various tasks. This allows them to have a clear understanding of what needs to be accomplished and helps them stay focused on their goals.

A well-structured to-do list enables students to prioritize tasks based on importance and deadlines. It serves as a visual reminder of the various responsibilities they need to address, ensuring that important assignments or study sessions are not overlooked or delayed until the last minute . By setting goals within their to-do lists, students can break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable ones, making it easier for them to tackle complex projects systematically.

Moreover, having a comprehensive plan helps students avoid procrastination by providing them with a roadmap for completing tasks in a timely manner. When faced with multiple assignments or deadlines, it’s common for students to feel overwhelmed and unsure where to begin. 

Preparing a comprehensive and well-structured to-do list is an essential technique for effective time management and task prioritization among students. By incorporating this practice into their daily routine, students can better manage their academic responsibilities while also reducing stress levels associated with overwhelming workloads. The act of creating a detailed plan empowers individuals with the ability to set goals and avoid procrastination throughout their academic journey.

In conclusion, being an ideal student requires a combination of various qualities and characteristics. It is important for students to be disciplined, hardworking, and respectful toward their teachers and peers.

Teachers and parents play a crucial role in shaping the behavior and mindset of students, by providing guidance and support. By following these techniques and striving to become ideal students, children can not only excel academically but also develop into well-rounded individuals who contribute positively to society.

Overall, the journey of becoming an ideal student requires dedication, perseverance, and a strong desire to learn. It is through embodying these qualities that students can make the most out of their educational experience and set themselves up for success in the future.

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What Makes a Good School Culture?

• Posted July 23, 2018
• By Leah Shafer

Most principals have an instinctive awareness that organizational culture is a key element of school success. They might say their school has a “good culture” when teachers are expressing a shared vision and students are succeeding — or that they need to “work on school culture” when several teachers resign or student discipline rates rise. 

But like many organizational leaders, principals may get stymied when they actually try to describe the elements that create a positive culture. It's tricky to define, and parsing its components can be challenging. Amid the push for tangible outcomes like higher test scores and graduation rates, it can be tempting to think that school culture is just too vague or “soft” to prioritize.

That would be a mistake, according to  Ebony Bridwell-Mitchell , an expert in education leadership and management. As she explains, researchers who have studied culture have tracked and demonstrated a strong and significant correlation between organizational culture and an organization’s performance. Once principals understand what constitutes culture — once they learn to see it not as a hazy mass of intangibles, but as something that can be pinpointed and designed — they can start to execute a cultural vision.

A culture will be strong or weak depending on the interactions between people in the organization. In a strong culture, there are many, overlapping, and cohesive interactions, so that knowledge about the organization’s distinctive character — and what it takes to thrive in it — is widely spread.

At a recent session of the  National Institute for Urban School Leaders  at the  Harvard Graduate School of Education , Bridwell-Mitchell took a deep dive into “culture,” describing the building blocks of an organization’s character and fundamentally how it feels to work there. 

Culture Is Connections

A culture will be strong or weak depending on the interactions between the people in the organization, she said.  In a strong culture, there are many, overlapping, and cohesive interactions among all members of the organization.   As a result, knowledge about the organization’s distinctive character — and what it takes to thrive in it — is widely spread and reinforced.  In a weak culture, sparse interactions make it difficult for people to learn the organization’s culture , so its character is barely noticeable and the commitment to it is scarce or sporadic.

• Beliefs, values, and actions will spread the farthest and be tightly reinforced when everyone is communicating with everyone else. In a strong school culture, leaders communicate directly with teachers, administrators, counselors, and families, who also all communicate directly with each other.
• A culture is weaker when communications are limited and there are fewer connections. For example, if certain teachers never hear directly from their principal, an administrator is continually excluded from communications, or any groups of staff members are operating in isolation from others, it will be difficult for messages about shared beliefs and commitments to spread. 

Culture Is Core Beliefs and Behaviors

Within that weak or strong structure, what exactly people believe and how they act depends on the messages — both direct and indirect — that the leaders and others in the organization send. A good culture arises from messages that promote traits like collaboration, honesty, and hard work.

Culture is shaped by five interwoven elements, each of which principals have the power to influence: 

• Fundamental beliefs and assumptions , or the things that people at your school consider to be true. For example: “All students have the potential to succeed,” or “Teaching is a team sport.”
• Shared values , or the judgments people at your school make about those belief and assumptions — whether they are right or wrong, good or bad, just or unjust. For example: “It’s wrong that some of our kindergarteners may not receive the same opportunity to graduate from a four-year college,” or “The right thing is for our teachers to be collaborating with colleagues every step of the way.” 
• Norms , or how members believe they  should  act and behave, or what they think is expected of them. For example: “We should talk often and early to parents of young students about what it will take for their children to attend college.” “We all should be present and engaged at our weekly grade-level meetings.”
• Patterns and behaviors , or the way people  actually  act and behave in your school. For example: There are regularly-scheduled parent engagement nights around college; there is active participation at weekly team curriculum meetings. (But in a weak culture, these patterns and behaviors can be different than the norms.)
• Tangible evidence , or the physical, visual, auditory, or other sensory signs that demonstrate the behaviors of the people in your school. For example: Prominently displayed posters showcasing the district’s college enrollment, or a full parking lot an hour before school begins on the mornings when curriculum teams meet.

Each of these components influences and drives the others, forming a circle of reinforcing beliefs and actions, Bridwell-Mitchell says; strong connections among every member of the school community reinforce the circle at every point.

More on School Culture

• See Part II of our story, which moves from "what makes school culture" to "how to build it."

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What Defines a Good School?

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Words matter. They matter in all aspects of life, especially when we are talking about how to define a school. Of course, brick and mortar are only a small part of the story. The academic and emotional climate, both inside and outside the physical space, gets us closer to an understanding of what forms the basis of any school. Throughout our country, we have many opinions, positions, and reform efforts competing to control the narrative not only of what defines a school, but also, more significantly, of what it means to be educated in 2016 and beyond.

My daily travels in the schoolhouse as a superintendent give me an inside look at what constitutes a school. I am fortunate that my professional work over the last 30 years has put me inside dozens of schools and in contact with hundreds of educators, scholars, and support staff. I have also had the good fortune to be in the company of thousands of children and their families. No, I do not consider myself an expert on all things that define a school. I do, however, have a vested interest in seeing that the schools of today and those that are created in the future are shaped with the care and respect they so richly deserve.

The call to have children as young as 8 or 9 years old “college- and career-ready” does not create the same narrative as building a sound foundation in childhood filled with play and creativity. Among the many other more important ways to engage the hearts and minds of our youngest students, we must promote the childhood experience in all its wonder.

Schools have always existed as an expression of how a given community values its children, and how a society looks at the future—a covenant handed down from one generation to the next. The problems that beset our social, political, and economic well-being as a nation are, in fact, not born at the doorsteps of our schools. They are certainly not derived exclusively from the province of our public schools. The crumbling roads, bridges, and tunnels of the infrastructure that is the lifeblood of a thriving economy demand our attention, as does the scourge of substance abuse wreaking havoc on families of every demographic group.

Local neighborhood and even family issues that confront all generations, from toddlers to senior citizens, are ever-present in our daily lives. If schools do play a part in shaping our future—and I believe they do—how we articulate the issues matters as much as how we marshal the will and resources to meet these challenges.

The calls to shutter schools, to replace and dismantle them, are being offered by those with a variety of other interests. These are not the solutions we should accept. They create a hostile dialogue that reflects the worst in our democratic discourse. In the last 10 years, we have witnessed a rapid decline in civility, an unfettered belligerent approach to the questions central to the teaching and learning process.

We must strive to retain the core values that define a school as a place that upholds the tenets of our democracy.

Words matter in how we discuss our schools and the issues that confront all communities. How this conversation occurs has changed in recent decades across the entire country, from small rural towns to large suburban and urban communities. Technology affords us wonderful ways to gather data points that could promote change, but it may still fail to foster a deliberative and thoughtful dialogue regarding the seeds of our problems. The most basic elements of our humanity must not get lost in the pursuit of a faster, data-driven decisionmaking process. Such is a key element of our current fascination with a punitive, high-stakes testing environment designed to sort and select students and teachers.

So, what truly defines a school? For me, the exchange between child and adult is at the heart of it. That exchange may be subtle or vigorous—not rigorous. Rigor, which shares roots with the Latin rigor mortis, implies severity, rigidity, and stiffness—all connotations that restrict the learner and the learning process—while vigor implies energy and dynamism.

Yes, words matter. The best learning occurs when both teacher and student are in pursuit of a deeper understanding. It is a quest that is based on love, one that is filled with authentic, joyful, challenging, and impactful experiences. A school is a place of respect and wonder.

The search to create, discover, reveal, and share is an unending journey that occurs in the best of our schools: the child immersed in beautiful poetry, the student acquiring the skill of using a watercolor-paint brush, the rendering of a museum-quality display of artifacts. Scientific experiments, research papers, debates, and discussions centered on classic literature are the means through which students explore and discover ideas. Unpacking the essential elements of contemporary issues and having students learn to take responsibility for their actions coalesce to teach valuable lessons that extend beyond the school walls. Students who present their learning before a panel of adjudicators and get so immersed that they lose track of time are then at their optimal disposition to learn. No reward or punishment necessary.

All members of a community, from custodians to teachers and principals to kindergartners, are the learners of a true school. A climate of fear and hostility, or a tone of acrimony and mistrust, will yield neither a school that serves the needs of children nor the globally competitive country that some imagine will arrive when we replace the old with the new. Schools of the future—no matter their size, technological sophistication, or cost-effectiveness—should always begin with the best qualities of our humanity.

We must choose our words carefully in this fight. We must strive to retain the core values that define a school as a place that upholds the tenets of our democracy and cares about people, rather than a place that efficiently manages the system or pits stakeholders against one another. “ Education ,” in the words of John Dewey, “ is a process of living and not a preparation for future living. ”

A version of this article appeared in the March 30, 2016 edition of Education Week as What Makes a School?

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Eight Characteristics of Good Writing

by Melissa Donovan | Dec 2, 2021 | Better Writing | 31 comments

What’s the difference between bad and good writing?

How important is it for a writer to be able to discern the difference between good writing and bad writing?

Pretty important, if you ask me.

I know some writers aren’t concerned with quality. In today’s do-it-yourself and get-it-done-fast world, quality plays second fiddle to quantity. Who cares if your books are full of typos, bad grammar, and poor logic as long as you have published lots and made a bunch of money?

The Characteristics of Good Writing

So, what constitutes good writing? Opinions on the matter vary widely. There will be different traits that make good fiction versus good poetry or good nonfiction. However, we can cull together a general list of the characteristics of good writing (in no particular order):

• Clarity and focus: In good writing, everything makes sense and readers don’t get lost or have to reread passages to figure out what’s going on. Focused writing sticks with the plot or core idea without running off on too many tangents.
• Organization: A well organized piece of writing is not only clear, it’s presented in a way that is logical and aesthetically pleasing. You can tell non-linear stories or place your thesis at the end of an essay and get away with it as long as your scenes or ideas are well ordered.
• Ideas and themes: Is the topic of your paper relevant? Does your story come complete with themes? Can the reader visualize your poem? For a piece of writing to be considered well crafted, it has to contain clearly identifiable ideas and themes.
• Voice: This is what sets you apart from all other writers. It’s your unique way of stringing words together, formulating ideas, and relating scenes or images to the reader. In any piece of writing, the voice should be consistent and identifiable.
• Language (word choice): We writers can never underestimate or fail to appreciate our most valuable tools: words. Good writing includes precise and accurate word choices and well crafted sentences.
• Grammar and style: Many writers would wish this one away, but for a piece of writing to be considered good (let alone great), it has to follow the rules of grammar (and break those rules only when there’s a good reason). Style is also important in ensuring that a piece of writing is clear and consistent. Make sure you keep a grammar book and style guide handy.
• Credibility or believability: Nothing says bad writing like getting the facts wrong or misrepresenting oneself. In fiction, the story must be believable (even if it’s impossible), and in nonfiction, accurate research can make or break a writer.
• Thought-provoking or emotionally inspiring: Perhaps the most important quality of good writing is how the reader responds to it. Does she come away with a fresh perspective and new ideas? Does he close the cover with tears in his eyes or a sense of victory? How readers react to your work will fully determine your success as a writer.

