influential person essay template

Sample Essays: Influential Person

influential person essay template

Please select from the following sample application essays:

Essay 1: Wellesley | Essay 2: Harvard | Essay 3: Harvard

Note: The following essays were not edited by EssayEdge Editors. They appear as they were initially reviewed by admissions officers.

Sample Essay 1

Wellesley, Influence of mother

It took me eighteen years to realize what an extraordinary influence my mother has been on my life. She's the kind of person who has thoughtful discussions about which artist she would most want to have her portrait painted by (Sargent), the kind of mother who always has time for her four children, and the kind of community leader who has a seat on the board of every major project to assist Washington's impoverished citizens. Growing up with such a strong role model, I developed many of her enthusiasms. I not only came to love the excitement of learning simply for the sake of knowing something new, but I also came to understand the idea of giving back to the community in exchange for a new sense of life, love, and spirit.

My mother's enthusiasm for learning is most apparent in travel. I was nine years old when my family visited Greece. Every night for three weeks before the trip, my older brother Peter and I sat with my mother on her bed reading Greek myths and taking notes on the Greek Gods. Despite the fact that we were traveling with fourteen-month-old twins, we managed to be at each ruin when the site opened at sunrise. I vividly remember standing in an empty ampitheatre pretending to be an ancient tragedian, picking out my favorite sculpture in the Acropolis museum, and inserting our family into modified tales of the battle at Troy. Eight years and half a dozen passport stamps later I have come to value what I have learned on these journeys about global history, politics and culture, as well as my family and myself.

While I treasure the various worlds my mother has opened to me abroad, my life has been equally transformed by what she has shown me just two miles from my house. As a ten year old, I often accompanied my mother to (name deleted), a local soup kitchen and children's center. While she attended meetings, I helped with the Summer Program by chasing children around the building and performing magic tricks. Having finally perfected the "floating paintbrush" trick, I began work as a full time volunteer with the five and six year old children last June. It is here that I met Jane Doe, an exceptionally strong girl with a vigor that is contagious. At the end of the summer, I decided to continue my work at (name deleted) as Jane's tutor. Although the position is often difficult, the personal rewards are beyond articulation. In the seven years since I first walked through the doors of (name deleted), I have learned not only the idea of giving to others, but also of deriving from them a sense of spirit.

Everything that my mother has ever done has been overshadowed by the thought behind it. While the raw experiences I have had at home and abroad have been spectacular, I have learned to truly value them by watching my mother. She has enriched my life with her passion for learning, and changed it with her devotion to humanity. In her endless love of everything and everyone she is touched by, I have seen a hope and life that is truly exceptional. Next year, I will find a new home miles away. However, my mother will always be by my side.

The topic of this essay is the writer's mother. However, the writer definitely focuses on herself, which makes this essay so strong. She manages to impress the reader with her travel experience, volunteer and community experience, and commitment to learning without ever sounding boastful or full of herself. The essay is also very well organized.

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Sample Essay 2

Harvard, Favorite fictional character

Of all the characters that I've "met" through books and movies, two stand out as people that I most want to emulate. They are Attacus Finch from To Kill A Mockingbird and Dr. Archibald "Moonlight" Graham from Field of Dreams. They appeal to me because they embody what I strive to be. They are influential people in small towns who have a direct positive effect on those around them. I, too, plan to live in a small town after graduating from college, and that positive effect is something I must give in order to be satisfied with my life.

Both Mr. Finch and Dr. Graham are strong supporting characters in wonderful stories. They symbolize good, honesty, and wisdom. When the story of my town is written I want to symbolize those things. The base has been formed for me to live a productive, helpful life. As an Eagle Scout I represent those things that Mr. Finch and Dr. Graham represent. In the child/adolescent world I am Mr. Finch and Dr. Graham, but soon I'll be entering the adult world, a world in which I'm not yet prepared to lead.

