how do you see yourself essay

Visualizing My Future: A Reflection on Where I See Myself in Five Years

Investing the time to visualize our future can be a powerful tool to bring us closer to achieving our aspirations. Taking stock of where we are now, and where we want to be in five years, allows us to create a tangible plan with achievable goals and milestones. This self-reflection practice can help identify any potential roadblocks or detours that might be encountered along the way, so that these issues can be addressed before they become hindrances.

According to this, writing an essay on how do you see yourself after college is an essential exercise for college students. It allows you to reflect on your goals, identify the skills and knowledge you need to acquire, develop critical thinking and writing skills, and demonstrate your ambition to potential employers or graduate schools.

By the way, in case you are facing challenges in composing an essay about where do you see yourself in 5 years essay, a professional custom essay writing service can provide you with the assistance you require.

What Do I Envision for Myself Five Years From Now

As I sit down to write this essay, I am filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation. The topic at hand is “Where do I see myself in 5 years?” It’s a question that has been asked of me numerous times, and one that I have often pondered over myself. After careful consideration and introspection, I have come to a few conclusions about where I see myself in the next five years.

In five years, I see myself as a successful professional in my field. I have always been driven to achieve my goals and have worked tirelessly towards that end. Over the next few years, I plan to continue working hard and expanding my knowledge and skills. I believe that with dedication and hard work, I will be able to climb the ladder of success in my chosen field.

Balancing Personal Interests with Professional Goals

In addition to my professional goals, I also see myself as a more well-rounded individual. I plan to continue pursuing my interests outside of college, including traveling, photography, and volunteering. I believe that these activities will not only bring me personal fulfillment but also help me to develop valuable skills that will benefit me in my professional life.

Finding a balance between personal interests and professional goals can be challenging, but it is essential for achieving long-term success and personal fulfillment. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in work and neglect our personal lives, but doing so can lead to burnout and dissatisfaction.

For example, travelling can help us develop a global perspective and improve our communication and adaptability skills. Photography can enhance our attention to detail, creativity, and visual storytelling abilities, which can be beneficial in various professional fields. Volunteering can improve our teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills, which are highly valued by employers.

Prioritizing Personal Relationships

Investing in personal relationships is often overlooked in the pursuit of professional success, but it is just as essential for achieving overall success and personal fulfillment. Building and maintaining strong relationships with family, friends, and colleagues can bring a sense of fulfillment, happiness, and emotional support, which are essential for personal well-being.

Moreover, personal relationships can also have a significant impact on our professional lives. Strong connections with colleagues can foster a positive work environment, increase job satisfaction, and improve teamwork and collaboration. Good relationships with clients and customers can also lead to increased loyalty, repeat business, and referrals.

Embracing Change and Growth

As we travel through life, our aspirations and goals may shift, alter or even transform drastically. It is essential to stay open to new possibilities and adventures as well as being prepared to adjust and develop as we navigate life’s path. In the next five years, I aim to have a clearer idea of my ambitions for the future while also staying alert to changes and growth in myself.

I believe that personal development and ongoing education are pivotal for achieving long-term success and gratification. I intend to dedicate time and energy into my individual and skilled progress, whether it be via taking classes, participating in workshops, or engaging in introspection. By continuously learning and developing, I can master new methods, extend my outlooks as well as enhance my ability to solve issues and make decisions.

So, where do I see myself in five years? I see myself as a successful professional, a well-rounded individual, and a person with strong personal relationships. I also see myself as someone who is open to new experiences and who is committed to continued growth and self-improvement. While the future is uncertain, I am excited to see where my journey takes me over the next five years and beyond.

Tips on Writing an Opinion Essay on “Where I See Myself in Five Years”

Even if students have a clear idea of their dream board five years after college graduation, they may struggle to express these ideas compellingly and coherently. Writing about oneself can be challenging, especially when it comes to discussing personal goals and aspirations. Practicing writing opinion essay and articulating your ideas can help you feel more confident and comfortable discussing your future aspirations. Do not forget about the following tips:

Be realistic

While it’s essential to aim high and have ambitious goals, it’s also important to be realistic about what you can achieve in five years. Consider your current experience, qualifications, and opportunities when setting your goals. Make sure that your goals are achievable and realistic, given your current circumstances.

Explain your reasoning

In a 5 years from now I see myself essay, explaining why you have chosen certain goals for yourself is important. What motivates you? What experiences have led you to these goals? Providing context and rationale for your goals can help the reader understand your perspective and reasoning.

Consider challenges

Anticipate challenges that you may face in achieving your goals and explain how you plan to overcome them. This shows that you have thought through the potential obstacles and are prepared to tackle them.

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Metaperceptions: How Do You See Yourself?

To navigate the social universe, you need to know what others think of you—although the clearest view depends on how you see yourself..

By Carlin Flora published May 1, 2005 - last reviewed on June 9, 2016

Konstantin Sutyagin/Shutterstock

I gave a toast at my best friend's wedding last summer, a speech I carefully crafted and practiced delivering. And it went well: The bride and groom beamed; the guests paid attention and reacted in the right spots; a waiter gave me a thumbs-up. I was relieved and pleased with myself. Until months later—when I saw the cold, hard video documentation of the event. As I watched myself getting ready to make the toast, a funny thing happened. I got butterflies in my stomach all over again. I was nervous for myself, even though I knew the outcome would be just fine. Except maybe the jitters were warranted. The triumph of that speech in my mind's eye morphed into the duller reality unfolding on the TV screen. My body language was awkward. My voice was grating. My facial expressions, odd. My timing, not quite right. Is this how people saw me? It's a terrifying thought: What if I possess a glaring flaw that everyone notices but me? Or, fears aside, what if there are a few curious chasms between how I view myself and how others view me? What if I think I'm efficient but I'm seen as disorganized? Critical, but perceived as accepting?

While many profess not to care what others think, we are, in the end, creatures who want and need to fit into a social universe. Humans are psychologically suited to interdependence. Social anxiety is really just an innate response to the threat of exclusion; feeling that we're not accepted by a group leaves us agitated and depressed .

The ability to intuit how people see us is what enables us to authentically connect to others and to reap the deep satisfaction that comes with those ties. We can never be a fly on the wall to our own personality dissections, watching as people pick us apart after meeting us. Hence we are left to rely on the accuracy of what psychologists call our "metaperceptions"—the ideas we have about others' ideas about us.

The bottom line: It comes down to what you think about yourself

Your ideas about what others think of you hinge on your self-concept —your own beliefs about who you are. "You filter the cues that you get from others through your self-concept," explains Mark Leary, professor of psychology at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Our self-concept is fundamentally shaped by one person in particular: Mama. How our mother (or primary caregiver ) responded to our first cries and gestures heavily influences how we expect to be seen by others. "Children behave in ways that perpetuate what they have experienced," says Martha Farrell Erickson, senior fellow with the Children, Youth and Family Consortium at the University of Minnesota. "A child who had an unresponsive mother will act obnoxious or withdrawn so that people will want to keep their distance. Those with consistently responsive mothers are confident and connect well with their peers."

As an infant scans his mother's face he absorbs clues to who he is; as adults we continue to search for our reflections in others' eyes. While the parent-child bond is not necessarily destiny, it does take quite a bit to alter self-concepts forged in childhood , whether good or bad. People rely on others' impressions to nurture their views about themselves, says William Swann, professor of psychology at the University of Texas, Austin. His research shows that people with negative self-concepts goad others to evaluate them harshly, especially if they suspect the person likes them—they would rather be right than be admired.

The top line: You probably do know what people think of you

But it's likely you don't know any one person's assessment. "We have a fairly stable view of ourselves," says Bella DePaulo, visiting professor of psychology at the University of California at Santa Barbara. "We expect other people to see that same view immediately." And they do. On average there is consensus about how you come off. But you can't apply that knowledge to any one individual, for a variety of reasons.

For starters, each person has an idiosyncratic way of sizing up others that (like metaperceptions themselves) is governed by her own self-concept. A person you meet will assess you through her unique lens, which lends consistency to her views on others. Some people, for example, are "likers" who perceive nearly everyone as good-natured and smart.

Furthermore, if a particular person doesn't care for you, it won't always be apparent. "People are generally not direct in everyday interactions," says DePaulo. Classic work by psychologist Paul Ekman has shown that most people can't tell when others are faking expressions. Who knows how many interactions you've walked away from thinking you were a hit while your new friend was actually faking agreeability?

And there's just a whole lot going on when you meet someone. You're talking, listening and planning what you're going to say next, as well as adjusting your nonverbal behavior and unconsciously responding to the other person's. DePaulo calls it "cognitive busyness."

Because of all we have to contend with, she says, we are unable to effectively interpret someone else's reactions. "We take things at face value and don't really have the means to infer others' judgments." Until afterward, of course, when you mull over the interaction, mining your memory for clues.