I want to add an honorable mention for originality. Everything has been done before, so originality is somewhat arbitrary. However, putting old ideas together in new ways and creating remixes of the best that literature has to offer is a skill worth developing.

Why You Need to Know the Difference Between Good and Bad Writing

To write well, a writer must be able to recognize quality in a piece of writing. How can you assess or improve your own work if you can’t tell the difference between mediocre and better writing in others’ work? This is why it’s so important for writers to be dedicated readers!

Writing is also an art form and therefore subject to personal taste. Can you read a book and dislike it but acknowledge that the writing was good? Have you ever read a book and loved the story but felt that the writing was weak?

A writer should be able to articulate why a piece of writing succeeds or fails, and a writer should also be able to recognize the qualities in a piece of writing even when it doesn’t appeal to their personal taste. These skills are especially necessary when writers are reviewing or critiquing other writers’ work and when revising, editing, and proofreading their own work.

Where do you stand? Do you rate other people’s writing? Do you worry about whether your own writing is any good? Would you add or remove any characteristics of good writing from this list? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment, and keep writing.

31 Comments

I have had work published. I have even won a competition and still I lack the courage to really commit to it. It’s like I heard a character in a ‘soap’ once saying: ” If I dream of doing it I can always hold onto the dream and live on the’ I could have done it if I tried’, whereas if I go ahead and do it I just might not be ‘good’ and then everything will be gone then, dream and all ! ” Everything you say makes sense but it’s courage I now seek to acquire as well as certain’ devil may care attitude . Courage and self belief and wee bit of discipline. 2012 might just be the year ! Michelle

Michelle, I actually think it’s healthy to have dreams that we don’t fully intend on pursuing. It’s good for the imagination! A person might be interested or passionate about dozens of things and cannot possibly make careers out of them all. But courage is something else… and I don’t think anyone can give you courage. You have to find it within yourself. The first step is to decide that you are going to brave the writing career. After that, you muster up the courage. It’s there inside you, and if you really want it, you’ll find it 🙂 Good luck to you!

Good one, Michelle, and needed too.

So many blog posts on how to drum up business or write enticing posts or articles, or even how to avoid embarrassing grammatical errors (not that those are not important).

So little on just plain old good writing. Writing that is unusually good, that delights, that informs with impact,

I love the freedom an informal style of modern English. But sometimes I worry a bit that contemporary readers are being fed to many tiny sentences to appeal to an ever-diminishing attention span.

A good list you have there. Maybe I would add that I value fluency. That adroit facility of the accomplished writer who’s covered miles of (digital) paper and now can write not only accurate and clear words and sentences but also compelling and memorable prose.

Ah, fluency is definitely necessary to good writing, although I think it comes with experience, so it might only apply to older or more advanced writers. Great food for thought, Bill. Thanks!

Loved this blog post. It actually reminded me of a quote by Oscar Wilde, “There is no such thing as a moral or an immoral book. Books are well written or badly written.”

That quote could spur a debate, I’m sure! Thanks for sharing it, Michael. I’m going to give Oscar Wilde’s idea some serious consideration.

“A writer should be able to articulate why a piece of writing succeeds or fails, and a writer should also be able to recognize the qualities in a piece of writing even when it doesn’t appeal to personal taste”

I’m reading a book right now with a story line that I don’t particularly care for. Eight chapters into it, I’m not fully invested into the story. BUT, the author’s grasp of human emotion/interaction and her ability to explicate the nuances with clarity is brilliant. That fact alone keeps interested and pulls me forward.

Ah! I’ve been there too!

This is a very well written blog, and the advice is good for teaching people how to get their points across. However, my problem is not that I can’t tell good from bad; apparently I’m quite good at assessing the quality of other authors’ writing and helping them iprove it. My problem is that though I love writing and am proud of my plot lines and characters, I don’t have a way with words and I just can’t write. Does anyone have any advice on how to make things WORK once you have everything planned out, or am I doomed to the life of an author who can’t write? That sounded really dismal.

How do really know your writing is bad? If you’ve got a plot that you love, characters that are filled with layers and truth, set them free! Turn off those negative thoughts and just run with it. Write your story through to the end. If you believe in what you’ve got so far then let it lead you. You will surprise yourself. You proved with your post above that you can convey feeling, let your characters have their voice. Take a deep breath and jump/write!! Best of luck and courageous hugs!

Thanks, Beckie. Well said!

My guess is that your way with words isn’t as bad as you think. I didn’t have any trouble understanding what you wrote. However, if you want to strengthen your skills in vocabulary, word choice, and sentence structure, there are two things you can do: read as much as possible and engage with poetry. Pick up an introductory book on poetry and you’ll learn tons of techniques in this area (which you can apply to fiction and nonfiction). This one can be expensive but it’s worth every penny: Perrine’s Sound and Sense . Good luck to you!

Thank you, both you and Beckie. That’s really good advice. 🙂 I’ll try to be more positive.

Yes! Keep your chin up and stick with it.

In my estimation, for what it’s worth, you write very well. You were clear and concise. I understood the points you were trying to convey. You even allowed a bit of your personality to shine through with self deprecation. Don’t be so hard on yourself, if you wish to be a writer then you should write. I am learning that for one to write compelling characters , one must be well acquainted with the characters they are creating. I am working on fleshing out some characters who are too one dimensional. Life is not black and white. I am trying to write in between the lines in gray. Good luck with your writing.

I’ve been perusing your site all morning. I’ve found some terrific tips, some very well-thought common sense approaches to working through difficulties in writing. And as soon as I push the submit button on this I’ll be subscribing!

Though I’ve been published and produced, I find myself in an almost constant state of questioning even the most basic ability to write. On the one hand, a local critic stated “proves he can write” and “there’s a simplicity in the writing that is quite refreshing.” On the other hand, I face a writer’s group (all women) each week who continually tell me my writing is sorely lacking because there aren’t enough issues (conflicts) in any given piece and therefore the characters do not exhibit enough “emotional levels.” Facing this type of weekly demolition has made me think I need to go back to doing what I used to do (before I became unemployed!): write for my own enjoyment and forget about any further publishing.

Where can one go to determine if there is even the slightest bit of talent worth further pursuit? I don’t mean a full-on critique of a piece, but a simple “I’d give it up if I were you.” or “This [writing] shows promise, keep learning and keep writing.”

Hmmm, Paul, possibly find a few dudes for your critiques? Also, are the women published? Have good reviews themselves? Read widely in your genre? Men and women do sometimes have widely varying ideas of what makes a good story. You may be writing good, solid, plot-driven adventures (I don’t know–maybe you’re into steamy historical romance) that don’t rely on a lot of emotional nuance. I’d look for beta-readers who understand what you are trying to accomplish.

Or take the girls with a big grain of salt and use what seems to deepen your own writing while recognizing that women’s brains are different. We have bizarre and incomprehensible ideas about relationships and whatnot. I read an interesting theory from the creators of the Dramatica Pro story outlining software about how a “masculine” character (or story) is about getting from point A to Point Z while overcoming every obstacle in between whereas a feminine character (or story) is about getting everything into balance and restoring chaos to equilibrium. Both perfectly fine stories. (I prefer the masculine-type storylines myself).

Post those good reviews and read ’em every day. I have some really nice rejections that I savor whenever I’m feeling inadequate.

Thanks, Melissa!

Two of the ladies have been published but have no reviews of their work. All have complimented the basic plot lines. Their big complaint would seem to fall into the theory from Dramatica Pro you mention; they are looking for every female character to make absolute sense to them strictly within their belief structure of how the characters should/must react to a particular situation. Otherwise, they give solid line-edit critiques and they do point out the occassional hole in content.

None of them read within my genre – if I even have one, that is. I’d classify my novels as “budscapades” (you like my mash-up moniker?) – in other words the main characters are male (female characters do show up along the way) and they are definitely plot driven stories. In entering the Amazon Breakout Book Award Contest, I classified the novel as “bromantic comedy” (plenty of action for guys with a hint of romance for women).

Both your suggestions are solid. I’m sticking with the ladies but will weigh their critiques carefully before implementation and I’ll have to find some men who can show the same amount of weekly dedication to the process.

Thanks, Paul! I think that critique groups can be immensely beneficial, but I also think that each writer has to decide which feedback to apply and which to discard. Objectively, there’s good writing and bad writing, but subjectively, we all have our opinions and preferences. I guess you have to decide whether you want to step up the emotional levels in your characters and add more conflict or if you want to keep your work minimalist.

Here’s what matters: once you do publish, unless you are looking for awards and accolades, the trick is really to find your audience. And there is an audience for everything (as popular culture demonstrates). You might also take a hard look at what the others in your writing group are producing and ask whether this group is a good match to your writing style and needs. You can also ask one of the women in the group to work more closely with you to bring those emotional levels up, if you think you’d like to stretch yourself and experiment a little.

Final word of advice: do not give up on writing or publishing. Forge ahead! You might even look for a creative writing class or workshop — you’ll get a broader range of feedback.

And thank you, Melissa (not Melissa-me, Melissa-you) for putting some analysis into the question of what makes good writing. I get so frustrated with the “Good writing is subjective; it’s just what you like or don’t like,” crowd. The more you study writing, the more you begin to see the difference between good vs bad.

The difficulty, I suppose, is because writing is as complex as any other language. It’s too complex to learn by having the rules explained to us by helpful parents, “Now dear, this is a verb. It always goes after the subject. Is it time to make a poo-poo?” We learn the rules of spoken language by hearing it at a time when our brains are primed and programmed to take it in. Many people don’t start learning to read or write until after that language window is closed. Those of us who learned to read at the same time we were learning to talk have an advantage.

Yes, I’d have to agree that the younger we are when we are taught to read and write, the more naturally it comes. There is much about writing that is subjective, but I believe there is plenty that can be assessed critically and objectively: grammar, spelling, and punctuation, for starters.

i tell every mother about my baby can read…they agree and then dont get it for their child..

I have to admit, I share a lot of the insecurities that I have read in the comments here. I’m pretty young and new to the game, and I’m worried that even if I somehow finish this idea that I have (non-fiction) I wont be taken seriously given my lack of a college degree. I have this internal conflict raging in my subconscious, so much so that I’m starting to have dreams about it. Do I go ahead and share my thoughts with others or should I keep them to myself?

It doesn’t help that I have a fear of failure, I suppose. Writing is where I clarify my ideas and feelings, and I’m afraid that my work will be ripped apart by people that dislike it or dismiss my thoughts, mostly because I’ll take it as them dismantling my soul. Does anyone else feel this way?

As I’m writing this I’m slowly realizing that I think that what I need is a little encouragement from people that don’t know me. Man, writing is awesome!

Even if you have a degree, people can still rip your ideas apart. I believe strongly in the value of higher education, but I also know (for a fact) there are plenty of folks with degrees who lack common sense or good hearts. And there are plenty of bright people with good hearts and common sense who do not have degrees. Then again, if you’re that torn up about not having a degree, why not just go get one?