I'm quite sure that as teenagers Attacus Finch and Moonlight Graham often wondered what they could do to help others. They probably emulated someone who they had seen live a successful life. They saw someone like my grandfather, 40-year president of our hometown bank, enjoy a lifetime of leading, sharing, and giving. I have seen him spend his Christmas Eves taking gifts of food and joy to indigent families. Often when his bank could not justify a loan to someone in need, my grandfather made the loan from his own pocket. He is a real-life Moonlight Graham, a man who has shown me that characters like Dr. Graham and Mr. Finch do much much more than elicit tears and smiles from readers and movie watchers. Through him and others in my family I feel I have acquired the values and the burning desire to benefit others that will form the foundation for a great life. I also feel that that foundation is not enough. I do not yet have the sophistication, knowledge, and wisdom necessary to succeed as I want to in the adult world. I feel that Harvard, above all others, can guide me toward the life of greatness that will make me the Attacus Finch of my town.

This essay is a great example of how to answer this question well. This applicant chose characters who demonstrated specific traits that reflect on his own personality. We believe that he is sincere about his choices because his reasons are personal (being from a small town, and so forth). He managed to tell us a good deal about himself, his values, and his goals while maintaining a strong focus throughout.

Sample Essay 3

Harvard, Family illness: Mother's fight with cancer

I am learning, both through observations and first-hand experiences, that there are many mishaps in life which seem to be unexplainable and unfair, and yet have devastating consequences. Disease fits into this category. Its atrocity does not stem from the fact that it is a rare or uncommon occurrence, since illness and disease pervade our lives as we hear numerous stories of sick people and come into contact with them each day. However, there is a marked difference between reading in the newspaper that a famous rock star or sports icon has tested H.I.V. positive and discovering that your own mother has been diagnosed with cancer.

Undoubtedly, the most influential people in my life have been my mother and father. It is to them that I credit many of my accomplishments and successes--both inside and outside of school. Throughout my childhood, my parents have always fostered and encouraged me in all my endeavors. At all my sporting events, spelling bees, concerts, and countless other activities, they have always been front row and center. My parents, in conjunction with twelve years of Catholic training, have also instilled in me a sound belief in a loving, caring God, which I have come to firmly believe. It therefore should not come as a surprise that the news of my mothers sickness would greatly alter my entire outlook on life. Where was my God?

My mother, in fact, had been aware of her condition in the spring of my junior year in high school. She deliberately did not inform my sister or me of her illness because she did not want to distract us from our studies. Instead, my mother waited for the completion of her radiation therapy treatments. At this time, she brought me into her room, sat me down on the same wooden rocking chair from which she used to read me bedtime stories, and began to relate her story. I did not weep, I did not flinch. In fact, I hardly even moved, but from that point onward, I vowed that I would do anything and everything to please my mother and make her proud of me.

Every subsequent award won and every honor bestowed upon me has been inspired by the recollection of my mother's plight. I look to her as a driving force of motivation. In her I see the firm, enduring qualities of courage, strength, hope, and especially love. Whenever I feel discouraged or dispirited, I remember the example set by my mother and soon become reinvigorated. Instead of groveling in my sorrow, I think of all the pain and suffering that my mother had to endure and am revived with new energy after realizing the triviality of my own predicament. For instance, last year, when I was playing in a championship soccer game, my leg became entangled with a forwards leg on the other team, and I wound up tearing my medial cruciate ligament. I was very upset for having injured myself in such a seemingly inane manner. Completely absorbed in my own anguish, I would not talk to anyone and instead lamented on the sidelines. But then I remembered something that my mother used to say to me whenever something like this happened: If this is the worst thing that ever happens to you, I'll be very happy, and you'll be very lucky. Instantly, many thoughts race through my mind. I pictured my mother as a young thirteen-year-old walking to the hospital every day after school to visit her sick father. She had always told me how extremely painful it had been to watch his body become emaciated as the cancer advanced day by day and finally took its toll. I then pictured my mother in the hospital, thirty years later, undergoing all the physically and mentally debilitating tests, and having to worry about her husband and her children at the same time. I suddenly felt incredibly ashamed at how immature I had been acting over my own affliction. I gathered my thoughts and instead of sulking or complaining, helped coach my team to victory.

I am very happy to say that my mother is now feeling much better and her periodic checkups and C.A.T. scans have indicated that she is doing very well. Nevertheless, her strength and courage will remain a constant source of inspiration to me. I feel confident to greet the future with a resolute sense of hope and optimism.