Context is key

While our personalities (and self-concepts) are fairly consistent across time and place, some situations, by their very structure, can change or even altogether wipe out your personality. You might feel like the same old you wherever you are, but the setting and role you happen to be playing affect what people think of you. Suppose you describe yourself as lighthearted and talkative. Well, no one could possibly agree if they meet you at your brother's funeral.

What type of person can handle feedback…

Are you open to experience? Are you, say, perennially taking up new musical instruments or scouting out-of-the-way neighborhoods? If so, your curiosity will drive you to learn new things about the world and yourself. You'll be inclined to ask people how you're doing as you embark on new challenges, and you will gather a clearer idea of how you come off to others, says David Funder, professor of psychology at the University of California at Riverside.

People endowed with the trait of physical awareness have a keen sense of how they present themselves. If you are concerned with the observable parts of personality—voice, posture, clothes and walk—as an actor would be, says Funder, "you will control the impression you give, and your self-perception will be more accurate." If, for example, you slouch but don't know it, your droopy posture registers in the minds of those you meet and enters into how they see you—unbeknownst to you.

If you are someone who craves approval, you will tend to think you make a positive impression on other people. And generally, you will, says DePaulo.

People who have learned to regulate their emotions are in a much better position to know what others think of them, says Carroll Izard, professor of psychology at the University of Delaware: "They are able to detect emotions on others' faces and to feel empathy." If you are either overwhelmed with feelings or unable to express them at all, it becomes difficult to interpret someone else's response to you. Learning to give concrete expression to your feelings and to calm yourself in highly charged moments will give you a much better grip on your own and others' internal states.

Those with personalities that feed the accuracy of their metaperceptions are handsomely rewarded. "The more accurate you are about how others perceive you, the better you fare socially," says Leary. "Think of a person who thinks he's really funny but isn't. He interprets polite laughter as genuine laughter, but everyone is on to him and annoyed by him."

…And what kind of person rejects feedback

There are people who behave in ways that prevent them from getting direct feedback from others, which renders them less able to know how they come off. Maybe you're a boss who is prickly and hostile in the face of criticism. Or a student who bursts into tears over a bad evaluation. Either way, coworkers and teachers will start leaving you in the dark to fumble over your own missteps.

Such demeanor may even encourage others to lie to you, says DePaulo. You may project a fragility that makes others afraid they will break you by offering honest criticism.

Narcissism also blocks metaperception . Instead of wincing, as "normal" subjects do, when forced to see themselves onscreen, narcissists become even more self-biased, finds Oliver John, professor of psychology at the University of California at Berkeley. When he and his team videotaped people diagnosed as pathological narcissists, a group absorbed with themselves, their subjects loved watching the footage and uniformly thought they came off beautifully! The finding underscores how fiercely we defend our self-concepts, even if they reflect psychological instability. — Carlin Flora

How to Solicit a Character Critique (Yours!)

Muster your courage and set up an "exit interview" if you're left wondering why a relationship went south. In a spirit of fact-finding—that is, without hostility—contact your ex and ask for an honest and kind discussion of how things went awry. You're not looking to get your ex back (or get back at your ex) but to gather information to prevent lightning from striking twice. Ask questions ("What could I have done better?") and listen. Be sure you don't use the conversation to justify your old behavior.

Shyness: a double whammy

If you are socially anxious (otherwise known as shy), you likely fret that you don't come off well. Unfortunately, you're probably right. Shy people convey unflattering impressions of themselves, says DePaulo. But not for the reasons they think. People don't see them as lacking in smarts, wit or attractiveness but as haughty and detached. When you're anxious, you fail to ask others about themselves or put them at ease in any way, which can be seen as rude and self-centered.

In a way, many shy people are self-centered, points out Bernie Carducci, psychologist at Indiana University Southeast and author of Shyness: A Bold New Approach . They imagine that everyone is watching and evaluating their every move. They think they are the center of any social interaction, and because they can't stand that, they shut down (unlike an exhibitionist, who would relish it). Socially anxious people are so busy tracking what others think that they can't act spontaneously. Still, many people find them endearing, precisely because they don't hog attention.

The powerful and the beautiful

Neither group gets accurate feedback. "People are too dazzled or intimidated to react honestly to them," says Funder. Michael Levine, the head of a Hollywood public relations agency, has run up against many such people, who end up with a deluded sense of self thanks to a coterie of sycophants. If you are among the bold and the beautiful, he says, you must invite feedback by playing on the fact that people want desperately to be liked by you. "You must let them know that your approval is conditional upon their honesty with you."

Don't worry—you're not see-through

The traits others judge us on fall roughly into two categories—visible and invisible. Funder has found that others notice our visible traits more than we ourselves do (the eye, after all, can't see its own lashes, as the Chinese proverb goes). You would rate yourself higher on the characteristic of "daydreams" than others would—simply because they cannot easily discern whether or not you're a daydreamer. They'll tend to assume you're not.

The good news, however, is that on a scale of physical attractiveness, others always rate you about one point higher than you rate yourself. This applies to "charm," too—another characteristic you can't easily convey to yourself, one that others naturally have a better window onto. "Imagine trying to be charming while alone on a desert island," Funder observes.

One common concern is that internal states are evident for all to see. In a study where subjects did some public speaking and then rated their own performances, the anxious ones in the group gave themselves a low rating, thinking that their inner churning was apparent to all. But audiences reported that they did just fine.

"Invisible" traits aren't entirely invisible—at least not to close friends. But an anxious friend would still rate herself higher on worry than we would.

The invisible/visible trait divide helps explain why people agree more on your positive attributes than your negative ones, says Eric Turkheimer, professor of psychology at the University of Virginia. "First of all, people are less honest about their own negative traits," he says, "and many of these are 'stealth' traits. You'd have to know someone really well to have any thoughts on whether or not he 'feels empty inside,' for example."

Self-awareness: a blessing and a curse

There is one sure way to see yourself from others' perspective—on videotape (as I did post-toast). But remember, the image is still filtered through your self-concept—it's still you watching you. Paul Silvia, assistant professor of psychology at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, points to an experiment in which psychologically healthy adults watched tapes of themselves giving group presentations. They described it as quite sobering. They cued into their faults and judged themselves much more harshly than they would have had they relied on their own impressions of the experience. You evaluate yourself much more critically when you are self-aware, because you are focused on your failure to meet internal standards.

If I watch myself on tape, I'm not only viewing with my self-concept in mind, I'm comparing "me" to my "possible selves," the "me's" I wish to become. Here is where an unbridgeable gap opens up between people: I will never have a sense of anyone else's possible selves, nor they mine.

So, should we just rely on our memories of events, protective of self-esteem as they are, and eschew concrete documentation of ourselves? Not necessarily, says Silvia. But the dilemma reveals how self-awareness is a double-edged sword. Self-awareness furnishes a deep, rich self-concept—but it also can be paralyzing, warns Leary, author of The Curse of the Self: Self-Awareness, Egotism and the Quality of Human Life . "It leads you to overanalyze others' reactions to you and misinterpret them."

Many of the most unpleasant shades on our emotional palettes— embarrassment , shame , envy —exist solely in the interpersonal realm. We cannot feel them until we are self-aware enough to worry what others think about us. These emotions are supposed to motivate us to cut out potentially self-destructive behaviors. But, Leary points out, given the brain's natural bias toward false alarms, people feel overly embarrassed. Too much concern about what others think can only constrict behavior and stifle the spirit.

Do you really want to know how you come off?

Report cards and annual reviews give you information on your performance in school and at work. But you'll rarely be treated to a straightforward critique of your character—unless someone blurts one out in a heated argument or you solicit it directly. "You could always ask a family member or someone else who knows you are stuck with them to tell you honestly what they think of you," says Funder. Publicist Levine took this approach a bit further when he asked several ex-girlfriends to each list three positive and three negative aspects of being in a relationship with him. "There was some consistency in their answers," he says. "It was challenging to take it in, but really helpful."

"There's always a trade-off between how you want to feel and what you want to know," says DePaulo. If ignorance is bliss, maybe it's best to trust someone's instinct to protect you. "But there are times when you really need accurate feedback," she says, "such as when you are trying to decide if you would be good in a certain career ."

Perhaps the delicate balance between feeling good about yourself and knowing exactly how you come off is best maintained not by all those elusive "others." Maybe it's maintained by your most significant ones, the people who will keep you in line but appreciate you for who you are, not just for the impressions you leave behind.

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How to Write About Yourself in a College Essay | Examples

Published on September 21, 2021 by Kirsten Courault . Revised on May 31, 2023.

An insightful college admissions essay requires deep self-reflection, authenticity, and a balance between confidence and vulnerability. Your essay shouldn’t just be a resume of your experiences; colleges are looking for a story that demonstrates your most important values and qualities.