Having said all that, I think you can simply shift your focus. Most of the best writers in the literary canon did not have degrees. Many did not even finish high school. Of your favorite authors, how many have BAs or MAs? Do you know? Do you care? (I don’t.)

As for failure, everyone’s afraid of it. I don’t think we’re meant to eliminate the fear. It’s more a matter of moving forward even though we are afraid. I would say that if you publish a book, some people are not going to like it. That’s just the way it is. So what? Focus your attention and energy on all the people who do like it. If you work hard and write, and put it out there (and do your marketing), you’ll find your audience. Embrace them, and don’t worry so much about everybody else. Good luck to you!

never worry about what anyone says…if someone takes the time for a a scathing review instead of just chucking it in the trash, then you must have struck a chord with that person…all publicity is good publicity…people will want to find out what made this reviewer so angry/….if they are intelligent…

Writing well is the price of admission. But beyond the basics is where it gets squishy. Eudora Welty said something like “You’re only writing when you surprise yourself”. What does that mean? You write until you discover.

I don’t know–I would say you’re only writing when you’re putting words on the page. Surprises and discoveries are bonuses in the writing process for me. Maybe it’s because I write a lot of nonfiction, which isn’t full of discovery or surprise the way fiction is.

Great article. I’m going to link to it on Reddit!

i think another goal of writing is to use the fewest words possible to convey an idea…similies and metaphors fill this bill…but simple truth sticks with people especially when it is a parable for something much more meaningful.

I think that’s a good goal, although it’s not every writer’s goal. I love clear, simple language, but there are exceptions when I come across a poem or story that is dripping with rich language.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 177 college essay examples for 11 schools + expert analysis.

College Admissions , College Essays

The personal statement might just be the hardest part of your college application. Mostly this is because it has the least guidance and is the most open-ended. One way to understand what colleges are looking for when they ask you to write an essay is to check out the essays of students who already got in—college essays that actually worked. After all, they must be among the most successful of this weird literary genre.

In this article, I'll go through general guidelines for what makes great college essays great. I've also compiled an enormous list of 100+ actual sample college essays from 11 different schools. Finally, I'll break down two of these published college essay examples and explain why and how they work. With links to 177 full essays and essay excerpts , this article is a great resource for learning how to craft your own personal college admissions essay!

What Excellent College Essays Have in Common

Even though in many ways these sample college essays are very different from one other, they do share some traits you should try to emulate as you write your own essay.

Visible Signs of Planning

Building out from a narrow, concrete focus. You'll see a similar structure in many of the essays. The author starts with a very detailed story of an event or description of a person or place. After this sense-heavy imagery, the essay expands out to make a broader point about the author, and connects this very memorable experience to the author's present situation, state of mind, newfound understanding, or maturity level.

Knowing how to tell a story. Some of the experiences in these essays are one-of-a-kind. But most deal with the stuff of everyday life. What sets them apart is the way the author approaches the topic: analyzing it for drama and humor, for its moving qualities, for what it says about the author's world, and for how it connects to the author's emotional life.

Stellar Execution

A killer first sentence. You've heard it before, and you'll hear it again: you have to suck the reader in, and the best place to do that is the first sentence. Great first sentences are punchy. They are like cliffhangers, setting up an exciting scene or an unusual situation with an unclear conclusion, in order to make the reader want to know more. Don't take my word for it—check out these 22 first sentences from Stanford applicants and tell me you don't want to read the rest of those essays to find out what happens!

A lively, individual voice. Writing is for readers. In this case, your reader is an admissions officer who has read thousands of essays before yours and will read thousands after. Your goal? Don't bore your reader. Use interesting descriptions, stay away from clichés, include your own offbeat observations—anything that makes this essay sounds like you and not like anyone else.

Technical correctness. No spelling mistakes, no grammar weirdness, no syntax issues, no punctuation snafus—each of these sample college essays has been formatted and proofread perfectly. If this kind of exactness is not your strong suit, you're in luck! All colleges advise applicants to have their essays looked over several times by parents, teachers, mentors, and anyone else who can spot a comma splice. Your essay must be your own work, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with getting help polishing it.

And if you need more guidance, connect with PrepScholar's expert admissions consultants . These expert writers know exactly what college admissions committees look for in an admissions essay and chan help you craft an essay that boosts your chances of getting into your dream school.

Check out PrepScholar's Essay Editing and Coaching progra m for more details!

Links to Full College Essay Examples

Some colleges publish a selection of their favorite accepted college essays that worked, and I've put together a selection of over 100 of these.

Common App Essay Samples

Please note that some of these college essay examples may be responding to prompts that are no longer in use. The current Common App prompts are as follows:

1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. 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 the experience? 3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome? 4. Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you? 5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. 6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

Now, let's get to the good stuff: the list of 177 college essay examples responding to current and past Common App essay prompts. 

Connecticut college.

• 12 Common Application essays from the classes of 2022-2025

Hamilton College

• 7 Common Application essays from the class of 2026
• 7 Common Application essays from the class of 2022
• 7 Common Application essays from the class of 2018
• 8 Common Application essays from the class of 2012
• 8 Common Application essays from the class of 2007

Johns Hopkins

These essays are answers to past prompts from either the Common Application or the Coalition Application (which Johns Hopkins used to accept).

• 1 Common Application or Coalition Application essay from the class of 2026
• 6 Common Application or Coalition Application essays from the class of 2025
• 6 Common Application or Universal Application essays from the class of 2024
• 6 Common Application or Universal Application essays from the class of 2023
• 7 Common Application of Universal Application essays from the class of 2022
• 5 Common Application or Universal Application essays from the class of 2021
• 7 Common Application or Universal Application essays from the class of 2020

Essay Examples Published by Other Websites

• 2 Common Application essays ( 1st essay , 2nd essay ) from applicants admitted to Columbia

Other Sample College Essays

Here is a collection of essays that are college-specific.

Babson College

• 4 essays (and 1 video response) on "Why Babson" from the class of 2020

Emory University

• 5 essay examples ( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ) from the class of 2020 along with analysis from Emory admissions staff on why the essays were exceptional
• 5 more recent essay examples ( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ) along with analysis from Emory admissions staff on what made these essays stand out

University of Georgia

• 1 “strong essay” sample from 2019
• 1 “strong essay” sample from 2018
• 10 Harvard essays from 2023
• 10 Harvard essays from 2022
• 10 Harvard essays from 2021
• 10 Harvard essays from 2020
• 10 Harvard essays from 2019
• 10 Harvard essays from 2018
• 6 essays from admitted MIT students

Smith College

• 6 "best gift" essays from the class of 2018

Books of College Essays

If you're looking for even more sample college essays, consider purchasing a college essay book. The best of these include dozens of essays that worked and feedback from real admissions officers.

College Essays That Made a Difference —This detailed guide from Princeton Review includes not only successful essays, but also interviews with admissions officers and full student profiles.

50 Successful Harvard Application Essays by the Staff of the Harvard Crimson—A must for anyone aspiring to Harvard .

50 Successful Ivy League Application Essays and 50 Successful Stanford Application Essays by Gen and Kelly Tanabe—For essays from other top schools, check out this venerated series, which is regularly updated with new essays.

Heavenly Essays by Janine W. Robinson—This collection from the popular blogger behind Essay Hell includes a wider range of schools, as well as helpful tips on honing your own essay.

Analyzing Great Common App Essays That Worked

I've picked two essays from the examples collected above to examine in more depth so that you can see exactly what makes a successful college essay work. Full credit for these essays goes to the original authors and the schools that published them.

Example 1: "Breaking Into Cars," by Stephen, Johns Hopkins Class of '19 (Common App Essay, 636 words long)

I had never broken into a car before.

We were in Laredo, having just finished our first day at a Habitat for Humanity work site. The Hotchkiss volunteers had already left, off to enjoy some Texas BBQ, leaving me behind with the college kids to clean up. Not until we were stranded did we realize we were locked out of the van.

Someone picked a coat hanger out of the dumpster, handed it to me, and took a few steps back.

"Can you do that thing with a coat hanger to unlock it?"

"Why me?" I thought.

More out of amusement than optimism, I gave it a try. I slid the hanger into the window's seal like I'd seen on crime shows, and spent a few minutes jiggling the apparatus around the inside of the frame. Suddenly, two things simultaneously clicked. One was the lock on the door. (I actually succeeded in springing it.) The other was the realization that I'd been in this type of situation before. In fact, I'd been born into this type of situation.

My upbringing has numbed me to unpredictability and chaos. With a family of seven, my home was loud, messy, and spottily supervised. My siblings arguing, the dog barking, the phone ringing—all meant my house was functioning normally. My Dad, a retired Navy pilot, was away half the time. When he was home, he had a parenting style something like a drill sergeant. At the age of nine, I learned how to clear burning oil from the surface of water. My Dad considered this a critical life skill—you know, in case my aircraft carrier should ever get torpedoed. "The water's on fire! Clear a hole!" he shouted, tossing me in the lake without warning. While I'm still unconvinced about that particular lesson's practicality, my Dad's overarching message is unequivocally true: much of life is unexpected, and you have to deal with the twists and turns.

Living in my family, days rarely unfolded as planned. A bit overlooked, a little pushed around, I learned to roll with reality, negotiate a quick deal, and give the improbable a try. I don't sweat the small stuff, and I definitely don't expect perfect fairness. So what if our dining room table only has six chairs for seven people? Someone learns the importance of punctuality every night.

But more than punctuality and a special affinity for musical chairs, my family life has taught me to thrive in situations over which I have no power. Growing up, I never controlled my older siblings, but I learned how to thwart their attempts to control me. I forged alliances, and realigned them as necessary. Sometimes, I was the poor, defenseless little brother; sometimes I was the omniscient elder. Different things to different people, as the situation demanded. I learned to adapt.

Back then, these techniques were merely reactions undertaken to ensure my survival. But one day this fall, Dr. Hicks, our Head of School, asked me a question that he hoped all seniors would reflect on throughout the year: "How can I participate in a thing I do not govern, in the company of people I did not choose?"

The question caught me off guard, much like the question posed to me in Laredo. Then, I realized I knew the answer. I knew why the coat hanger had been handed to me.

Growing up as the middle child in my family, I was a vital participant in a thing I did not govern, in the company of people I did not choose. It's family. It's society. And often, it's chaos. You participate by letting go of the small stuff, not expecting order and perfection, and facing the unexpected with confidence, optimism, and preparedness. My family experience taught me to face a serendipitous world with confidence.

What Makes This Essay Tick?

It's very helpful to take writing apart in order to see just how it accomplishes its objectives. Stephen's essay is very effective. Let's find out why!

An Opening Line That Draws You In

In just eight words, we get: scene-setting (he is standing next to a car about to break in), the idea of crossing a boundary (he is maybe about to do an illegal thing for the first time), and a cliffhanger (we are thinking: is he going to get caught? Is he headed for a life of crime? Is he about to be scared straight?).

Great, Detailed Opening Story

More out of amusement than optimism, I gave it a try. I slid the hanger into the window's seal like I'd seen on crime shows, and spent a few minutes jiggling the apparatus around the inside of the frame.

It's the details that really make this small experience come alive. Notice how whenever he can, Stephen uses a more specific, descriptive word in place of a more generic one. The volunteers aren't going to get food or dinner; they're going for "Texas BBQ." The coat hanger comes from "a dumpster." Stephen doesn't just move the coat hanger—he "jiggles" it.

Details also help us visualize the emotions of the people in the scene. The person who hands Stephen the coat hanger isn't just uncomfortable or nervous; he "takes a few steps back"—a description of movement that conveys feelings. Finally, the detail of actual speech makes the scene pop. Instead of writing that the other guy asked him to unlock the van, Stephen has the guy actually say his own words in a way that sounds like a teenager talking.