The majority of the suggestions for this essay highlight the danger inherent in relying on an overly poignant topic, in this case the writer's mother's bout with cancer. Part of why the reactions to this piece are so passionate (and why there are so many of them) is because had the applicant just taken a slightly different approach, he could have had a powerful and touching composition on his hands. It is always frustrating when a piece with so much potential misses the mark. In this case, the material and emotion are all there. Had he spent more time and written with more sincerity, this essay might have been a real winner.

I wish this kid had started the essay with his mom sitting him down in the rocking chair. That would have been a powerful beginning. In general, using the introduction of the essay to paint a scene or mood can be very effective.

He should begin with the most simple and striking sentence possible, such as "On January 5, 1995, my mother learned that she had cancer." Use real times and exact places. Let the most dramatic point go where it belongs, at the end of the sentence--also known as the stress point.

Because this topic is so personal, I yearn to know more about the student's reaction to his mom's cancer, how he and his family dealt with it over time. As written, things just seem a bit too tidy.

The author describes a valuable life lesson, but I find the writing style to be artificial and a bit maudlin. I imagine he resorted to the thesaurus more than once.

The writer tells us a sad story about his mother with cancer and how he has strived to do his best because of what his mother has been through. The topic can be a tear jerker, but this essay lacked the depth and richness that other essays with similar topics possess.

The experience obviously impacted the student very much. But what students do not realize is that they do not have to share such personal issues within the confines of a college essay.

I don't believe the "epiphany" in the conclusion as it's described. It's too easy and convenient to be believable. He begins his description with "For instance," which negates almost everything that follows. When he sees his mother in his mind, he "instantly" thinks this and "suddenly" does that, and finally "helped coach his team to victory." He "coached" the team. "Cheered" maybe. "Coached?" No way.

This essay smells of contrivance. Yes, his mother's bout with cancer affected him. Just not in the way he wants me to believe. This is the "lasting sanctifying effect" essay. Look at what the writer is actually saying (using his own words): I used to be "absorbed in my own anguish" and "lament" my bouts with adversity. But, "instantly" or "suddenly" (take your pick), I became a young man "confident to greet the future with a resolute sense of hope and optimism." Why not say, "I used to be a thoughtless, immature teenager. My mother got cancer. I'm now a thoughtful, mature adult. You should admit me to _____." His essay is no less subtle.

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How to Write a Descriptive Essay on an Influential Person in Your Life

How to Write a Speech About Someone I Admire

How to Write a Speech About Someone I Admire

A descriptive essay on an influential person can be about someone who has had a positive or negative impact on your life. This person can be a teacher, a coach, a family member, a friend, an employer, a political figure, a historical figure or even a fictional character. The key element of writing this type of essay is to reflect on how and why the person has influenced you.

Focus Your Essay

As in any essay, when writing about an influential person in your life you should include a thesis statement. In this case, the thesis statement declares how or why this person has influenced you life. For example, if writing about your soccer coach, you may write, "Through his advice and the example of his character, my soccer coach has inspired me to never be lazy, to get back up after a fall, and to be a confident leader." The thesis statement gives you, the writer, a focus and direction so that you are not only describing a person, but exploring the causes and effects of that person's impact on you.

Start With an Anecdote

Instead of starting the essay with an explicit physical or personal description of the person, you can more meaningfully reveal who the individual is by sharing a personal story. For example, if you are writing about your sibling, you can begin the essay with a specific memory of a moment or experience you shared in which your relationship or your sibling's strengths and weaknesses are revealed through actions. This is an engaging way to entertain the reader while imparting valuable information about the person you are describing.

Describe the Person

At some point in the descriptive essay, you need to describe the influential person. This description -- which can include physical attributes, biographical information and personality traits -- should be related with concrete language. The description should paint a vivid picture of all that matters about the person. The writer needs to be judicious in which descriptive material she selects for inclusion in the essay; the information should be determined by the overall point being made in the essay. For example, if your thesis statement is about how Abraham Lincoln is your hero because of all his accomplishments relative to the social and political conditions of the time, descriptions of his favorite hobbies or hair color may not be pertinent. The description serves to give a deeper and more vivid portrait of the influential person, but should ultimately serve the higher cause of the thesis statement and the effect of the person on the writer.