To write about your achievements and qualities without sounding arrogant, use specific stories to illustrate them. You can also write about challenges you’ve faced or mistakes you’ve made to show vulnerability and personal growth.

Table of contents

Start with self-reflection, how to write about challenges and mistakes, how to write about your achievements and qualities, how to write about a cliché experience, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about college application essays.

Before you start writing, spend some time reflecting to identify your values and qualities. You should do a comprehensive brainstorming session, but here are a few questions to get you started:

• What are three words your friends or family would use to describe you, and why would they choose them?
• Whom do you admire most and why?
• What are the top five things you are thankful for?
• What has inspired your hobbies or future goals?
• What are you most proud of? Ashamed of?

As you self-reflect, consider how your values and goals reflect your prospective university’s program and culture, and brainstorm stories that demonstrate the fit between the two.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

Writing about difficult experiences can be an effective way to show authenticity and create an emotional connection to the reader, but choose carefully which details to share, and aim to demonstrate how the experience helped you learn and grow.

Be vulnerable

It’s not necessary to have a tragic story or a huge confession. But you should openly share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences to evoke an emotional response from the reader. Even a cliché or mundane topic can be made interesting with honest reflection. This honesty is a preface to self-reflection and insight in the essay’s conclusion.

Don’t overshare

With difficult topics, you shouldn’t focus too much on negative aspects. Instead, use your challenging circumstances as a brief introduction to how you responded positively.

Share what you have learned

It’s okay to include your failure or mistakes in your essay if you include a lesson learned. After telling a descriptive, honest story, you should explain what you learned and how you applied it to your life.

While it’s good to sell your strengths, you also don’t want to come across as arrogant. Instead of just stating your extracurricular activities, achievements, or personal qualities, aim to discreetly incorporate them into your story.

Brag indirectly

Mention your extracurricular activities or awards in passing, not outright, to avoid sounding like you’re bragging from a resume.

Use stories to prove your qualities

Even if you don’t have any impressive academic achievements or extracurriculars, you can still demonstrate your academic or personal character. But you should use personal examples to provide proof. In other words, show evidence of your character instead of just telling.

Many high school students write about common topics such as sports, volunteer work, or their family. Your essay topic doesn’t have to be groundbreaking, but do try to include unexpected personal details and your authentic voice to make your essay stand out .

To find an original angle, try these techniques:

• Focus on a specific moment, and describe the scene using your five senses.
• Mention objects that have special significance to you.
• Instead of following a common story arc, include a surprising twist or insight.

Your unique voice can shed new perspective on a common human experience while also revealing your personality. When read out loud, the essay should sound like you are talking.

If you want to know more about academic writing , effective communication , or parts of speech , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

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First, spend time reflecting on your core values and character . You can start with these questions:

However, you should do a comprehensive brainstorming session to fully understand your values. Also consider how your values and goals match your prospective university’s program and culture. Then, brainstorm stories that illustrate the fit between the two.

When writing about yourself , including difficult experiences or failures can be a great way to show vulnerability and authenticity, but be careful not to overshare, and focus on showing how you matured from the experience.

Through specific stories, you can weave your achievements and qualities into your essay so that it doesn’t seem like you’re bragging from a resume.

Include specific, personal details and use your authentic voice to shed a new perspective on a common human experience.

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Courault, K. (2023, May 31). How to Write About Yourself in a College Essay | Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved April 9, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/college-essay/write-about-yourself/

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How to Write the Baylor University Essay 2022-2023

Founded in 1845, Baylor University has a long history as the largest Baptist university in the world. Baylor takes pride in the fact that it uniquely incorporates strong religious values into an already rich academic curriculum and top-tier athletics division. Baylor students mirror the school’s commitment to service as well as education, spending much of their free time volunteering in the local community or utilizing their skills abroad in one of the university’s popular Global Missions programs.

With 125 majors and the resources of a nationally ranked research institution at their fingertips, the students of Baylor University are given the opportunity to really customize their college experience and explore all facets of their interests. They are not just talented scholars, but also curious researchers, passionate athletes, and above all, global citizens.

Admission to Baylor is competitive, so writing strong essays is important to help your application stand out. CollegeVine, however, is here to provide a few tips on how to tackle the application essays. Without further ado, let’s dive into the application prompt for this cycle and identify ways to make an impact on the admissions staff with your essay!

Want to know your chances at Baylor? Calculate your chances for free right now .

Baylor University Supplemental Essay Prompt

What are you looking for in a university, why do you want to attend baylor, and how do you see yourself contributing to the baylor community (450 words).

While this is an optional prompt, here at CollegeVine we believe that essays are a great way for students to add a personal voice and tell the admissions counselors about things that may not be so apparent in the rest of their materials. Therefore, submitting this essay with the rest of your application will help you stand out among the many other talented applicants trying to gain admission.

At first glance, the prompt may look like one simple question, but we can further divide it into three smaller parts — and it’s important that you remember to address all three in your response. Let’s look at the breakdown.

First Part: What are you looking for in a university?

What we see is a pretty standard question that serves as the overarching theme of the whole college process. However, the challenge of answering this question comes largely from how general it is. Here, Baylor truly wants to know what you are looking for in your higher education experience. It’s important to keep in mind that you are just as much choosing a college as they are selecting the people that make up their community.

You should be genuine with what you are looking for, so whether that’s going to an institution that balances both research and religion or a school that competes in a Division I conference, you can include that in this essay. Once you have identified the key factors that drew you to consider Baylor in the first place, the next part of the prompt will be a lot easier to answer.

Second Part: Why do you want to attend Baylor University?

If you are applying to Baylor University, it should be true that you want to be in a noticeably religious environment, and that your past experiences and interests tie in with the mission of the college. Things to emphasize would be any community service or religious missions, if you’ve done them. This next question requires some research into the school, as they want to know why, out of other similar universities, Baylor is the one that stands out.

Of course, while you are doing your research, make sure that you don’t simply repeat the information that you find. The aim of your answer is to include specific programs and resources that fit in with your profile. For example, if you enjoy working with local volunteer organizations, then you would mention how Baylor’s emphasis on service will help connect you with more opportunities for action. If gaining access to undergraduate research is important to you, you can also mention how the Baylor Undergraduate Research in Science and Technology organization will provide you with the support and access needed to get started as early as freshman year.

Additionally, Baylor offers many different programs and unique majors, such as the Honors Program that provides students with more in-depth classes and the guidance necessary to complete a senior thesis. While you don’t need to decide your major or involvements right now, it’s still good to look through the offerings and mention the things that caught your eye.

Third Part: How do you see yourself contributing to the Baylor community?

This final piece is what we would consider the most important question. There is not “one right answer,” as it would be highly personal to each individual. The way to approach this is to be as specific with your involvements and passions as possible. Make sure however, that you can back up whatever you say with the rest of your application. You do not have to try and find something unique that you think would make you different if it’s not something that really represents who you are as a person.

For example, if you really enjoyed writing for your high school newspaper, then you could mention how you want to continue that passion by applying for a position on the Baylor Lariat , the university’s newspaper focusing on events happening both on and off campus. Whatever it is that you want to continue doing in college, try to find the corresponding club or organization within Baylor that you would join. Once again, this will help tie your individual goals with that of the university and show that you really spent time looking into them.

Having more information about Baylor University will not only help you solidify your own reasons for applying, but it will also show the admissions team that the school is a good fit for you. We hope that this guide was helpful, and wish you the best of luck with your writing!

Where to Get Your Baylor Essay Edited 

Do you want feedback on your Baylor essay? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools.  Find the right advisor for you  to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

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How to write the college essay: on discovering myself.

To the stressed-out senior:

October. It’s the spookiest time of the year for you… that’s right, college applications. Two years ago I was in your shoes, staring at the 650-word Common App Essay and a mountain of supplements. It’s intimidating to face the sheer amount of work you have to do to secure your future success at the tender age of 18. So many things are up in the air–it can be a time that is fraught with anxiety, insecurity, and uncertainty.

The essays, you are told over and over again by teachers, counselors, admissions officers and the ever reliable College Confidential, are where you get to show your personality. They are meant to encapsulate something that can’t come across in a polished resume or list of honors. Picture yourself meeting with your admissions officer over a cup of tea, and pouring out parts of your life story in a way that is enlightening and composed—college essays are the written equivalent. They are indeed a strategy for the admissions officer to get to know you, but that’s not the full story. What I’ve found is that writing college essays was just as insightful for me as for the admissions officer.

College essays are a clever ploy for universities to get students to rethink who they were, are, and want to be. Answering college questions gave me the arsenal and vocabulary I would need to gracefully and eloquently articulate my answers to questions I’d be asked the rest of my life: Where do you see yourself in five years? What is your biggest failure or regret? How did you overcome your biggest challenge? If you could have anyone living or dead as a dinner guest, who would it be? What are your favorite podcasts or publications? What do you deeply care about and why?