Turning a Specific Incident Into a Deeper Insight

Suddenly, two things simultaneously clicked. One was the lock on the door. (I actually succeeded in springing it.) The other was the realization that I'd been in this type of situation before. In fact, I'd been born into this type of situation.

Stephen makes the locked car experience a meaningful illustration of how he has learned to be resourceful and ready for anything, and he also makes this turn from the specific to the broad through an elegant play on the two meanings of the word "click."

Using Concrete Examples When Making Abstract Claims

My upbringing has numbed me to unpredictability and chaos. With a family of seven, my home was loud, messy, and spottily supervised. My siblings arguing, the dog barking, the phone ringing—all meant my house was functioning normally.

"Unpredictability and chaos" are very abstract, not easily visualized concepts. They could also mean any number of things—violence, abandonment, poverty, mental instability. By instantly following up with highly finite and unambiguous illustrations like "family of seven" and "siblings arguing, the dog barking, the phone ringing," Stephen grounds the abstraction in something that is easy to picture: a large, noisy family.

Using Small Bits of Humor and Casual Word Choice

My Dad, a retired Navy pilot, was away half the time. When he was home, he had a parenting style something like a drill sergeant. At the age of nine, I learned how to clear burning oil from the surface of water. My Dad considered this a critical life skill—you know, in case my aircraft carrier should ever get torpedoed.

Obviously, knowing how to clean burning oil is not high on the list of things every 9-year-old needs to know. To emphasize this, Stephen uses sarcasm by bringing up a situation that is clearly over-the-top: "in case my aircraft carrier should ever get torpedoed."

The humor also feels relaxed. Part of this is because he introduces it with the colloquial phrase "you know," so it sounds like he is talking to us in person. This approach also diffuses the potential discomfort of the reader with his father's strictness—since he is making jokes about it, clearly he is OK. Notice, though, that this doesn't occur very much in the essay. This helps keep the tone meaningful and serious rather than flippant.

An Ending That Stretches the Insight Into the Future

But one day this fall, Dr. Hicks, our Head of School, asked me a question that he hoped all seniors would reflect on throughout the year: "How can I participate in a thing I do not govern, in the company of people I did not choose?"

The ending of the essay reveals that Stephen's life has been one long preparation for the future. He has emerged from chaos and his dad's approach to parenting as a person who can thrive in a world that he can't control.

This connection of past experience to current maturity and self-knowledge is a key element in all successful personal essays. Colleges are very much looking for mature, self-aware applicants. These are the qualities of successful college students, who will be able to navigate the independence college classes require and the responsibility and quasi-adulthood of college life.

What Could This Essay Do Even Better?

Even the best essays aren't perfect, and even the world's greatest writers will tell you that writing is never "finished"—just "due." So what would we tweak in this essay if we could?

Replace some of the clichéd language. Stephen uses handy phrases like "twists and turns" and "don't sweat the small stuff" as a kind of shorthand for explaining his relationship to chaos and unpredictability. But using too many of these ready-made expressions runs the risk of clouding out your own voice and replacing it with something expected and boring.

Use another example from recent life. Stephen's first example (breaking into the van in Laredo) is a great illustration of being resourceful in an unexpected situation. But his essay also emphasizes that he "learned to adapt" by being "different things to different people." It would be great to see how this plays out outside his family, either in the situation in Laredo or another context.

Example 2: By Renner Kwittken, Tufts Class of '23 (Common App Essay, 645 words long)

My first dream job was to be a pickle truck driver. I saw it in my favorite book, Richard Scarry's "Cars and Trucks and Things That Go," and for some reason, I was absolutely obsessed with the idea of driving a giant pickle. Much to the discontent of my younger sister, I insisted that my parents read us that book as many nights as possible so we could find goldbug, a small little golden bug, on every page. I would imagine the wonderful life I would have: being a pig driving a giant pickle truck across the country, chasing and finding goldbug. I then moved on to wanting to be a Lego Master. Then an architect. Then a surgeon.

Then I discovered a real goldbug: gold nanoparticles that can reprogram macrophages to assist in killing tumors, produce clear images of them without sacrificing the subject, and heat them to obliteration.

Suddenly the destination of my pickle was clear.

I quickly became enveloped by the world of nanomedicine; I scoured articles about liposomes, polymeric micelles, dendrimers, targeting ligands, and self-assembling nanoparticles, all conquering cancer in some exotic way. Completely absorbed, I set out to find a mentor to dive even deeper into these topics. After several rejections, I was immensely grateful to receive an invitation to work alongside Dr. Sangeeta Ray at Johns Hopkins.

In the lab, Dr. Ray encouraged a great amount of autonomy to design and implement my own procedures. I chose to attack a problem that affects the entire field of nanomedicine: nanoparticles consistently fail to translate from animal studies into clinical trials. Jumping off recent literature, I set out to see if a pre-dose of a common chemotherapeutic could enhance nanoparticle delivery in aggressive prostate cancer, creating three novel constructs based on three different linear polymers, each using fluorescent dye (although no gold, sorry goldbug!). Though using radioactive isotopes like Gallium and Yttrium would have been incredible, as a 17-year-old, I unfortunately wasn't allowed in the same room as these radioactive materials (even though I took a Geiger counter to a pair of shoes and found them to be slightly dangerous).

I hadn't expected my hypothesis to work, as the research project would have ideally been led across two full years. Yet while there are still many optimizations and revisions to be done, I was thrilled to find -- with completely new nanoparticles that may one day mean future trials will use particles with the initials "RK-1" -- thatcyclophosphamide did indeed increase nanoparticle delivery to the tumor in a statistically significant way.

A secondary, unexpected research project was living alone in Baltimore, a new city to me, surrounded by people much older than I. Even with moving frequently between hotels, AirBnB's, and students' apartments, I strangely reveled in the freedom I had to enjoy my surroundings and form new friendships with graduate school students from the lab. We explored The Inner Harbor at night, attended a concert together one weekend, and even got to watch the Orioles lose (to nobody's surprise). Ironically, it's through these new friendships I discovered something unexpected: what I truly love is sharing research. Whether in a presentation or in a casual conversation, making others interested in science is perhaps more exciting to me than the research itself. This solidified a new pursuit to angle my love for writing towards illuminating science in ways people can understand, adding value to a society that can certainly benefit from more scientific literacy.

It seems fitting that my goals are still transforming: in Scarry's book, there is not just one goldbug, there is one on every page. With each new experience, I'm learning that it isn't the goldbug itself, but rather the act of searching for the goldbugs that will encourage, shape, and refine my ever-evolving passions. Regardless of the goldbug I seek -- I know my pickle truck has just begun its journey.

Renner takes a somewhat different approach than Stephen, but their essay is just as detailed and engaging. Let's go through some of the strengths of this essay.

One Clear Governing Metaphor

This essay is ultimately about two things: Renner’s dreams and future career goals, and Renner’s philosophy on goal-setting and achieving one’s dreams.

But instead of listing off all the amazing things they’ve done to pursue their dream of working in nanomedicine, Renner tells a powerful, unique story instead. To set up the narrative, Renner opens the essay by connecting their experiences with goal-setting and dream-chasing all the way back to a memorable childhood experience:

This lighthearted–but relevant!--story about the moment when Renner first developed a passion for a specific career (“finding the goldbug”) provides an anchor point for the rest of the essay. As Renner pivots to describing their current dreams and goals–working in nanomedicine–the metaphor of “finding the goldbug” is reflected in Renner’s experiments, rejections, and new discoveries.

Though Renner tells multiple stories about their quest to “find the goldbug,” or, in other words, pursue their passion, each story is connected by a unifying theme; namely, that as we search and grow over time, our goals will transform…and that’s okay! By the end of the essay, Renner uses the metaphor of “finding the goldbug” to reiterate the relevance of the opening story:

While the earlier parts of the essay convey Renner’s core message by showing, the final, concluding paragraph sums up Renner’s insights by telling. By briefly and clearly stating the relevance of the goldbug metaphor to their own philosophy on goals and dreams, Renner demonstrates their creativity, insight, and eagerness to grow and evolve as the journey continues into college.

An Engaging, Individual Voice

This essay uses many techniques that make Renner sound genuine and make the reader feel like we already know them.

Technique #1: humor. Notice Renner's gentle and relaxed humor that lightly mocks their younger self's grand ambitions (this is different from the more sarcastic kind of humor used by Stephen in the first essay—you could never mistake one writer for the other).

My first dream job was to be a pickle truck driver.

I would imagine the wonderful life I would have: being a pig driving a giant pickle truck across the country, chasing and finding goldbug. I then moved on to wanting to be a Lego Master. Then an architect. Then a surgeon.

Renner gives a great example of how to use humor to your advantage in college essays. You don’t want to come off as too self-deprecating or sarcastic, but telling a lightheartedly humorous story about your younger self that also showcases how you’ve grown and changed over time can set the right tone for your entire essay.

Technique #2: intentional, eye-catching structure. The second technique is the way Renner uses a unique structure to bolster the tone and themes of their essay . The structure of your essay can have a major impact on how your ideas come across…so it’s important to give it just as much thought as the content of your essay!

For instance, Renner does a great job of using one-line paragraphs to create dramatic emphasis and to make clear transitions from one phase of the story to the next:

Suddenly the destination of my pickle car was clear.

Not only does the one-liner above signal that Renner is moving into a new phase of the narrative (their nanoparticle research experiences), it also tells the reader that this is a big moment in Renner’s story. It’s clear that Renner made a major discovery that changed the course of their goal pursuit and dream-chasing. Through structure, Renner conveys excitement and entices the reader to keep pushing forward to the next part of the story.

Technique #3: playing with syntax. The third technique is to use sentences of varying length, syntax, and structure. Most of the essay's written in standard English and uses grammatically correct sentences. However, at key moments, Renner emphasizes that the reader needs to sit up and pay attention by switching to short, colloquial, differently punctuated, and sometimes fragmented sentences.

Even with moving frequently between hotels, AirBnB's, and students' apartments, I strangely reveled in the freedom I had to enjoy my surroundings and form new friendships with graduate school students from the lab. We explored The Inner Harbor at night, attended a concert together one weekend, and even got to watch the Orioles lose (to nobody's surprise). Ironically, it's through these new friendships I discovered something unexpected: what I truly love is sharing research.

In the examples above, Renner switches adeptly between long, flowing sentences and quippy, telegraphic ones. At the same time, Renner uses these different sentence lengths intentionally. As they describe their experiences in new places, they use longer sentences to immerse the reader in the sights, smells, and sounds of those experiences. And when it’s time to get a big, key idea across, Renner switches to a short, punchy sentence to stop the reader in their tracks.

The varying syntax and sentence lengths pull the reader into the narrative and set up crucial “aha” moments when it’s most important…which is a surefire way to make any college essay stand out.

Renner's essay is very strong, but there are still a few little things that could be improved.

Connecting the research experiences to the theme of “finding the goldbug.”  The essay begins and ends with Renner’s connection to the idea of “finding the goldbug.” And while this metaphor is deftly tied into the essay’s intro and conclusion, it isn’t entirely clear what Renner’s big findings were during the research experiences that are described in the middle of the essay. It would be great to add a sentence or two stating what Renner’s big takeaways (or “goldbugs”) were from these experiences, which add more cohesion to the essay as a whole.