Describe Your Relationship

When writing about an influential person, you have to talk not just about the person, but also about the reason the person has made an impact on your life; this means you have to talk about yourself, what specific things you have learned from this person, and how those lessons affect you today. An important strategy for successfully describing the relationship between the person and the writer is to give specific examples. For example, don't just say, "my grandmother is generous"; give specific examples of her generosity: "she always makes sure everyone is fed before eating," or "she sold her jewelry to help pay for a car so that I could drive to work." These specific examples are more powerful and evoke more empathy than general descriptive words such as "kind" or "generous."

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Essay Tip #2-The "Influential Person" Essay

Mark montgomery.

  • August 4, 2011

how to write the perfect college essay

Many college applications, including  The Common Application  , ask an essay question about “the most influential person in your life”. Why, or how, that person influenced you. A key tip to answering this essay is to remember that it is not necessarily about whom you choose to write about but how you write the essay and connect it back to yourself.

One of the most common responses that students give when writing on this essay topic was that it was either a parent or a grandparent who influenced them. For some, it may be a teacher, a coach, a friend, a child, a counselor, or numerous other options.

When writing this essay think about spending less time writing about whom that person was. But actually how they influenced you. Remember that the admission counselor reading your application wants to learn about you,  not necessarily the person who influenced you.

influential person essay template

For example, if you choose to write about your grandfather consider the following. Many students write that their grandfather influenced their life. Because they were kind, generous, overcame adversity, taught them new things, were hard workers, etc.

Some students spend the entire essay spouting all of the wonderful attributes about their grandfather. But forget that the essay is supposed to show the admission committee who they (the student) are. You don’t want the admission committee to want to admit your grandfather at the end of reading your essay- you want them to want to admit you!

This is not to say don’t write about your grandfather (or grandmother, mother, father, or person of your choice). It is simply to say, think about writing the essay in a way that connects the individual you choose to write about back to you. What makes you a person that the college would want to have as part of their community?

Can you elaborate on specific examples from your relationship with that influential person that impacted your way of thinking? Or, can you discuss certain actions you took as a result of lessons learned from that individual? Perhaps, you can even consider relating what you learned from that influential person to something that you hope to do, or accomplish, in college or in the future.

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Influential Person - List of Essay Samples And Topic Ideas

An essay on an influential person can profile someone who has made a significant impact on society, whether in politics, science, the arts, or other fields. It can delve into their life story, achievements, and the lasting legacy they have left behind, highlighting the qualities and actions that made them influential figures. We’ve gathered an extensive assortment of free essay samples on the topic of Influential Person you can find in Papersowl database. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

Who is the most Influential Person in my Life

The most influential person in my life would have to be my husband. He has always been there since day one and always will be. He has inspired me to do my best and work my hardest in all I do, and whether I succeed or not, he has always been there to give me a big hug and tell me 'I love you'. He is my role model and I will love him tell death do us part! You […]

Marco Polo was a very Influential Person

"Marco Polo was a very influential person who amazed the world, during his twenty-four year journey, that took place during 1271-1295. His expertise in the trade community caused a rise of respect, and trade in goods as they had never seen before, like gold, jewels, Chinese silk and fireworks. Through trial and toil, he traveled, made friends, learned new languages, and did much more, including serving Kublai Khan. He was not the first man to travel to China, he was […]

Michelangelo as the most Influential Artist

The world of art changed during the 1500s when Michelangelo was alive. The intricate designs of human beauty and accomplishment replaced the popular medieval, gothic styles. He showed the true potential of art and the full creativity of the human brain when let free. He left a massive legacy and created a ton of art work that will keep his name known for all time. Michelangelo was the only one said to equal Leonardo Da Vinci, he brought his own […]

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Martin Sheen: an Influential Person Beyond the Shadow of Fame