Through the process of answering these questions, I crystallized my love of storytelling into words. I got in touch with a part of myself I thought I had lost, exploring my connection to my heritage. I understood how different aspects of my life have shaped me to be brave and bold. I gave thanks to the people whose shoulders I’m standing on today. I rediscovered how much my parents love me, and how much I love my parents. I figured out who my heroes are and why I look up to them so much. And as grandiose as it sounds, it’s the truth: I recognized my life’s calling through writing my college essays.

College applications also forced me to look at why I wanted to go to college. In answering the Why ____? question, I realized there were some colleges I wanted to go to more than others. Answering Why Yale was one of the toughest questions for me—I couldn’t think of a way to write about Yale without drawing on cliches I was sure other people would include. But ultimately, I decided to prioritize honesty in the answer to that question: it was the people that attracted me the most, so I wrote about Yale’s emphasis on building community. Now that I’m here, I can truly attest to the kindness and thoughtfulness of the student body.

This is all to say, dear senior, vulnerability in your essays pays off. Let yourself find your truth, and sink into it. Let it envelope you and your state of mind as you open that Google Doc. You’re writing for admissions officers, yes, but the more important audience is yourself. Treat them like precious time capsules you will one day open in the future. These kernels, results of deep soul-searching, will resonate with your audience, whether it’s a Yale admissions officer or your future 40-year-old self. It’s a snapshot into the mind of a 18-year-old, grappling with identity, figuring out what they want on the cusp of the world. This may all change—nothing you say in a college essay is set in stone—but in this moment at least, it sings true: beautiful, brilliant, and bold.

I found myself through thousands of drafts, each a different version of me. If you trust the process, and be honest with yourself, you can find yourself too.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 4 top tips to write a stellar syracuse essay.

College Essays

Getting admitted to Syracuse has only gotten tougher in recent years, and its current acceptance rate is about 59%. You'll need a strong application to get admitted, and that includes your essays.

You'll need to write one supplemental essay as part of your Syracuse application, and we're here to guide you through every step of the process. Read this guide to learn what the essay prompts are, what the admissions team is really looking for in your responses, what you can write about (and what to avoid), and what strong examples of Syracuse essays look like.

Feature image source: Wikimedia Commons

What Are the Syracuse Supplement Essays?

Syracuse University uses the Common Application, and applicants must answer one of the Common Application prompts . Every applicant to Syracuse must also answer one additional Syracuse supplement essay. Here's the 2022-2023 prompt:

Why are you interested in Syracuse University and how do you see yourself contributing to a diverse, inclusive, accessible and respectful campus?

This is a required essay, and it can be up to 250 words long. In the rest of this guide, we explain what admissions officers are looking for in your response to these Syracuse supplement essays and what strong essays look like.

Syracuse Supplement Essay, Analyzed

You probably noticed that the Syracuse essay prompt is a two-parter. You'll have to answer both parts of the prompt well if you want to wow admissions counselors!

To help you do that, we're breaking the prompt down into two sections and explaining how to answer each part .

In this section, we'll explain what the prompt is asking for, what Syracuse is hoping to learn from your response, and potential topics to write about.

Response Part 1: The "Why Syracuse" Section

Why are you interested in Syracuse University?

This is what we commonly call a " why this college " essay. In this case, you need to explain your reasoning behind applying to Syracuse and why it's a school you're interested in attending.

Why does Syracuse care about this? Isn't just applying to the school enough to show you want to get in? Not really. There are several reasons you're being asked to write this Why Syracuse University essay.

First, Syracuse wants to make sure you love the school. Students who are really excited to attend their college and feel it's a good fit for them are more likely to get higher grades, participate more in activities and events, and donate money back to the school after they graduate. Syracuse, along with other colleges, makes a huge effort to create unique opportunities for students, and they want to admit students who are aware of those opportunities and will take advantage of them. If you can show in your Why Syracuse University essay that you really love Syracuse and will make the most of your time there, it'll make the people reviewing your application more confident that you'll have a significant and positive impact on their school.

Syracuse also requests this essay to make sure you and the school are a good fit for each other. If you use this essay to discuss majors, sports, study abroad opportunities, etc. that Syracuse doesn't offer, that could be a red flag that Syracuse isn't a place where you can meet your goals and therefore may not be the best school for you.

To figure out what to write about for this essay, really think about why you're applying to Syracuse and why it could be a great school to attend. Some potential topics include:

Majors, minors, certificates, and/or specific classes Syracuse offers that you're especially interested in.

A mentor, Syracuse alum, or current student who convinced you to apply to Syracuse

Unique study opportunities at Syracuse, such as BioInspired Syracuse or Syracuse University Autonomous Systems Policy.

Syracuse professors whose work you admire and with whom you'd like to study or conduct research.

Clubs or sports teams that you'd be interested in joining (Syracuse has over 300!).

Research opportunities you'd like to have through the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement.

Internship opportunities at Syracuse.

Study abroad programs at Syracuse.

Financial aid opportunities Syracuse offers that make it possible for you to attend.

In your response, you should choose one or two reasons why you think Syracuse is the best school for you. For each reason, describe what Syracuse offers, then connect it back to your interests and goals to show that you and Syracuse are a good fit. Also, remember to be as specific as possible in your reasoning to show Syracuse that you've done your research and know exactly how the school can help you reach your goals.

For example, you could discuss how you want to study biochemistry and eventually get a PhD, and you read a newspaper article about a Syracuse professor and the biochemistry work she's doing. You know one of the best ways to prepare yourself for your future is to get research experience as an undergrad, and you can explain that Syracuse is a great school for you because it has an Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement that helps pair undergrads with research experiences. Then, if possible, dive into the type of research you'd like to do, mentioning specific classes you'd like to take or professors you'd like to study under.

As long as your reasons for attending Syracuse are honest and specific to the school, there are no topics to really avoid, but we recommend that at least one of your reasons relate to academics. This will show that you'll be a dedicated student at Syracuse and take your classes seriously.

Response Part 2: The "Why You" Section

....how do you see yourself contributing to a diverse, inclusive, accessible and respectful campus?

This part of the prompt is also an example of a pretty typical college essay: the diversity essay . In diversity essays, colleges want to learn more about how you'll contribute to a vibrant, inclusive campus community.

While you may be familiar with diversity referring to race or gender, diversity can actually apply to lots of things. For example, a person's gender identity, religion, and socioeconomic background can contribute to diversity. So can a person's lived experiences or neurodiversity. Understanding that contribute to diversity at Syracuse is the first step to answering this question well.

From there, you need to consider how you'll contribute to the diversity at Syracuse. You are unique, so focus on what you will bring to the table. But keep in mind this prompt isn't about how you're diverse...it's about how you'll add to the Syracuse community. This is a good time to show you've researched Syracuse and identified specific ways you can support diversity on campus. Whether that's joining a specific club or volunteering your time with an on-campus organization, showing you've done your research will help admissions counselors see that you're serious about becoming a Syracuse student.

2 Syracuse Essay Examples

Below are two examples we've come up with of potential Syracuse essays. While these don't exactly fit the 2022-2023 prompt, you'll still be able to learn a lot about what makes a great Syracuse admissions essay from our expert breakdown of the responses.

Keep reading to learn more about what makes for a stellar Syracuse essay.

Example 1: "Why Syracuse?"

I grew up helping my parents run their own small business, and I've known for years that I wanted to follow in their footsteps and start a business of my own. When I told this to my high school guidance counselor, one of the top schools she recommended was Syracuse University and its Entrepreneurship and Emerging Enterprises department. I'm so glad she did because the more I look into the EEE program, the more impressed I am. As one of the few schools that allow students to major in entrepreneurship, I know I'll get in-depth knowledge on how to start a business and keep it running successfully. I can't wait to take part in opportunities like the Couri Hatchery business incubator and pursue internships that give me even more entrepreneurial knowledge.

As I began to do more research on Syracuse, I contacted a friend's older sibling who had graduated from Syracuse. He told me about the huge school spirit students have for the school, and how everyone will dress in orange before basketball games and support Syracuse teams. School sports games are not very popular at my current high school, and I love that I'll now have the chance to be part of a community with such strong school spirit. I'll be ready to join them, wearing my orange and cheering our teams on to victory.

What makes this Syracuse supplemental essay work?

It shows the student knows the school. You don't need to be a lifelong Syracuse fan to be admitted, but you do need to show that you have a good understanding of the school, which this Why Syracuse University essay does. After hearing about Syracuse from his guidance counselor, the writer begins researching programs he's interested in and speaking to an alum. This allows him to mention very specific aspects of the school in his essay, from the school cheering section to programs dedicated to what he wants to study. This shows someone who will be able to hit the ground running as soon as he arrives on campus because he already knows what opportunities he wants to take advantage of.