Give more details about discovering the world of nanomedicine. It makes sense that Renner wants to get into the details of their big research experiences as quickly as possible. After all, these are the details that show Renner’s dedication to nanomedicine! But a smoother transition from the opening pickle car/goldbug story to Renner’s “real goldbug” of nanoparticles would help the reader understand why nanoparticles became Renner’s goldbug. Finding out why Renner is so motivated to study nanomedicine–and perhaps what put them on to this field of study–would help readers fully understand why Renner chose this path in the first place.

4 Essential Tips for Writing Your Own Essay

How can you use this discussion to better your own college essay? Here are some suggestions for ways to use this resource effectively.

#1: Get Help From the Experts

Getting your college applications together takes a lot of work and can be pretty intimidatin g. Essays are even more important than ever now that admissions processes are changing and schools are going test-optional and removing diversity standards thanks to new Supreme Court rulings .  If you want certified expert help that really makes a difference, get started with  PrepScholar’s Essay Editing and Coaching program. Our program can help you put together an incredible essay from idea to completion so that your application stands out from the crowd. We've helped students get into the best colleges in the United States, including Harvard, Stanford, and Yale.  If you're ready to take the next step and boost your odds of getting into your dream school, connect with our experts today .

#2: Read Other Essays to Get Ideas for Your Own

As you go through the essays we've compiled for you above, ask yourself the following questions:

• Can you explain to yourself (or someone else!) why the opening sentence works well?
• Look for the essay's detailed personal anecdote. What senses is the author describing? Can you easily picture the scene in your mind's eye?
• Find the place where this anecdote bridges into a larger insight about the author. How does the essay connect the two? How does the anecdote work as an example of the author's characteristic, trait, or skill?
• Check out the essay's tone. If it's funny, can you find the places where the humor comes from? If it's sad and moving, can you find the imagery and description of feelings that make you moved? If it's serious, can you see how word choice adds to this tone?

Make a note whenever you find an essay or part of an essay that you think was particularly well-written, and think about what you like about it . Is it funny? Does it help you really get to know the writer? Does it show what makes the writer unique? Once you have your list, keep it next to you while writing your essay to remind yourself to try and use those same techniques in your own essay.

#3: Find Your "A-Ha!" Moment

All of these essays rely on connecting with the reader through a heartfelt, highly descriptive scene from the author's life. It can either be very dramatic (did you survive a plane crash?) or it can be completely mundane (did you finally beat your dad at Scrabble?). Either way, it should be personal and revealing about you, your personality, and the way you are now that you are entering the adult world.

Check out essays by authors like John Jeremiah Sullivan , Leslie Jamison , Hanif Abdurraqib , and Esmé Weijun Wang to get more examples of how to craft a compelling personal narrative.

#4: Start Early, Revise Often

Let me level with you: the best writing isn't writing at all. It's rewriting. And in order to have time to rewrite, you have to start way before the application deadline. My advice is to write your first draft at least two months before your applications are due.

Let it sit for a few days untouched. Then come back to it with fresh eyes and think critically about what you've written. What's extra? What's missing? What is in the wrong place? What doesn't make sense? Don't be afraid to take it apart and rearrange sections. Do this several times over, and your essay will be much better for it!

For more editing tips, check out a style guide like Dreyer's English or Eats, Shoots & Leaves .

What's Next?

Still not sure which colleges you want to apply to? Our experts will show you how to make a college list that will help you choose a college that's right for you.

Interested in learning more about college essays? Check out our detailed breakdown of exactly how personal statements work in an application , some suggestions on what to avoid when writing your essay , and our guide to writing about your extracurricular activities .

Working on the rest of your application? Read what admissions officers wish applicants knew before applying .

The recommendations in this post are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links PrepScholar may receive a commission.

Anna scored in the 99th percentile on her SATs in high school, and went on to major in English at Princeton and to get her doctorate in English Literature at Columbia. She is passionate about improving student access to higher education.

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What is good writing? This is not an easy question to answer. Many very different kinds of writing are considered "good" and for many different reasons. There is no formula or program for writing well. However, there are certain qualities that most examples of good writing share. The following is a brief description of five qualities of good writing: focus, development, unity, coherence, and correctness. The qualities described here are especially important for academic and expository writing.

FIVE QUALITIES OF GOOD WRITING

One additional quality, not part of this list, but nevertheless, very important, is creativity. The best writing carries some of the personality and individuality of its author. Follow the above guidelines, but always work to make your writing uniquely your own.

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Ultimate Guide to Writing Your College Essay

Tips for writing an effective college essay.

College admissions essays are an important part of your college application and gives you the chance to show colleges and universities your character and experiences. This guide will give you tips to write an effective college essay.

Want free help with your college essay?

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Writing a strong college admissions essay

Learn about the elements of a solid admissions essay.

Avoiding common admissions essay mistakes

Learn some of the most common mistakes made on college essays

Brainstorming tips for your college essay

Stuck on what to write your college essay about? Here are some exercises to help you get started.

How formal should the tone of your college essay be?

Learn how formal your college essay should be and get tips on how to bring out your natural voice.

Taking your college essay to the next level

Hear an admissions expert discuss the appropriate level of depth necessary in your college essay.

Student Stories

Student Story: Admissions essay about a formative experience

Get the perspective of a current college student on how he approached the admissions essay.

Student Story: Admissions essay about personal identity

Get the perspective of a current college student on how she approached the admissions essay.

Student Story: Admissions essay about community impact

Student story: admissions essay about a past mistake, how to write a college application essay, tips for writing an effective application essay, sample college essay 1 with feedback, sample college essay 2 with feedback.

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Top 10 Characteristics of a Quality School

How to Determine if a School is Effective

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It's important to know if the school where you are teaching is the right one for you. There are ways to find out before you even take a job there, as well as key characteristics of any effective school. Ten simple insights will help you to know if your school is a quality one.

Attitude of the Office Staff

The first thing that greets you when you enter a school is the office staff. Their actions set the tone for the rest of the school. If the front office is inviting for teachers, parents, and students, then the school leadership values customer service. However, if the office staff is unhappy and rude, you should question whether the school as a whole, including its principal, has the correct attitude toward students, parents, and teachers.

Be wary of schools where the staff is not approachable. As you would do with any business, look for a school where the office staff is friendly, efficient, and ready to help.

Attitude of the Principal

You will probably have the chance to meet with the principal before taking a job at a school. His attitude is extremely important for you and the school as a whole. An  effective principal  should be open, encouraging, and innovative. He should be student-centered in his decisions. The principal should also empower teachers while providing them with the necessary support and training to grow each year.

Principals who are never present or who are not open to innovation will be difficult to work for, resulting in disgruntled employees, including you, if you take a job at such a school.

A Mix of New and Veteran Teachers

New teachers come into a school fired up to teach and innovate. Many feel that they can make a difference. At the same time, they often have a lot to learn about  classroom management  and the workings of the school system. By contrast, veteran teachers provide years of experience and understanding about how to manage their classrooms and get things done in the school, but they may be wary of innovation. A mix of veterans and newbies can motivate you to learn and help you grow as a teacher.

Student-Centered

To be truly effective, a principal must create a system of core values that the entire staff shares. To do this, she needs to involve the teachers and staff. A common theme to each of the core values should be a student-centered view of education. When a decision is made in the school, the first thought should always be: "What's best for the students?" When everyone shares this belief, infighting will lessen and the school can focus on the business of teaching.

Mentoring Program

Most school districts provide new teachers with a mentor during their first year. Some have formal mentoring programs while others offer new teachers more informal tutelage. However, each school should provide new teachers with a mentor whether the incoming educator is fresh out of college or coming from another school district. Mentors can help new teachers understand the culture of the school and navigate its bureaucracy in areas as diverse as  field trip  procedures and purchasing classroom supplies.

Departmental Politics Kept to a Minimum

Almost every department in a school will have its share of politics and drama. For example, a math department might have teachers who want more power or who try and get a larger share of the department's resources. There will probably be a seniority system in place for picking courses for the following year or determining who gets to go to specific conferences. A quality school will not allow this type of behavior to undermine the basic goal of teaching students.

The  school's leaders  should be clear about th goals for each department and work with the department heads to create a collaborative environment where politics are kept to a minimum.

Faculty Is Empowered and Involved

When the faculty is empowered to make decisions backed by the administration, a level of trust grows that allows for greater innovation and more effective teaching. A teacher who feels empowered and involved in the decision-making process will have greater job satisfaction and be more willing to accept decisions with which he might disagree. This, again, starts with the principal and shared core values that relate back to determining what's best for students.

A school where teacher opinions are not valued and where they feel powerless will result in disgruntled educators who do not have the desire to put as much into their teaching. You can tell this type of school if you hear phrases such as, "Why bother?"

Even in the best of schools, there will be teachers who do not want to share with others. They will be the ones who get to school in the morning, close themselves in their room, and don't come out except for mandatory meetings. If the majority of the teachers at the school do this, steer clear.

Look for a quality school that strives to create an atmosphere where teachers want to share with each other. This should be something the school and department leadership strive to model. Schools that reward intradepartmental and interdepartmental sharing will see a huge increase in the quality of classroom teaching.

Communication Is Honest and Frequent

School leadership in a quality school provides teachers, staff, students, and parents with frequent communication about what is happening. Rumors and gossip are usually rampant in schools where administrators do not promptly communicate the reasons for decisions or upcoming changes. School leadership should communicate frequently with staff; the principal and administrators should have an open-door policy so that teachers and staff can come forward with questions and concerns as they arise.

Parental Involvement

Many middle and high schools do not stress  parental involvement ; they should. It is the school's job to pull parents in and help them understand what they can do. The more a school involves parents, the better students will behave and perform. Many parents want to know what's going on in class but have no way of figuring out how to do this.

A school that stresses parental contact for both positive and negative reasons will grow more effective over time. Thankfully, this is something that each teacher can institute even if the school as a whole does not stress such involvement.

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Top 10 Qualities of a Good Essay

Why are students often asked to write an essay? Because this is a type of writing work in which students learn to express their thoughts about different topics. The reasoning should be backed up by facts and statements about a particular topic. However, the author’s opinion is the main one here, and it develops students’ creative and scientific thinking at the same time.

So what makes a good essay? You will find the answer to this question in this article. Only through finding and studying additional information will you be able to develop your critical thinking .

Here are some basic points and qualities of good writing that will make your essay successful:

Small Volume.

Of course, when creativity is in its full flow, you want to write without stopping, but the first sign of what a good essay is precisely its compact volume.

Here you need to explain your opinion about the topic’s subject matter clearly, concisely, and with specific arguments that will support your opinion. Avoid arguing about your statements because it will confuse you and the reader and negate all the work on the arguments.

Specific Topic and Your Subjective Opinion.

The subject of the essay is always specific. It does not happen that the essay has several different thoughts and topics. This is what distinguishes it from other types of paper works.

Your arguments and subjective opinion should be the same. The purpose of your work is to convince the reader that your opinion is true, backed by strong facts, and is consistent throughout the work.

Free Composition

What does it mean? The essay has no specific writing rules. Yes, a certain structure distinguishes this type of work from others, but the essay composition itself is free.

If you are unsure where to start or how to write an essay, try to find free essays online by contacting professionals .

Do not use too long sentences or try to surprise the reader with difficult terms and strange words, especially if you are not sure about their meaning. On the contrary, your main task here is to engage the reader and make contact with him through the text.

As we have already written, the author needs to establish contact with the reader.

The sentences and arguments that you will use in your work should be specific but not written in strict form. You should choose the point of support of your arguments and the main opinion and stick to it throughout the work.

Sometimes arguments have to be more specific and sometimes unobtrusively described in the body of the essay.

You should try to provide information as if “by the way” so that the reader feels like you are referring to him through the text and want to explain your impressions specifically to him. Contact with the reader is very important in this form of writing.