In the realm of Hollywood, where the glitz and glamour often eclipse the personal lives of celebrities, the story of Martin Sheen, father of the famous Charlie Sheen, emerges as a narrative rich with its own merits and achievements. Martin Sheen, born Ramón Antonio Gerardo Estévez, is not just the patriarch of a high-profile acting family, but an accomplished actor and activist in his own right, whose career spans several decades and encompasses a multitude of impactful roles. Born on […]

Father as Influential Person

So much is given. Much is required. Generational curses today — have been disturbed. Because as a young woman, I once walked without my father. As a young woman, I once walked in the streets of Houston Texas with lonely thoughts. But today, the young woman who walked that quiet out there is still standing up, except she is stronger than ever before. A sense of humbleness, compassion, and selflessness overcame me as I grew to understand that my father […]

Julius Caesar Personality Biography

As a person who was cherished but also resented by many, Julius Caesar left a valuable impression on those during his lifetime, and even to this day. Although Caesar was a skillful leader who helped extend the Roman Republic, in reality, he was a greedy, immoral man who used the factors of manipulation in order to bring himself to success. Born on July 12, 100 BC, Julius Caesar’s birth was said to have “marked the start of a new era” […]

10 Essential Skills Needed to be a Charming Person 

Being drawn to people is an art. Getting closer with people of the right attitude is even better. There is no better relationship than one with a polite, agreeable, trustworthy, and kind individual. Simply say, a charming person. These are the kind of persons that you would really want to build a personal and working relationship with. So, have you wondered why some people are more charming than the others? Let’s discover them together. First, I will list them out, […]

Bob Marley as the most Influential Artists

Bob Marley was one of the most influential artists that I learned about this semester so far. Along with his influence, he was extremely talented. Bob Marley spread his message of positivity and love throughout his music. He was anti-war and anti-violence. Many, if not all, of his songs express those ideas. Bob Marley's success came from the unlikeliest of situations. He pushed past his hardships and circumstances and formed a career that would change the world. Robert Nesta Marley […]

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel Biography

To the average person, Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel is more of a concept than a person. She, or rather, her ?brand?, is best known for the “effortless” and minimal chic associated with the bourgeois lifestyle and demographic it caters to. As Karl Lagerfeld appropriately testifies to Chanel’s legacy as a fashion titan, “[she] had time to tell the world that she had invented it all, that she was the modern woman... All the other designers, some of them as influential as […]

Influential Women – Ellen DeGeneres

I believe that Ellen Lee DeGeneres deserves more credit and ovation for what she has done in her life by inspiring men and women all the world. She was born in Metairie, Louisiana, a suburb of New Orleans. Growing up she wanted to become a veterinarian but said she wasn't “book smart”. Ellen grew up a funny girl, she started doing stand-up comedy at a young age. In a article I read, the author stated “At the age of 23, […]

A Special Person in my Life: a Guiding Light

The Special Person in My Life "The influence of a mother in the lives of her children is beyond calculation." -James E. Faust. I believe that this quote couldn't be more true because my mom taught me everything I know about how to be a better person. My mom is important to me because she raised and took care of me my whole life with patience and kindness, always tolerating me when I was being rude or hard-headed. She taught […]

Why are Celebrities Bad Role Models: Impact on Children and Teens

Introduction How is social media affecting the way children view celebrities' lifestyles? Children and teens spend most of their time on social media, which can be very reasonable on why they act out. Kids spend more time on social media than with their own family, Parents need to encourage children to spend less time on cell phones and more time focusing on school work. The stars of social media are just as likely to be a role model as traditional […]

The most Influential and Controversial Sociologists

Karl Marx is considered to be one of the most influential and controversial sociologists of all time. Marx was born in Prussia in the year 1818 to Jewish parents. His father was a successful lawyer, devoted to the struggle for a Prussian constitution. Both his Jewish heritage and father’s occupation contributed to Marx’s standpoint. His Jewish background exposed him to prejudice and discrimination that may have led to a longing for social change. He first studied law like his father, […]

The Formative World of Alexis Stewart: Influences on an Influential Person

The early life and background of Alexis Stewart, daughter of the lifestyle mogul Martha Stewart, offers a fascinating glimpse into the shaping influences behind a public figure known both for her sharp wit and private nature. Born in 1965, Alexis grew up under the shadow and tutelage of a mother who would become a household name for her domestic prowess. This essay delves into the notable events and experiences from Alexis Stewart's childhood and upbringing, exploring how they molded her […]