It focuses more on the school itself than how they learned about it. Some students get tripped up with this essay prompt and think all it wants to know is how you found out about Syracuse. However, you need to go a step further and mention the specific characteristics of Syracuse that convinced you to apply. If the student had spent his essay going into great detail about the conversation he had with his guidance counselor and the schools they discussed, it likely wouldn't have given the admissions committee a clear idea of why he wanted to apply to Syracuse. Instead, he makes the way he learned about Syracuse a small part of the essay and spends the rest of it explaining what about Syracuse makes him want to attend.

Example 2: "Why Syracuse?"

My dream is to work in international relations, helping people from different countries work together to reach their goals. I want to be someone who is comfortable in many cultures, can help different groups of people work together, and has the skills to live and thrive abroad. Since I've never left the country, this may surprise people who know me, but I know Syracuse will help me get there.

Not only does Syracuse have an International Relations major that will give me the skills and classes I need I need for this career field, Syracuse's incredible study abroad program will help me get my first taste of international living. I'm not sure which program I'll attend yet, but with dozens to choose from, I know I'll find the perfect fit. After four years of expanding my boundaries at Syracuse, and being exposed to new languages, skills, and ways of thinking, I'm certain I'll be well prepared to take the next step towards my goals, especially with Syracuse's strong career counseling center and alumni connections to assist me.

It's also important to me to start pursuing friendships with people who have backgrounds different from my own, and Syracuse will also help me achieve this. I plan on becoming an international student mentor and helping students adjust to attending college in a new country. Learning from their experiences will help me later on when I live abroad myself. Syracuse also has many internationally-focused clubs on campus, and I can't wait to join them and use them as a way to make new friends and learn more about issues around the world.

Shows strong, long-term goals. Note that this student doesn't have a specific position or company in mind (many college students don't!), but she is still able to paint a picture of goals that she can continue working towards throughout her career. This shows someone with the ability to plan long-term and look towards the future.

Connects her goals to Syracuse. The most common mistake students make when they answer this prompt is to focus entirely on their goals and neglect to explain how Syracuse will help get them there. This essay shows how Syracuse's academics and culture will help the writer achieve her goals.

4 Tips for Your Syracuse University Essays

As you're writing your Syracuse supplemental essays, keep these four tips in mind to make sure your essays are as strong as they can be.

#1: Be Specific

We've said it throughout the article, but if you want your Syracuse essays to stand out, you need to get specific about your reasons for wanting to attend the school. Your goal is for the admissions committee to really feel your passion for the school and understand why you and Syracuse is a good fit. Don't just say that Syracuse has great classes, smart professors, and an interesting student body. Most schools have that, and the people reading your essay will wonder if you're using identical essays for all the schools you're applying to.

Instead, try to mention opportunities only Syracuse can provide, such as specific programs, courses, extracurriculars, or research opportunities. The things you discuss should be things your other top schools don't offer, things that really make Syracuse stand out.

#2: Show Your Passion

Colleges don't want to admit a lot of students who are lukewarm about their school and their goals, so show Syracuse that there are things you really care about. A generic statement like, "I am impressed by Syracuse's wide variety of clubs" doesn't show much about you or help you stand out from the crowd.

Which clubs at Syracuse make you excited? How will you be involved once you join them? Your passion could be for a major, a career, and extracurricular, a group you hope to join, etc. Whatever it is, make sure it comes through in at least one of your essays and be sure to explain what about it makes you so excited. That'll make your essays more unique and memorable when they're being read.

#3: Make Every Word Count

The 250 word limit on each essay means that they're going to be quite short, so you want to get the most you can out of those words. Start with a short outline of your main points, making sure you're answering each part of the essay prompts. Then expand from there until you hit 250 words. This isn't the essay to tell an in-depth story about your childhood or go into flowery descriptions. Instead, make your main points strong and don't worry about adding too many embellishments.

#4: Edit and Proofread Before You Submit

Be sure to read over each Syracuse supplement essay you before you submit your application. Even though these essays are quite short and probably didn't take you long to write, you should put them away for a few days once you've written a rough draft for each. Then, take them out and look them over with a fresh set of eyes. Check to make sure you've completely answered each prompt, then look for any areas that are unclear, out of place, or irrelevant, and edit as needed.

You may want to repeat this process until you're confident in your essays, and you may also consider having a friend or parent look over your essays as well to give you feedback. When your essays are ready, look them over one last time to make sure they're error free. Then you're ready to submit!

Summary: Syracuse University Essay Prompts

In addition to the Common Application essay, there is one additional Syracuse University essay prompts you must answer:

• Why are you interested in Syracuse University and how do you see yourself contributing to a diverse, inclusive, accessible, and respectful campus community?

This essay is required and can be up to 250 words. For the first part of the question (the "Why Syracuse?" question) be sure to explain not just how you found out about Syracuse but what about it convinced you to apply. There are several ways you can approach the second essay, but be sure in your response to discuss how you plan to enrich the diverse community of students at Syracuse with your experiences and background.

What's Next?

Are you working on the Common App essay ? Read our breakdown of the Common App prompts and our guide to picking the best prompt for you.

Want more tips on writing a "why this college" essay? Check out our guide on how to write a perfect "why this college" essay for everything you need to know.

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

Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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Seeing Yourself as Others See You

• Linda Hill & Kent Lineback

In our last blog, we argued that becoming a great boss required courage — in particular, the courage to find out how others see you. Almost certainly, we said, others’ perceptions of you will differ in important and perhaps disconcerting ways from your self-perceptions. Many of you responded with thoughtful comments — thank you! Some […]

In our last blog , we argued that becoming a great boss required courage — in particular, the courage to find out how others see you. Almost certainly, we said, others’ perceptions of you will differ in important and perhaps disconcerting ways from your self-perceptions.

• LL Linda A. Hill is the Wallace Brett Donham Professor Business Administration at Harvard Business School. Kent Lineback spent many years as a manager and an executive in business and government. They are the coauthors of Being the Boss: The 3 Imperatives for Becoming a Great Leader (HBR Press, 2011).

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About Yourself Scholarship Essay Examples (2023)

Jennifer Finetti Sep 28, 2022

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A popular scholarship essay prompt is “Tell us about yourself.” This question is relatively open-ended, which may make it difficult to answer at first glance. What should I tell them about myself? My struggles, my goals, my passions…? These may all be fitting topics, depending on the scholarship. We’ll show you some scholarship essay examples about yourself, along with writing tips to guide you along the way.

What they want to know about you

As you prepare to write, think of the topics the scholarship committee would be interested in. These may include:

• Your current degree, as it applies to your overall career goals. You can explain why you chose your current educational path and what you want to do with that.
• Your short-term and long-term professional goals . Frame your answer as if to say “Where will you be in 5 years? Where will you be in 10 years?” Scholarship committees like to reward people with defined aspirations.
• Past experiences that sparked your passions. You could talk about an influential person in your life, but make sure most of the essay focuses on you. After all, you are talking about yourself.
• Something about you that relates to their organization. With any scholarship essay, you should try to connect yourself with the organization providing the funding. Don’t force a connection. Find one that naturally fits. Mention hobbies, experiences and goals that match what the review committee is looking for.
• Something unique that sets you apart from other applicants. This may be volunteer experience, career specialties, situational differences (growing up in an area that didn’t encourage education), etc.

Note that you do not have to throw all this information into one essay. Choose the elements that best fit the scholarship. If you were on the review board, what would you want to learn about each applicant? What would make you choose one applicant over another? Keep this in mind as you develop your thoughts.

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What they don’t want to know about you

There is plenty of information you could include in an about yourself scholarship essay. There is just as much information to avoid though. Some topics to keep out of your essay include:

• False information. Do not make up stories or fabricate goals to fit the prompt. The scholarship committee can instantly tell when someone is lying, and they will disqualify you immediately.
• Past struggles that do not pertain to the essay topic. You can briefly mention struggles from your past, as long as you mention how you’ve learned from them. Do not make your essay a long story about the hard life you’ve led. Focus on your triumphs, not your obstacles.
• Vague goals and aspirations. Scholarships are usually given to students who have a plan. If you say, “I’m not sure what I’m doing yet,” the committee will select a more motivated candidate. If you have a plan and a backup plan, that’s fine. Just make sure you mention both options and show which one you favor.
• Cliché stories that most people tell. There is something that makes you stand out as a person. Use that to your advantage. Don’t rely on generic information they’ll find with other applicants.
• Unrelated elements of your personal life. In most cases, you should not mention your significant other in the essay. You might mention a spouse if you need to reference your children or a turning point in your life, but these personal details do not fit most essays. Any information that seems frivolous or ill-placed should be removed from the essay.