The Paradox

One of the most important qualities of an essay is that it should surprise the reader. You should use some strong phrases or quotes that will support your argument throughout the work.

The advantage will be on your side if you use paradoxical definitions or phenomena, which will appear simultaneously as indisputable but mutually exclusive statements. Feel free to use abstracts and aphorisms.

Meaningful Unity

This is probably the only paradox of the genre (not including the point written above). Why? Because the essay must be subjective , it must have a free composition and characteristics, but at the same time, it must have an internal semantic unity.

Your personal opinion should be expressed and supported here. Actually, this is about supporting the same opinion, which you will support with different thesis and statements. All of them should bring the idea of ​​the essay to one specific conclusion, that is your opinion.

Use of Simple Language

Your essay can be written in any form, but at the same time, it is not necessary, or better to say, you cannot use slang, shortening words, light-hearted tone, using strange abbreviations, and formulaic phrases. Do not forget that this is a serious piece of work with specific arguments and not an arbitrary letter to a friend.

Authoritarianism

You should submit information in such a way as to persuade the reader to adopt the same position he supports in his work. The author should not use aggressive words, but his arguments should be specific, and they should be considered indisputable.

Use an Element of Surprise

To make your essay memorable, do not be afraid to use catchy phrases, loud quotes, and unexpected arguments. This will arouse emotions in the reader, and your essay will be remembered. The main thing is that the used arguments are not aggressive, do not contradict your basic opinion, and are not written in rough language.

The Logic of Presentation.

Again, despite the free composition, the essay must have internal unity and the coherence of the author’s statements that express his opinion.

Because the rules of writing an essay are rather conditional, the author has the opportunity to fully indulge in his creative potential and use various interesting methods for writing this genre of paperwork.

The main thing to remember is that your thoughts and arguments should be united and interest the reader to read your work and take your side.

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7 Qualities of a Successful College Essay

Bonus Material:  30 College Essays That Worked

The college essay is one of the most important aspects of a student’s application.

It gives applicants an opportunity to articulate their personal values, character traits, and perspectives. It’s also a chance to add more value to your application, simply by demonstrating who you are outside of your resume and transcript.

A “successful” college essay is one that makes the most of these opportunities and, in many cases, earns an acceptance.

We’ve demystified what most admissions officers look for in college applications . But what are these officers looking for in the college essay itself? What are the top qualities of a successful application essay?

In analyzing various essays of admitted applicants, we’ve come up with a list of the characteristics that most of these pieces have in common. We’ll be referring to some of these pieces throughout the post.

Plus, we give you access to 30 college essays that earned their writers acceptance into Ivy League schools. Grab these below.

Download 30 College Essays That Worked

Here’s what we cover:

• What is The College Application Essay (in a nutshell)?
• 7 Qualities of a Successful Essay
• Bonus: 30 College Essays That Worked

The College Application Essay In a Nutshell

Most students applying to a college or university in the U.S. must submit an application essay (or “personal statement”) with their application.

Depending on the application platform the college uses (typically either Coalition or the Common App ), students have 500-650 words to craft a response. While each of these platforms has college essay prompts, it’s helpful to view these prompts as general guidelines as to what colleges are looking for in a response.

Based on these prompts and our own experience coaching college essay students , the application essay is:

• the chance to say what the rest of your application doesn’t say
• a demonstration of your character, values, and/or voice
• the platform to show who you are outside of a resume/transcript
• an introspective personal essay

The college essay is NOT :

• a rehashing of your resume
• an excuse or explanation of other components of your application
• a formal, five-paragraph essay
• what you think “colleges want to hear”

A standard college application includes an academic transcript, recommendation letters, extracurricular / activities section, an optional resume, and standardized test scores. The essay is an addition  to these 4 general components, so it makes sense that it should complement them by saying something new.

That’s why we like to define the essay as a “demonstration of character, values, and/or voice.” True, these elements can be inferred from other components of the application. But the essay is your opportunity to clearly and personally demonstrate what matters to you, who you are at the core, and/or your essential perspectives of the world.

For this reason, the college essay is introspective and personal. Colleges want to hear that “I” voice in the application essay, loud and clear, and they want active, intelligent reflection.

You can see this in action in the 30 college essays that worked, which you can download below.

( Note: Some colleges might require applicants to submit supplemental essays in addition to their personal statement. These often have very specific prompts and different word lengths. Here are 8 great tips for approaching supplemental essays . )

 7 Qualities of a Successful College Essay

We’ve assessed several college essays of applicants admitted to a wide range of schools, including Ivy League institutions. While extremely diverse, these pieces generally had the following characteristics in common.

1. Introspective and reflective

Many English teachers tell their students not to use the first-person “I” in their essays. While this might be the standard for some academic essays, the college essay  should  include that “I.” What’s more, it should include a  lot  of that “I”!

This can be understandably uncomfortable for students, many of whom may simply not be used to talking about themselves openly and declaratively on a page. It can also feel awkward from a stylistic point of view for students who are not used to writing in the first-person.

Yet colleges want to hear your words in your own voice, and they are especially interested in learning more about your perspectives on the world and insights gleaned from your various life experiences. That’s why many successful college essays are highly introspective, full of the writer’s active reflections on what they’ve learned, how they view the world, and who they are.

We typically see the bulk of such introspection at the  end  of an essay, where the writer summarizes these reflections (although this is by no means standard), as we can see in the conclusion to Erica’s essay here, which describes her earlier attempt to write and publish a novel:

Sometimes, when I’m feeling insecure about my ability as a novelist I open up my first draft again, turn to a random chapter, and read it aloud. Publishing that first draft would have been a horrible embarrassment that would have haunted me for the rest of my life. Over the past half-decade, I’ve been able to explore my own literary voice, and develop a truly original work that I will be proud to display. This experience taught me that “following your dreams” requires more than just wishing upon a star. It takes sacrifice, persistence, and grueling work to turn fantasy into reality.

In her personal statement, Aja reflects deeply on what she specifically learned from an experience described earlier on in the piece:

I found from my experiment and questioning within my mind that my practices distinguished me from others, thereby allowing me to form relationships on the basis of common interest or personality, rather than cultural similarities, that summer. I valued the relationships more, and formed a deep connection with my lab partner, whom I had found was similar to me in many ways. 

Notice how both of these selections contain a lot of that first-person voice, which is critical to elaborating perspectives, learning points, and introspective thoughts. And did we mention that admissions officers are  looking for  those specific perspectives, learning points, and thoughts that compose who you are?

2. Full of a student’s voice

An academic transcript can be revealing to admissions officers. The same goes for recommendation letters and resumes. But it’s hard to convey an individual voice in these application components. The college essay is your prime vehicle for speaking directly to colleges in your own words  about what matters to you.

Successful college essays thus veer away from the formal voice many students employ when writing academic essays. Rather, they showcase a student’s unique way of expressing themselves on a page, which can be, for example, humorous, informal, intimate, lyrical, and/or speculative.

Voice is at the forefront of Elizabeth’s essay about her love for “all that is spicy:”

I am an aspiring hot sauce sommelier. Ever since I was a child, I have been in search for all that is spicy. I began by dabbling in peppers of the jarred variety. Pepperoncini, giardiniera, sports peppers, and jalapeños became not only toppings, but appetizers, complete entrées, and desserts. As my palate matured, I delved into a more aggressive assortment of spicy fare. I’m not referring to Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, the crunchy snack devoured by dilettantes. No, it was bottles of infernal magma that came next in my tasting curriculum.

Notice how Elizabeth’s descriptions of her passion for spice are rich with her voice: playful, intelligent, and humorous. This also gives us insight into a specific aspect of her character–that’s the power of voice when it comes to personal essay writing, and college admissions officers are very interested in applicants’ characters.

3. Descriptive and engaging

You don’t have to be a natural creative writer to compose a successful college essay. Yet competitive essays aren’t afraid to dive deeply into a subject and describe it, whether that description relates to imagery, emotions, perspectives, or insights. A college essay shouldn’t leave the reader guessing in any way–it should be highly specific and it should tell your story in an engaging fashion.

Harry’s more intellectual essay presents his views on common values in society. He is careful to be very specific and descriptive in these views, incorporating both a relevant incident from history and his own direct relationship to the issue:

Admittedly, the problem of social integration is one I feel can be widely overstated – for example, when I was looking into some research for a similar topic a couple of years ago, I found numerous surveys indicating that ethnic minorities (especially Islam) identify much more closely with Britain than do the population at large. Still though, I, like many others, find myself constantly troubled by the prospect of the war from within that seems to be developing. This fear is fuelled by events such as the brutal killing of the soldier Lee Rigby at the hands of two British Muslims a couple of years ago.

In her essay, Amanda is extremely detailed in describing her experience as a caretaker for a difficult child. The result is a clear portrait of the challenge itself and Amanda’s relationship to this challenge, told from the perspective of an engaging storyteller:

Then I met Robyn, and I realized how wrong I was. Prone to anger, aggressive, sometimes violent (I have the scar to prove it). Every Sunday with Robyn was a challenge. Yoga, dancing, cooking, art, tennis – none of these activities held her interest for long before she would inevitably throw a tantrum or stalk over to a corner to sulk or fight with the other children. She alternated between wrapping her arms around my neck, declaring to anyone who passed by that she loved me, and clawing at my arms, screaming at me to leave her alone.

The successful college essays we see always  emerge from a place of honesty. Writing with honesty also is more likely to accurately convey a student’s unique voice, inspire reflection and introspection, and result in a descriptive, meaningful piece (all of the qualities listed in this post!).

Sometimes this means adopting a candid or direct voice on the page. James starts his essay frankly in this singular statement:

Simply put, my place of inner peace is the seat of that 50 foot sliver of carbon and kevlar called a rowing shell, cutting through the water in the middle of a race.

Or it might mean describing a challenge, vulnerability, or perspective truthfully, as Martin does in his essay about the experiences that have molded his character over the years:

Looking back, I have never been the “masculine boy” as society says my role to be. I have always thought I do not fit the social definition of a male as one who is “manly” and “sporty” and this alienating feeling of being different still persists today at times. However, I also have become more comfortable with myself, and I see my growth firsthand throughout high school.

Given that many universities value “truth” in their own mission statements and mottos, admissions officers will prioritize those essays that ring with a student’s honest voice.

5. Unconventional & distinct

This is by no means a requirement of a successful college essay. But many of the essays that earn students acceptance at their dream schools veer away from the predictable or expected, as we saw in Elizabeth’s essay above (“I am an aspiring hot sauce sommelier”). They are, in a nutshell, 100% unique.

We’ve seen some essays, for example, that follow more radical structures, such as list formats or experimental narratives. Others focus on unexpected subjects, like Shanaz’s piece on the relevance of Game of Thrones in her life and trajectory of learning.

And, time and again, successful college essays step away from what admissions officers already see in applications–academics, standardized tests, extracurricular activities, and classes. They may focus on something very specific (hot sauce or Game of Thrones ), seemingly ordinary (eating a kosher meal in public or working on a problem set), or personally interesting (a historic murder or wrestling game).

Regardless, the essays that “work” emphasize the unexpected, as opposed to the expected. Distinct essays will also feel as if they could not have been written by anyone else .

6. Well-written

This might also sound like an obvious quality of a successful essay, but it’s still worth mentioning. The most competitive application essays showcase strong writing skills, providing evidence of a student’s ability to tell a specific story artfully and well. 

Essays should also be error-free, grammatically precise, and stylistically on point. Successful pieces also might demonstrate versatility through varied sentence structure, word choice, and rhetorical or literary devices. Lastly, well-written essays typically adhere to a specific storytelling structure.