Calculating Time: Reflecting on Adam Levine’s Age and Influence

In the ever-evolving world of music and celebrity, few figures have remained as consistently in the spotlight as Adam Levine. Born on March 18, 1979, Levine has not only carved out a significant niche for himself in the music industry but also in the broader landscape of pop culture. As we sit in the current year of 2024, Adam Levine has reached the age of 45, a milestone that prompts a reflection on his career, influence, and the passage of […]

The Timeless Impact of an Influential Person: Oprah Winfrey

In discussing the age of Oprah Winfrey, one doesn't merely recount the years since her birth but reflects on the timeless impact she has made on media, philanthropy, and public discourse. Born on January 29, 1954, in Kosciusko, Mississippi, Oprah Gail Winfrey has traversed decades, evolving from a local television anchor to a global media mogul and philanthropist, whose influence transcends the conventional boundaries of age. Oprah's journey through the years mirrors a tapestry of resilience, innovation, and empathy. Her […]

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Tips for the College Interview Question "Who Has Most Influenced You?"

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Interview questions about influential people can come in many variations: Who is your hero? Who deserves the most credit for your success? Who is your role model? In short, the question is asking you to discuss someone you admire.

Interview Tips: Who Has Most Influenced you?

  • You don't have to be creative with this question. Just be honest and thoughtful. Family members, teachers, and friends are all fine answers.
  • Be careful with polarizing political figures since it can a challenge for your interviewer to be entirely unbiased.
  • Don't try to impress your interviewer with historical figures like Abraham Lincoln or Mother Theresa.
  • Focus on a human, not a pet.

Good Interview Answers About an Influential Person

So, who should you name as a hero or influential person? Speak from the heart here. There is no right answer other than a sincere answer. Also, realize that unlike a "hero," an influential person isn't always a positive example. You may have grown and changed as a result of someone whose mistakes or inappropriate behavior taught you what  not  to do with your life. Answers to the question can draw from lots of different options:

  • A Family Member— For most of us, parents and siblings have a huge impact on our lives. Answering with a family member is fairly predictable but also perfectly appropriate. Just make sure you can articulate the specific ways in which the family member influenced you.
  • A Teacher— Is there a particular teacher who got you excited about learning, a subject area, or continuing your education? Since you're interviewing in an effort to continue your education, focusing on an educator can be an excellent choice.
  • A Friend— For good or bad, your close friends have a huge influence on your decisions and behavior. Do you have a close friend who has helped you succeed in high school? Or, depending on how the question is worded, do you have a friend who influenced you in a negative way?
  • A Coach— Coaches often teach us leadership, responsibility and teamwork. As long as your response doesn't reveal that you value athletics more than academics, a coach can be a great choice. Try to articulate how your coach has helped you succeed in areas other than sports.
  • A Community Member— Do you have a mentor in the church or some other community organization? Community members often teach us to think outside of the narrow sphere of our families.

Bad Interview Answers

This question about an influential person, like many common interview questions , is not difficult, but you do want to think about it for a few minutes before your interview. A few answers can fall flat, so think twice before giving responses such as these:

  • Myself— In truth, you probably are the person who is most responsible for your success. You may, in fact, be self-reliant with no real heroes. However, if you answer this question with yourself you will sound self-absorbed and selfish. Colleges want to admit students who help each other out and work as a community. They don't want solitary egotists.
  • Gandhi or Abe Lincoln— If you have great respect for an admirable historical figure, that's wonderful. Such answers, however, can come across sounding like you're trying to make a good impression, not like you're answering the question sincerely. In your day-to-day life of classes, extracurricular activities , tests, and relationships, is Abe Lincoln really influencing your behavior? If he is, fine. If not, rethink your answer and work to speak from the heart.
  • Donald Trump or Barack Obama— Here, as with the example above, is the president (or Senator, Governor, etc.) really influencing and guiding you in your day-to-day life? This question has an added danger. Your interviewer will do his or her best to be unbiased, but interviewers are human. If you name a Democrat and your interviewer is a staunch Republican, your response could create a subconscious strike against you in the interviewer's mind. Both Trump and Obama can be polarizing figures, so be aware of the inherent risks before choosing a prominent political figure for your response.
  • God— At a college with a religious affiliation, God could be a fine answer. At many colleges, however, the answer is a crap shoot. The admissions officer may admire your faith. Some interviewers, however, will be skeptical of students who attribute their successes to prayer and divine guidance rather than commitment and hard work. That said, you certainly don't need to shy away from your faith in your interview, and a priest or rabbi can be an excellent choice for this interview question.
  • My Dog— Fido may be a great pet who has taught you responsibility and unconditional love, but keep your answer in the world of humans. Colleges are made up of humans.