Read through your essay carefully. If you stop at one point to say, “Why did I mention that?” get rid of the corresponding information. Showcase the best elements about yourself in a fluid and cohesive manner.

Short scholarship essay example: Tell us about yourself (100 Words)

With 100 words, you can only focus on one or two elements of your life. Think about your biggest selling points – the things that show you are the ideal candidate. Start by introducing yourself and your educational status. Then jump into the main topic of the essay. You may not have room to mention how the scholarship will help your education. Instead, mention how your education can help your career. The other information will be implied.

My name is Christian Wood. I am a high school senior who will be attending the University of Nevada, Reno in the fall. I want to become an online journalist. My goal is to work for the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Huffington Post, or another news outlet that has a strong online presence. Most people already get their news on the internet, and the industry will be even bigger by the time I graduate. Getting a degree in journalism with a focus on digital media will set me up for a fulfilling, fast-paced career fit for the future.

Word Count: 96

Medium scholarship essay example: Tell us about yourself (250 Words)

With a mid-length scholarship essay, you have more space to explain how your past has influenced your present and future goals. You should have rom for an intro paragraph, a few body paragraphs, and a conclusion (maybe incorporated into the last body paragraph). Think of a few main points you want to touch on, and write those down first. If you still have room, you can add more details about yourself.

My name is Sarah, and I spent most of my childhood on the wrong medication. I experienced a problem common in clinical psychology – misdiagnosis. Professionals provide inaccurate diagnoses for many reasons – f rom antiquated testing methods to limited education. I want to open my own psychological testing facility and help change that. Therefore, I am pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Neuropsychology.  I was diagnosed with ADHD as a child because I had trouble focusing in school. The medication m y doctor prescribed to me only made me numb to the world around me. I couldn’t think or process emotions, or had no emotions at all. After several years my parents finally decided to get a second opinion. I saw a specialist and she concluded that I didn’t have ADHD , but a combination of dyslexia and dysgraphia (difficulties with reading and writing). She sent us to a therapist who helped me learn how to work around my conditions, and my life improved tremendously. I went from being a lifeless student with barely passing grades to an honor roll student full of joy and excitement. Unfortunately, my story is not one of a kind. There are countless children in America who are put on mind-altering medications that do not adequately address their needs. I cannot help all of those children, but I can provide a better alternative for the ones in my area. Through proper education, funded by financial aid, I can learn about psychological evaluations and provide the most accurate diagnoses possible.

Word Count: 249

Long scholarship essay example: Tell us about yourself (500 Words)

Scholarship essays that are 500 words or longer let you tell the whole story. You can discuss your past, present and future in a comprehensive manner. Avoid rambling and make sure each topic contributes to the overall essay. If one piece feels out of place, remove it and elaborate more on the existing elements. By the end of the essay, the reader should have a full understanding of who you are and what you want to accomplish.

My name is Sierra Breault, and I am a junior at Murray State University. I am double-majoring in Criminal Justice and Forensics Science, and I will graduate in 2024 with two bachelor degrees. My career goal is in social justice, so I can contribute to criminal justice reform. I want to ensure that those who commit crimes are treated fairly.  I come from a small town where excessive force and even death by cop incidents are often committed, especially against minorities. A few years ago, one of my relatives was charged for a crime although the crime scene evidence wasn’t properly obtained, catalogued and analyzed.  This experience played a big part in my wish to study criminal justice. I started exploring the career more when I decided that a desk job just wasn’t for me. Throughout high school I struggled because of the routine nature of it all. I saw the same people and attended the same classes every single day. I knew I didn’t want a job that would be that stagnant. That’s when I got the idea to work in law enforcement, because there would always be a new challenge for me to tackle. After researching the field even more, I set my sights on crime scene investigation. I have performed much better academically in college than I ever did in high school. That’s because there is no routine to the experience. Every week, I have new projects to complete, tests to study for, and activities to try. I have been involved with the campus Crime Stoppers organization all three years of college, and I was elected president for the upcoming term. This lets me work closely with law enforcement to supplement my college education and further my career.   After graduating, I will apply for work as a dispatcher in a state organization, such as the Department of Criminal Investigation. While my ultimate goal is to work as a forensic analyst or crime scene investigator, those positions usually only go to people within the organization. Dispatch is the most direct option for career entry, giving me the best chance to pursue my dream career. I am applying for this scholarship to help me finish the last two years of my degrees. As a college junior and soon-to-be senior, my scholarship opportunities are limited. Most awards are reserved for freshmen. I took advantage of those early on, and I have one recurring scholarship that covers half of my tuition. However, I need additional financial aid to cover the remainder of my academic costs. I appreciate your consideration, and I hope that you can help me pursue a profession in criminal justice. This is my passion, and I have a clear plan to turn that passion into a lifelong career.

Word Count: 463

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• Scholarship Essay

Jennifer Finetti

As a parent who recently helped her own kids embark on their college journeys, Jennifer approaches the transition from high school to college from a unique perspective. She truly enjoys engaging with students – helping them to build the confidence, knowledge, and insight needed to pursue their educational and career goals, while also empowering them with the strategies and skills needed to access scholarships and financial aid that can help limit college costs. She understands the importance of ensuring access to the edtech tools and resources that can make this process easier and more equitable - this drive to support underserved populations is what drew her to ScholarshipOwl. Jennifer has coached students from around the world, as well as in-person with local students in her own community. Her areas of focus include career exploration, major selection, college search and selection, college application assistance, financial aid and scholarship consultation, essay review and feedback, and more. She works with students who are at the top of their class, as well as those who are struggling. She firmly believes that all students, regardless of their circumstances, can succeed if they stay focused and work hard in school. Jennifer earned her MA in Counseling Psychology from National University, and her BA in Psychology from University of California, Santa Cruz.

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How I see myself as a future teacher? Interview questions answered

Whether you are writing a short essay as a part of your application for a place in a study program for future teachers, or interviewing in front of an admission committee at school, you will always face some questions about the vision of your future . The goal of the people from the school is simple: They try to understand your real motives , why you want to study teaching. They wonder if this really is your dream , or you are just following the dreams of your parents. Your answer also helps them understand what you hope to offer to your students in the future, and whether it aligns with the values they try to promote at their school.

Let’s have a look at 7 sample answers to this intriguing question. I tried to include on my list both conventional answers –a wise choice when you have a good GPA and high chances of getting accepted to the school of your choice, and unconventional replies , or out of the box answers if you want–they may be your best bet if your chances to get in are rather slim (due to your academic record), and more than anything else you try to stand out with your application. I hope at least one of the answers will fit your needs, your situation, and the message you hope to convey to whoever reads or hear it.

7 sample answers to “How do you see yourself as a future teacher?” interview question

• I see myself as a popular teacher amongst my students . But not because I take it easy with them, giving them better grades than they deserve, or letting them do what they please in the lessons. I hope to gain their trust by offering them engaging and interesting teaching, making sure that they stay motivated and do not find the classes mundane or boring. In my opinion, many students lack motivation nowadays. Hence it is crucial to make the classes more interesting for them, applying different teaching methods, using technology in the classes, and so on. I see myself as a teacher who does all these things , with a sole goal of helping each of their students to reach their full potential.
• More than anything else I see myself as a special education teacher . I am aware of the problems we face, and the fact that more and more children have special needs . What’s more, I really like working with these people, and believe to have some talent for it as well. Hence I imagine myself working one on one with the students , in a special setting, step by step, helping them to achieve their individual educational goals.
• Honestly speaking, I have not come up with this image yet . I enjoy teaching, and I have great role models in my former and present teachers. But I also believe that I am yet to find my may , to understand exactly what I want to specialize in, what grade I want to teach, and what mark I hope to leave in the lives of my students . No doubt these things will become clear over the years, when I study and eventually also teach. Today the only thing I can say with certainty is that teacher is my dream job , and I hope to get into your study program and get one step closer to my dream again.
• I see myself as an excellent Math teacher . Not only that Math is my strongest subject. I also enjoy teaching it, already giving classes to my schoolmates. And I am good at it, because most of them eventually get it and pass the exams. In my opinion, it isn’t enough being a good Mathematician. One also needs to be a good teacher, to be able to explain the lessons in a simple way , and make sure that even students who do not excel in Math achieve some progress. I honestly believe I have such strengths, and that’s why I dream of becoming a Math Teacher.
• Reaching for the stars, I hope to be the bar raiser at the school where I will teach. Let me explain. I always love to think outside of the box , coming with new ideas, trying new concepts. And I believe each school needs at least one such teacher or administrator, because things evolve, each generation of children has their own expectations , and we can hardly succeed with teaching methods we used twenty years ago. In my opinion, we need to constantly innovate our teaching, and I hope to be the teacher who brings this innovation to schools.
• Speaking frankly, I do not see myself as a teacher in the future. My goals are much bigger . I actually hope to lead an entire school as a principal , setting the vision, the values, the processes, and of course leading other staff members. Needless to say, you cannot really become a principal unless you have a degree and practical experience with teaching. That’s why I try to get to your school, but I can assure you that my journey won’t end with a teaching degree . I hope to have a much bigger impact, and end up working as a school principal.
• I see myself teaching in the slums of Rio de Janeiro , or on the outskirts of Kathmandu. I’ve always had a deep compassion with people in poor countries, and I also know that getting education is the only way how they can end their misery . Of course, I do not hope to change the world. Such years are behind me already. But I hope I can play my part on some positive change in the world , and teaching children in one of these poor places is exactly what I imagine doing. That’s how I see myself– as a teacher of poor , aiming to make a positive change in specific communities of people.