This excerpt from Justin’s essay about his experience in the California Cadet Corps, for example, displays a high command of language, word choice, and sentence structure:

Through Survival, I learned many things about myself and the way I approach the world. I realized that I take for granted innumerable small privileges and conveniences and that I undervalue what I do have. Now that I had experienced true and sustained hunger, I felt regret for times when I threw away food and behaved with unconscious waste. 

7. Meaningful

Above all, a successful college essay adds value to a student’s holistic college application. It is full of  meaning , in that it

• showcases a student’s unique voice
• elucidates an applicant’s particular perspective(s), character trait(s), and/or belief(s) and
• honestly conveys a significant component of who a student is

It might be difficult to compress the entirety of who you are into 650 words. Yet it is most certainly possible to craft 650 words that add significant meaning to an overall application in terms of a student’s  personal potential for the future. This is exactly what admissions officers are looking for . 

What can you do to ensure that your college essay aligns with these successful qualities? You can check out examples of essays that do!

You can download 30 actual college essays that earned their writers acceptance into Ivy League schools, right now, for free.

Kate is a graduate of Princeton University. Over the last decade, Kate has successfully mentored hundreds of students in all aspects of the college admissions process, including the SAT, ACT, and college application essay. 

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How to Structure an Essay | Tips & Templates

Published on September 18, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

The basic structure of an essay always consists of an introduction , a body , and a conclusion . But for many students, the most difficult part of structuring an essay is deciding how to organize information within the body.

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The basics of essay structure, chronological structure, compare-and-contrast structure, problems-methods-solutions structure, signposting to clarify your structure, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about essay structure.

There are two main things to keep in mind when working on your essay structure: making sure to include the right information in each part, and deciding how you’ll organize the information within the body.

Parts of an essay

The three parts that make up all essays are described in the table below.

Order of information

You’ll also have to consider how to present information within the body. There are a few general principles that can guide you here.

The first is that your argument should move from the simplest claim to the most complex . The body of a good argumentative essay often begins with simple and widely accepted claims, and then moves towards more complex and contentious ones.

For example, you might begin by describing a generally accepted philosophical concept, and then apply it to a new topic. The grounding in the general concept will allow the reader to understand your unique application of it.

The second principle is that background information should appear towards the beginning of your essay . General background is presented in the introduction. If you have additional background to present, this information will usually come at the start of the body.

The third principle is that everything in your essay should be relevant to the thesis . Ask yourself whether each piece of information advances your argument or provides necessary background. And make sure that the text clearly expresses each piece of information’s relevance.

The sections below present several organizational templates for essays: the chronological approach, the compare-and-contrast approach, and the problems-methods-solutions approach.

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The chronological approach (sometimes called the cause-and-effect approach) is probably the simplest way to structure an essay. It just means discussing events in the order in which they occurred, discussing how they are related (i.e. the cause and effect involved) as you go.

A chronological approach can be useful when your essay is about a series of events. Don’t rule out other approaches, though—even when the chronological approach is the obvious one, you might be able to bring out more with a different structure.

Explore the tabs below to see a general template and a specific example outline from an essay on the invention of the printing press.

• Thesis statement
• Discussion of event/period
• Consequences
• Importance of topic
• Strong closing statement
• Claim that the printing press marks the end of the Middle Ages
• Background on the low levels of literacy before the printing press
• Thesis statement: The invention of the printing press increased circulation of information in Europe, paving the way for the Reformation
• High levels of illiteracy in medieval Europe
• Literacy and thus knowledge and education were mainly the domain of religious and political elites
• Consequence: this discouraged political and religious change
• Invention of the printing press in 1440 by Johannes Gutenberg
• Implications of the new technology for book production
• Consequence: Rapid spread of the technology and the printing of the Gutenberg Bible
• Trend for translating the Bible into vernacular languages during the years following the printing press’s invention
• Luther’s own translation of the Bible during the Reformation
• Consequence: The large-scale effects the Reformation would have on religion and politics
• Summarize the history described
• Stress the significance of the printing press to the events of this period

Essays with two or more main subjects are often structured around comparing and contrasting . For example, a literary analysis essay might compare two different texts, and an argumentative essay might compare the strengths of different arguments.

There are two main ways of structuring a compare-and-contrast essay: the alternating method, and the block method.

Alternating

In the alternating method, each paragraph compares your subjects in terms of a specific point of comparison. These points of comparison are therefore what defines each paragraph.

The tabs below show a general template for this structure, and a specific example for an essay comparing and contrasting distance learning with traditional classroom learning.

• Synthesis of arguments
• Topical relevance of distance learning in lockdown
• Increasing prevalence of distance learning over the last decade
• Thesis statement: While distance learning has certain advantages, it introduces multiple new accessibility issues that must be addressed for it to be as effective as classroom learning
• Classroom learning: Ease of identifying difficulties and privately discussing them
• Distance learning: Difficulty of noticing and unobtrusively helping
• Classroom learning: Difficulties accessing the classroom (disability, distance travelled from home)
• Distance learning: Difficulties with online work (lack of tech literacy, unreliable connection, distractions)
• Classroom learning: Tends to encourage personal engagement among students and with teacher, more relaxed social environment
• Distance learning: Greater ability to reach out to teacher privately
• Sum up, emphasize that distance learning introduces more difficulties than it solves
• Stress the importance of addressing issues with distance learning as it becomes increasingly common
• Distance learning may prove to be the future, but it still has a long way to go

In the block method, each subject is covered all in one go, potentially across multiple paragraphs. For example, you might write two paragraphs about your first subject and then two about your second subject, making comparisons back to the first.

The tabs again show a general template, followed by another essay on distance learning, this time with the body structured in blocks.

• Point 1 (compare)
• Point 2 (compare)
• Point 3 (compare)
• Point 4 (compare)
• Advantages: Flexibility, accessibility
• Disadvantages: Discomfort, challenges for those with poor internet or tech literacy
• Advantages: Potential for teacher to discuss issues with a student in a separate private call
• Disadvantages: Difficulty of identifying struggling students and aiding them unobtrusively, lack of personal interaction among students
• Advantages: More accessible to those with low tech literacy, equality of all sharing one learning environment
• Disadvantages: Students must live close enough to attend, commutes may vary, classrooms not always accessible for disabled students
• Advantages: Ease of picking up on signs a student is struggling, more personal interaction among students
• Disadvantages: May be harder for students to approach teacher privately in person to raise issues

An essay that concerns a specific problem (practical or theoretical) may be structured according to the problems-methods-solutions approach.

This is just what it sounds like: You define the problem, characterize a method or theory that may solve it, and finally analyze the problem, using this method or theory to arrive at a solution. If the problem is theoretical, the solution might be the analysis you present in the essay itself; otherwise, you might just present a proposed solution.

The tabs below show a template for this structure and an example outline for an essay about the problem of fake news.

• Introduce the problem
• Provide background
• Describe your approach to solving it
• Define the problem precisely
• Describe why it’s important
• Indicate previous approaches to the problem
• Present your new approach, and why it’s better
• Apply the new method or theory to the problem
• Indicate the solution you arrive at by doing so
• Assess (potential or actual) effectiveness of solution
• Describe the implications
• Problem: The growth of “fake news” online
• Prevalence of polarized/conspiracy-focused news sources online
• Thesis statement: Rather than attempting to stamp out online fake news through social media moderation, an effective approach to combating it must work with educational institutions to improve media literacy
• Definition: Deliberate disinformation designed to spread virally online
• Popularization of the term, growth of the phenomenon
• Previous approaches: Labeling and moderation on social media platforms
• Critique: This approach feeds conspiracies; the real solution is to improve media literacy so users can better identify fake news
• Greater emphasis should be placed on media literacy education in schools
• This allows people to assess news sources independently, rather than just being told which ones to trust
• This is a long-term solution but could be highly effective
• It would require significant organization and investment, but would equip people to judge news sources more effectively
• Rather than trying to contain the spread of fake news, we must teach the next generation not to fall for it

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Signposting means guiding the reader through your essay with language that describes or hints at the structure of what follows.  It can help you clarify your structure for yourself as well as helping your reader follow your ideas.

The essay overview

In longer essays whose body is split into multiple named sections, the introduction often ends with an overview of the rest of the essay. This gives a brief description of the main idea or argument of each section.

The overview allows the reader to immediately understand what will be covered in the essay and in what order. Though it describes what  comes later in the text, it is generally written in the present tense . The following example is from a literary analysis essay on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein .

Transitions

Transition words and phrases are used throughout all good essays to link together different ideas. They help guide the reader through your text, and an essay that uses them effectively will be much easier to follow.

Various different relationships can be expressed by transition words, as shown in this example.

Because Hitler failed to respond to the British ultimatum, France and the UK declared war on Germany. Although it was an outcome the Allies had hoped to avoid, they were prepared to back up their ultimatum in order to combat the existential threat posed by the Third Reich.

Transition sentences may be included to transition between different paragraphs or sections of an essay. A good transition sentence moves the reader on to the next topic while indicating how it relates to the previous one.

… Distance learning, then, seems to improve accessibility in some ways while representing a step backwards in others.

However , considering the issue of personal interaction among students presents a different picture.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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The structure of an essay is divided into an introduction that presents your topic and thesis statement , a body containing your in-depth analysis and arguments, and a conclusion wrapping up your ideas.

The structure of the body is flexible, but you should always spend some time thinking about how you can organize your essay to best serve your ideas.

An essay isn’t just a loose collection of facts and ideas. Instead, it should be centered on an overarching argument (summarized in your thesis statement ) that every part of the essay relates to.

The way you structure your essay is crucial to presenting your argument coherently. A well-structured essay helps your reader follow the logic of your ideas and understand your overall point.

Comparisons in essays are generally structured in one of two ways:

• The alternating method, where you compare your subjects side by side according to one specific aspect at a time.
• The block method, where you cover each subject separately in its entirety.

It’s also possible to combine both methods, for example by writing a full paragraph on each of your topics and then a final paragraph contrasting the two according to a specific metric.

You should try to follow your outline as you write your essay . However, if your ideas change or it becomes clear that your structure could be better, it’s okay to depart from your essay outline . Just make sure you know why you’re doing so.

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Essay on My School for Students and Children

500+ words essay on my school.

Education is an essential part of our lives. We are nothing without knowledge, and education is what separates us from others. The main step to acquiring education is enrolling oneself in a school. School serves as the first learning place for most of the people. Similarly, it is the first spark in receiving an education. In this essay on my school, I will tell you why I love my school and what my school has taught me.

We have all been to school and we have loved each and every moment we have spent over there as those were the building blocks of our lives. A school is a place where students are taught the fundamentals of life, as well as how to grow and survive in life. It instils in us values and principles that serve as the foundation for a child’s development.

My school is my second home where I spend most of my time. Above all, it gives me a platform to do better in life and also builds my personality. I feel blessed to study in one of the most prestigious and esteemed schools in the city. In addition, my school has a lot of assets which makes me feel fortunate to be a part of it. Let us look at the essay on my school written below.

Why I Love My School?

From kindergarten through primary and secondary school, and subsequently, to faculty, school is a place where we always study, grow, and establish ourselves, socialize, be a friend, help others, and love and be loved. School is a buddy that will accompany us from the beginning of our youth till the conclusion of our lives. At school, we share all of our pleasures and sorrows, and we constantly rely on one another. This is made possible through the friendships we share. They assist us in effortlessly overcoming difficulties, sharing moments of enjoyment together, and looking forward to new paths.

My school strikes the perfect balance between modern education and vintage architecture. The vintage buildings of my school never fail to mesmerize me with their glorious beauty. However, their vintage architecture does not mean it is outdated, as it is well-equipped with all the contemporary gadgets. I see my school as a lighthouse of education bestowing knowledge as well as ethical conduct upon us.