A Final Word

Whatever your answer, bring the influential person to life for your interviewer. Avoid vague generalities. As with an admissions essay on an influential person , you'll want to provide colorful, entertaining, and specific examples of how the person has influenced you. Also, keep in mind that a strong answer provides a window into your life and personality, not just the admirable qualities of the influential person. The ultimate goal of the interviewer is to get to know you better, not the person you admire.

Finally, make sure you dress appropriately and avoid common interview mistakes . College interviews are generally congenial exchanges of information, so try to relax and have a good time chatting with the college representative.

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Home / Essay Samples / Life / Hero / Influential Person

Influential Person Essay Examples

Primary source analysis of riel’s defence: perspective on his speeches.

This is the primary source analysis example of Riel’s Defence: Perspective on his speeches. Basically, focusing on few questions and answering them according to my best knowledge. According to the first question the source of this collection of essays is all about two speeches which...

Charles Darwin: His Influence and Achievements

Psychology has been changing and evolving with all the new research and findings. There are many people that have contributed in the field of psychology. There are many big names, we are going to talk about Charles Darwin in this specific case. Charles Darwin, an...

J.k. Rowling: Analysing Her Biography as a Role Model and Writer

J.K. Rowling she is an amazing book writer and a Role Model. In the next few paragrahs I will write about JK Rowling as a writer and influencer, this informational essay will be started with her biography and then we will explore what significant influence...

Explanation of Why Jose Rizal is Our National Hero

National heroes are an honorable image for a nation. These are the persons who have a massive contribution to a country as they have noble qualities, moral perspective, and have a plan to transform what is needed to change. In our country, the Philippines, Rizal...

The Critical Analysis of Barbara Ehrenreich's Works

Why do people battle in wars? In the Ecstasy of war, the author Barbara Ehrenreich states that different wars have led to different theories of why men fight them. As stated in the essay Barbara Ehrenreich believes that a war is a risky method of...

Queen of Soul: the Life and Legacy of Aretha Franklin

Known to many as a mother, singer, pianist and inspiration, Aretha Franklin was a leading force in the media industry throughout the mid- late 20th century. With a background in gospel, she used her influence as a secular artist to bring the two genres together...

The Relevance of History in Business: Understanding Its Importance

This is why is history important essay in which there will be an attempt to give an answer to questions. What is history? History, (from Greek ἱστορία, historia, meaning 'inquiry, knowledge acquired by investigation') is the study of the past, particularly how it relates to...

Magellan's Arrival in the Philippines: Spreading Christianity

Ferdinand Magellan introduce the Christianity in the Philippines and the most reliable and important primary sources of this is Antonio Pigafetta's travelogue. In Christianity in the Philippines Essay this situation will be discussed.  Pigafetta was a Venetian scholar and explorer who accompanied Ferdinand Magellan's expedition....

Mother - the Most Influential Person in My Life

Throughout my existence, I have come across the experiences of being a leader. I can play the role of the follower and follow the rules and instructions given to me as well as leading people towards a particular goal. I have encountered characteristics by being...

Influential Person in Your Life: Ariana Grande's Power of Resilience

Resilience. What is resilience? Resilience is having the emotional strength, mental fortitude and resourcefulness to press on in the face of challenges. One person that has exhibited much resilience to me is Ariana Grande. So in the essay about influential person in your life I...

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