The more specific your answer the better

As a rule of a thumb, you should come up with a positive and tangible vision of your future as a teacher. People in the admission committees are looking for applicants with a concrete vision, perhaps even a specific place where you want to teach, or at least a specific subject, grade level , etc. Saying that you simply want to be a great teacher won’t do the trick, unless you have a great GPA and application is a mere formality in your case.

So, think about your vision–teaching Physics at secondary school, PE at elementary, or even lecturing at the University. Maybe you want to teach in slums, or bring huge innovation on board of some school, or you even do not dream of becoming a teacher –that’s just a milestone on your journey towards the role of a school principal. All of that is fine, and they will love that, as long as you explain it clearly in your answer. I hope you will do so, and wish you best of luck in the application process!

May also interest you :

• What inspired you to become a teacher?
• What questions you should ask a school principal?
• How do you motivate students?
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Mapping the Future: Where Do I See Myself in 20 Years

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Personal Life — My Future Plans: Where I See Myself In 10 Years

My Future Plans: Where I See Myself in 10 Years

• Categories: Future Personal Life

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Published: Aug 27, 2021

Words: 1372 | Page: 1 | 7 min read

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Where i see myself in 10 years, where i see myself in 5 years, works cited.

• Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
• Forbes. (n.d.). Forbes Career Guide. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/careers/
• The Balance Careers. (n.d.). Career Planning. Retrieved from https://www.thebalancecareers.com/career-planning-4161908
• U.S. News & World Report. (n.d.). Best Online Colleges and Programs. Retrieved from https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education
• Purdue University Global. (n.d.). Online Programs. Retrieved from https://www.purdueglobal.edu/degree-programs/
• Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Careers. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/home.htm
• American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Psychology Career Resources. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/careers/resources
• National Criminal Justice Training Center. (n.d.). Training and Resources. Retrieved from https://ncjtc.fvtc.edu/
• Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology. (n.d.). Careers in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. Retrieved from https://www.siop.org/Career-Center/Career-Pathways/Pathways-to-Success
• Federal Bureau of Investigation. (n.d.). Careers. Retrieved from https://www.fbijobs.gov/career-paths

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How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” in an Interview (Plus Examples!)

• Share This: Share How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” in an Interview (Plus Examples!) on Facebook Share How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” in an Interview (Plus Examples!) on LinkedIn Share How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” in an Interview (Plus Examples!) on X

By Stav Ziv

“Tell me about yourself” might seem like an easy win of an  interview question —after all, you know all about yourself! And good thing, too, because it’s often the very first thing an interviewer will ask you to do—whether you’re having a preliminary phone screen, speaking to your prospective boss, or sitting down with the CEO during the final round.”

Read the full article on The Muse: https://www.themuse.com/advice/tell-me-about-yourself-interview-question-answer-examples

20 Smart Answers: “Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?”

By Status.net Editorial Team on April 10, 2023 — 10 minutes to read

Why Do They Ask This Question?

When you’re asked “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?,” the interviewer wants to gain insight into your career aspirations, personal goals, and how you envision growing within the company or industry. This question also helps interviewers understand whether your long-term goals align with the opportunities that the company or job may provide.

Before you go into the interview, take some time to reflect on what you genuinely want to achieve in the next five years. Consider the following aspects:

• Areas you wish to specialize in or skills you want to refine
• Leadership opportunities you’d like to explore
• Professional certifications or training programs you plan to complete
• Any goals related to the company’s values or industry trends

Understanding your own goals will help you create a truthful and thoughtful response that showcases your ambition and commitment to personal growth. Moreover, demonstrating how you plan to utilize and develop the skills gained in this role will show the interviewer that you’re a good fit for the company.

It’s important to remember that your answer should be tailored to the specific position or industry you’re interviewing for. You want to show the interviewer that your long-term goals are a natural progression from the job you’re applying for. Feel free to express enthusiasm for the company, industry, or role, but avoid making unrealistic claims or commitments.

Tips for Structuring Your Answer

Being honest in your response means sharing your true career aspirations, while still trying to keep your goals realistic and attainable within the company. Your response might include the following aspects:

• Specific job titles or roles you aspire to reach
• Skills you plan to develop or improve
• Any certifications, trainings, or educational goals you intend to achieve

Be Adaptable

Show flexibility in your answer by acknowledging that change is inevitable and that you’re willing to adapt to the company’s needs as well as your own professional growth. You can tell your interviewer that you’re open to new opportunities within the organization.

• Highlight your ability to learn new skills and take on new challenges
• Discuss how you can grow within the company and contribute to its success
• Emphasize your willingness to embrace change and adapt as needed

Show Your Commitment

• Express how you see your professional growth aligned with the company’s goals
• Discuss the ways you intend to contribute meaningfully to the organization
• Reiterate your excitement to be part of the company’s future

Addressing Uncertainty

It’s natural to feel uncertain about your future, especially when asked to predict where you will be in five years. However, using some strategies, you can form a thoughtful response that communicates your aspirations and adaptability.

Firstly, consider discussing your long-term goals in broad terms. Even if you’re unsure about the specifics, try to focus on the direction you’d like your career to move. For example, mention professional growth opportunities or attribute you’d like to develop. This approach demonstrates ambition without being too rigid.

Example: “In five years, I hope to have built on my skills and gained more responsibility within this company. I’m eager to learn from experienced team members and eventually take on leadership roles.”

Secondly, when you are not entirely sure about the exact positions or steps, you can emphasize a growth mindset. Talk about continuously improving and adapting to changing situations, which would show that you’re flexible and resilient.

• Constant learning
• Embrace challenges
• Adapt to change

Example: “I’m committed to continually expanding my knowledge and improving, which is why I’m enthusiastic about your company’s focus on innovation. Wherever I see myself in five years, I’ll be ready to adapt and grow.”

If future possibilities are vague, mention that you’re open to exploring various paths or contributing to different projects. Clarify that you’re excited to work with the company and discover opportunities to make a meaningful impact.

Example: “I’m excited about the wide range of projects your company is involved in. While I may not know the precise role I’ll fill in five years, I’m eager to contribute to a company like yours and find my unique path.”

Setting Realistic Goals

When crafting your answer to the oft-dreaded question, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”, it’s crucial to set realistic goals. Establishing achievable objectives demonstrates not only your ambition but also your clarity about what it takes to advance your career and thrive in the company.

One way to set realistic goals is to consider the job role and how it aligns with your long-term aspirations. Analyze the job description and requirements, and think about how they fit with your personal growth plans. Start by identifying the necessary steps to progress in the company or your field, and incorporate them into your answer. Here are some tips to help you:

• Reflect on the skills or experience you need to acquire in the next five years. For example, perhaps you’ll need to complete a specific certification or training to advance in your industry. Mention this in your response, acknowledging the importance of self-development and continuous learning.
• Consider potential career paths within the company. Research and identify possible roles you might transition into, ensuring your answer aligns with the organization’s structure and growth opportunities. This demonstrates a commitment to the company and its future.
• Think about your personal life and how it may impact your career trajectory. It’s essential to recognize that your personal circumstances could play a role in determining your career path over the next five years. By balancing work and personal life, you can set realistic expectations for yourself and your employer.

As you formulate your response, keep in mind that it’s perfectly normal to not have an exact plan for the next five years. However, it’s crucial to demonstrate a strong work ethic, flexibility, and willingness to learn and grow within your role and the company.

Aligning with Company Vision

It’s also useful to consider the company’s vision and values. Doing so shows interviewers that you have done your research and genuinely care about the potential role you might play in the organization’s future.

Take some time to familiarize yourself with the company’s mission statement and objectives. Visit their website, read up on any press releases, and research the history and recent accomplishments. This information will give you a solid foundation to align your long-term career goals with the organization’s vision.

Next, reflect on your personal values and career aspirations to find a meaningful connection with the company’s ethos. Use your research to identify opportunities for growth within the organization and emphasize how your contribution can serve as a catalyst for furthering their mission.