Teachers have the power to make or break a school. The teaching staff is regarded as the foundation of any educational society. It is their efforts to help kids learn and understand things that instil good habits and values in their students. While some concepts are simple to grasp, others necessitate the use of a skilled teacher to drive the home the idea with each pupil.

In contrast to other schools, my school does not solely focus on academic performance. In other words, it emphasizes on the overall development of their students. Along with our academics, extra-curricular activities are also organized at our school. This is one of the main reasons why I love my school as it does not measure everyone on the same scale. Our hardworking staff gives time to each child to grow at their own pace which instils confidence in them. My school has all the facilities of a library , computer room, playground, basketball court and more, to ensure we have it all at our disposal.

For me, my school is more than simply an educational institution; it is also my second family, which I established during my childhood. A family of wonderful friends, outstanding teachers, and fond school memories. I adore my school because it is where I learn how to be a good citizen and how to reach my goals. School is the only place where we make friends without judging them. We feel comfortable spending time with those close friends no matter what the situation.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

What has My School Taught Me?

If someone asked me what I have learned from my school, I won’t be able to answer it in one sentence. For the lessons are irreplaceable and I can never be thankful enough for them. I learned to share because of my school. The power of sharing and sympathy was taught to me by my school. I learned how to be considerate towards animals and it is also one of the main reasons why I adopted a pet.

School is an excellent place to learn how to be an adult before entering the real world. Those abilities pay dividends whether you choose to be the bigger person in an argument or simply complete your domestic tasks. When you open your mind to new ideas, you gain a lot of influence in society. Picking up unexpected hobbies on your own will teach you more about what you like to do than simply completing things for a grade.

A school is a place where I developed my artistic skills which were further enhanced by my teachers. Subsequently, it led me to participate in inter-school completions through which I earned various awards. Most importantly, my school taught me how to face failures with grace and never give up on my ambitions, no matter what happens.

Schools also offer a variety of extracurricular activities such as Scouts and Guides, sports, N.C.C., skating, school band, acting, dancing, singing, and so on. Our principal also used to give us a short lecture every day for about 10 minutes about etiquette, character development, moral education, respecting others, and gaining excellent values. As a result, I can claim that what I am today is solely due to my school, which is the best institution in my opinion.

Teamwork is an important ability that schools teach. Schools are frequently the first places where youngsters have the opportunity to collaborate with children who are different from them. Collaboration is essential for the team and individual success. Students are taught that the success of a team depends on each individual component functioning together.

To sum it up, studying in one of the respected schools has helped me a lot personally. I will always be indebted to my school for shaping my personality and teaching me invaluable lessons. It has given me friends for life and teachers that I will always look up to. I aspire to carry on the values imbibed by my school to do well in life and make it proud.

Here is the list of Top Schools in India! Does Your School Tops the List?

FAQs on School

Q.1 Why must every child go to school?

A.1 It is essential for every child to go to school as the school teaches us lessons that cannot be acquired anywhere else. The experience is one a kind and along with education, we learn many other things like socializing, extra-curricular activities and more.

Q.2 What does school teach us?

A.2 School teaches us some of the great things like first of all, it gives us basic education. It teaches us to develop our skills like art, dance, public speaking and more. Most importantly, it teaches us discipline.

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Are schools that feature strong test scores highly effective, or do they mostly enroll students who are already well-prepared for success? A study co-authored by MIT scholars concludes that widely disseminated school quality ratings reflect the preparation and family background of their students as much or more than a school’s contribution to learning gains.

Indeed, the study finds that many schools that receive relatively low ratings perform better than these ratings would imply. Conventional ratings, the research makes clear, are highly correlated with race. Specifically, many published school ratings are highly positively correlated with the share of the student body that is white.

“A school’s average outcomes reflect, to some extent, the demographic mix of the population it serves,” says MIT economist Josh Angrist, a Nobel Prize winner who has long analyzed education outcomes. Angrist is co-author of a newly published paper detailing the study’s results.

The study, which examines the Denver and New York City school districts, has the potential to significantly improve the way school quality is measured. Instead of raw aggregate measures like test scores, the study uses changes in test scores and a statistical adjustment for racial composition to compute more accurate measures of the causal effects that attending a particular school has on students’ learning gains. This methodologically sophisticated research builds on the fact that Denver and New York City both assign students to schools in ways that allow the researchers to mimic the conditions of a randomized trial.

In documenting a strong correlation between currently used rating systems and race, the study finds that white and Asian students tend to attend higher-rated schools, while Black and Hispanic students tend to be clustered at lower-rated schools.

“Simple measures of school quality, which are based on the average statistics for the school, are invariably highly correlated with race, and those measures tend to be a misleading guide of what you can expect by sending your child to that school,” Angrist says.

The paper, “ Race and the Mismeasure of School Quality ,” appears in the latest issue of the American Economic Review: Insights . The authors are Angrist, the Ford Professor of Economics at MIT; Peter Hull PhD ’17, a professor of economics at Brown University; Parag Pathak, the Class of 1922 Professor of Economics at MIT; and Christopher Walters PhD ’13, an associate professor of economics at the University of California at Berkeley. Angrist and Pathak are both professors in the MIT Department of Economics and co-founders of MIT’s Blueprint Labs, a research group that often examines school performance.

The study uses data provided by the Denver and New York City public school districts, where 6th-graders apply for seats at certain middle schools, and the districts use a school-assignment system. In these districts, students can opt for any school in the district, but some schools are oversubscribed. In these circumstances, the district uses a random lottery number to determine who gets a seat where.

By virtue of the lottery inside the seat-assignment algorithm, otherwise-similar sets of students randomly attend an array of different schools. This facilitates comparisons that reveal causal effects of school attendance on learning gains, as in a randomized clinical trial of the sort used in medical research. Using math and English test scores, the researchers evaluated student progress in Denver from the 2012-2013 through the 2018-2019 school years, and in New York City from the 2016-2017 through 2018-2019 school years.

Those school-assignment systems, it happens, are mechanisms some of the researchers have helped construct, allowing them to better grasp and measure the effects of school assignment.

“An unexpected dividend of our work designing Denver and New York City’s centralized choice systems is that we see how students are rationed from [distributed among] schools,” says Pathak. “This leads to a research design that can isolate cause and effect.”

Ultimately, the study shows that much of the school-to-school variation in raw aggregate test scores stems from the types of students at any given school. This is a case of what researchers call “selection bias.” In this case, selection bias arises from the fact that more-advantaged families tend to prefer the same sets of schools.

“The fundamental problem here is selection bias,” Angrist says. “In the case of schools, selection bias is very consequential and a big part of American life. A lot of decision-makers, whether they’re families or policymakers, are being misled by a kind of naïve interpretation of the data.”

Indeed, Pathak notes, the preponderance of more simplistic school ratings today (found on many popular websites) not only creates a deceptive picture of how much value schools add for students, but has a self-reinforcing effect — since well-prepared and better-off families bid up housing costs near highly-rated schools. As the scholars write in the paper, “Biased rating schemes direct households to low-minority rather than high-quality schools, while penalizing schools that improve achievement for disadvantaged groups.”

The research team hopes their study will lead districts to examine and improve the way they measure and report on school quality. To that end, Blueprint Labs is working with the New York City Department of Education to pilot a new ratings system later this year. They also plan additional work examining the way families respond to different sorts of information about school quality.

Given that the researchers are proposing to improve ratings in what they believe is a straightforward way, by accounting for student preparation and improvement, they think more officials and districts may be interested in updating their measurement practices.

“We’re hopeful that the simple regression adjustment we propose makes it relatively easy for school districts to use our measure in practice,” Pathak says.

The research received support from the Walton Foundation and the National Science Foundation.

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Essay on Good Student

Students are often asked to write an essay on Good Student in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Good Student

What is a good student.

A good student is not just about getting good grades. It’s more about being disciplined, respectful, and curious. They are eager to learn, ask questions, and seek answers.

Characteristics of a Good Student

A good student always respects teachers and peers. They show up on time, complete assignments, and actively participate in class. They also demonstrate good behavior and manners.

The Role of Curiosity

Curiosity is a key trait. It drives a good student to explore new ideas and topics. This helps them to grow intellectually and gain a deep understanding of the world.

In conclusion, a good student embodies discipline, respect, and curiosity. They strive for knowledge and personal growth.

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250 Words Essay on Good Student

Defining a good student.

A good student isn’t merely an individual who excels academically. The term encompasses a broad spectrum of qualities, including intellectual curiosity, diligence, and ethical conduct. It’s a holistic concept that transcends the boundaries of the classroom.

Intellectual Curiosity

Intellectual curiosity is a distinguishing trait of a good student. This is not limited to the desire to excel in academics but extends to a thirst for knowledge and understanding. They question, explore, and seek answers, constantly expanding their horizons.

Diligence and Responsibility

A good student exhibits diligence and responsibility. They understand the value of time and are disciplined in their approach towards achieving their goals. They take ownership of their learning journey, demonstrating initiative and self-reliance.

Ethical Conduct

Ethical conduct is another critical component of being a good student. This includes honesty, respect for others, and adherence to the rules. They understand that their actions have consequences and strive to make ethical decisions.

Interpersonal Skills

Interpersonal skills are vital for a good student. They foster healthy relationships, work collaboratively, and are respectful of differing opinions. These skills are crucial for their personal and professional development.

In conclusion, a good student is not solely defined by their academic prowess, but also by their character, conduct, and interpersonal skills. They are intellectually curious, diligent, ethical, and socially adept. It’s a holistic blend of these qualities that truly defines a good student.

500 Words Essay on Good Student

Introduction.

A good student is not merely one who achieves high grades, but embodies traits like perseverance, responsibility, and a love of learning. In the dynamic landscape of education, the definition of a good student has evolved from being academically focused to a more holistic approach.

Academic Excellence

Academic excellence is often associated with a good student. This involves consistent dedication to studies, resulting in high grades. It also includes the ability to apply knowledge in real-world contexts, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity. These skills are crucial for future success in a rapidly changing world.

Passion for Learning

A good student is intrinsically motivated and has a passion for learning. They are not just driven by grades, but by the desire to understand and explore new concepts. This intellectual curiosity leads to lifelong learning, a trait highly valued in the modern workforce.

Discipline and Responsibility

Discipline and responsibility are crucial traits of a good student. They are organized, manage their time effectively, and meet deadlines. They take responsibility for their learning, seeking help when needed, and reflecting on their performance for continuous improvement.

Social Skills and Teamwork

In the interconnected world, the ability to work in teams and possess good communication skills is essential. A good student actively participates in group projects, respects diverse viewpoints, and collaborates to achieve common goals. They are also respectful towards their peers, teachers, and the learning environment.

A good student is resilient and does not fear failure. They see challenges as opportunities for growth, learning from their mistakes, and persisting in the face of difficulties. This resilience prepares them for future obstacles and setbacks in their personal and professional lives.

Community Involvement

A good student also contributes to their community. They participate in extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or leadership roles, demonstrating a commitment to making a positive impact. This involvement helps them develop a sense of empathy, global citizenship, and understanding of societal issues.

In conclusion, a good student is much more than academic achievements. They embody a range of qualities, including a passion for learning, discipline, social skills, resilience, and community involvement. These traits not only contribute to their success in education but also prepare them for future challenges and opportunities in life. Therefore, it is essential for educational institutions to foster these qualities, creating an environment that nurtures well-rounded individuals ready to contribute positively to society.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Duties of a Student
• Essay on Cell Phones Distraction for Students
• Essay on An Ideal Student

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

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