• Review the job description thoroughly and understand the key responsibilities and required skills.
• Reflect on your unique strengths and how they can contribute to the role and the company’s success.
• Think about possible career milestones within the role and how they align with your long-term goals.
• Consider the company’s projects or initiatives you would like to be involved in or lead, helping the organization grow and evolve in the future.
• Prepare to communicate these points with confidence and enthusiasm during the interview.

An example of a well-aligned response could be:

“In five years, I see myself holding a leadership role within your company’s marketing department, where I can contribute to the development and execution of successful marketing strategies. I’m especially excited about the potential opportunity to work on your company’s sustainability initiatives, as I believe strongly in environmentally-conscious business practices.”

Focusing on Skills and Growth

When answering the question “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”, focusing on skills and growth is an excellent approach. This shows employers that you’re dedicated to improving yourself professionally and highlights your commitment to the role you’re applying for.

Improving Current Skillset

Identify the key skills relevant to the job you’re seeking, and consider how you can enhance these skills over time: this can include further training, mentorship, or hands-on experience.

For example, you might say something like:

“In the next five years, I plan to hone my expertise in project management. I would like to collaborate on more complex projects and learn from experienced professionals in the field. I also plan to pursue a certification in Agile methodologies to streamline processes and deliver higher-quality results.”

This answer demonstrates your ambition, as well as a desire to contribute positively to the organization.

Acquiring New Skills

Besides improving your current skillset, it’s important to consider acquiring new skills. Employers appreciate candidates who are adaptable and committed to their professional development. Think about which additional skills could help you be more effective in your role or support the company’s goals.

“I am eager to learn more about data analysis tools like SQL and Python to inform and optimize our marketing strategies. I believe this will allow me to contribute more effectively to data-driven decision-making within the team and help the company achieve its larger objectives.”

“In the next five years, I plan to become an expert in Python programming and machine learning. I’m committed to taking courses and attending workshops to expand my skillset, which I believe will be an asset to your company’s tech team.”

“My goal is to develop my skills and expertise in this field, and in five years, I hope to have become an expert in my area of work and be recognized as a thought leader in the industry.”

Leadership-Focused Examples

Discussing your aspirations for a leadership role demonstrates your interest in taking on responsibility and driving teams to succeed. Emphasize your ability to guide others and create a positive work environment:

“As someone with a passion for teamwork and collaboration, I see myself in a leadership position in the next five years. I’m eager to mentor junior colleagues and help foster their professional growth, while also contributing to the overall success of the company.”

“In five years, I see myself as a senior member of this organization, having taken on more leadership responsibilities and contributing to the growth of the company.”

Career-Focused Examples

“In five years, I see myself in a mid-level management position within the marketing department. I plan on using the next few years to further develop my skills in marketing strategy and data analysis, and I truly believe this company is the perfect place to grow and achieve those goals.”

“I am excited about the opportunity to learn and grow in this role, and in five years, I hope to have taken on new challenges and responsibilities within the company.”

“I am passionate about making a positive impact in the world, and in five years, I see myself working on projects that have a tangible impact on people’s lives and the environment.”

“In five years, I hope to have built strong relationships with my colleagues and clients, and have a reputation for being a reliable and trustworthy partner in business.”

“I am committed to continuous learning and personal growth, and in five years, I hope to have completed additional training and certifications that will help me progress in my career.”

“I am excited about the potential for innovation and new technologies in this field, and in five years, I hope to have contributed to the development of new products or services that can benefit our customers.”

“In five years, I see myself in a leadership role within the company, mentoring and coaching others to help them achieve their full potential.”

“In five years, I hope to have made a significant impact in this company and have grown both professionally and personally. I see myself taking on more responsibility and leadership roles, while continuing to develop my skills and expertise in my field. Ultimately, I would like to be seen as a valuable asset to the company and contribute to its continued success.”

“In five years, I see myself having made a meaningful impact in this industry and having established myself as a thought leader and expert in my field. I am someone who is constantly looking for ways to innovate and improve, and I hope to have brought new ideas and approaches to the table that have helped move the industry forward. I also hope to have built a strong network of contacts and collaborators who share my passion for this work.”

“In five years, I see myself having built a successful and fulfilling career in this industry, while also maintaining a healthy work-life balance. I believe that it’s important to have a sense of purpose and meaning in one’s work, but also to prioritize personal relationships and hobbies outside of work. I hope to have found that balance and to be living a life that feels both rewarding and fulfilling.”

Your answer doesn’t need to be set in stone or overly specific; instead, focus on showcasing your skills, growth potential, and flexibility in the ever-evolving professional landscape.

To summarize:

• Align your goals with the company’s objectives
• Emphasize your desire for growth and development

Crafting the perfect response takes time, so give yourself an opportunity to reflect and practice before your interview.

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The physical sensations of watching a total solar eclipse

Regina G. Barber

Science writer David Baron witnesses his first total solar eclipse in Aruba, 1998. He says seeing one is "like you've left the solar system and are looking back from some other world." Paul Myers hide caption

Science writer David Baron witnesses his first total solar eclipse in Aruba, 1998. He says seeing one is "like you've left the solar system and are looking back from some other world."

David Baron can pinpoint the first time he got addicted to chasing total solar eclipses, when the moon completely covers up the sun. It was 1998 and he was on the Caribbean island of Aruba. "It changed my life. It was the most spectacular thing I'd ever seen," he says.

Baron, author of the 2017 book American Eclipse: A Nation's Epic Race to Catch the Shadow of the Moon and Win the Glory of the World , wants others to witness its majesty too. On April 8, millions of people across North America will get that chance — a total solar eclipse will appear in the sky. Baron promises it will be a surreal, otherworldly experience. "It's like you've left the solar system and are looking back from some other world."

Baron, who is a former NPR science reporter, talks to Life Kit about what to expect when viewing a total solar eclipse, including the sensations you may feel and the strange lighting effects in the sky. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Baron views the beginning of a solar eclipse with friends in Western Australia in 2023. Baron says getting to see the solar corona during a total eclipse is "the most dazzling sight in the heavens." Photographs by David Baron; Bronson Arcuri, Kara Frame, CJ Riculan/NPR; Collage by Becky Harlan/NPR hide caption

Baron views the beginning of a solar eclipse with friends in Western Australia in 2023. Baron says getting to see the solar corona during a total eclipse is "the most dazzling sight in the heavens."

What does it feel like to experience a total solar eclipse — those few precious minutes when the moon completely covers up the sun?

It is beautiful and absolutely magnificent. It comes on all of a sudden. As soon as the moon blocks the last rays of the sun, you're plunged into this weird twilight in the middle of the day. You look up and the blue sky has been torn away. On any given day, the blue sky overhead acts as a screen that keeps us from seeing what's in space. And suddenly that's gone. So you can look into the middle of the solar system and see the sun and the planets together.

Can you tell me about the sounds and the emotions you're feeling?

A total solar eclipse is so much more than something you just see with your eyes. It's something you experience with your whole body. [With the drop in sunlight], birds will be going crazy. Crickets may be chirping. If you're around other people, they're going to be screaming and crying [with all their emotions from seeing the eclipse]. The air temperature drops because the sunlight suddenly turns off. And you're immersed in the moon's shadow. It doesn't feel real.

Everything you need to know about solar eclipse glasses before April 8

In your 2017 Ted Talk , you said you felt like your eyesight was failing in the moments before totality. Can you go into that a little more?

The lighting effects are very weird. Before you get to the total eclipse, you have a progressive partial eclipse as the moon slowly covers the sun. So over the course of an hour [or so], the sunlight will be very slowly dimming. It's as if you're in a room in a house and someone is very slowly turning down the dimmer switch. For most of that time your eyes are adjusting and you don't notice it. But then there's a point at which the light's getting so dim that your eyes can't adjust, and weird things happen. Your eyes are less able to see color. It's as if the landscape is losing its color. Also there's an effect where the shadows get very strange.

Crescent-shaped shadows cast by the solar eclipse before it reaches totality appear on a board at an eclipse-viewing event in Antelope, Ore., 2017. Kara Frame and CJ Riculan/NPR hide caption

You see these crescents on the ground.

There are two things that happen. One is if you look under a tree, the spaces between leaves or branches will act as pinhole projectors. So you'll see tiny little crescents everywhere. But there's another effect. As the sun goes from this big orb in the sky to something much smaller, shadows grow sharper. As you're nearing the total eclipse, if you have the sun behind you and you look at your shadow on the ground, you might see individual hairs on your head. It's just very odd.

Some people might say that seeing the partial eclipse is just as good. They don't need to go to the path of totality.

A partial solar eclipse is a very interesting experience. If you're in an area where you see a deep partial eclipse, the sun will become a crescent like the moon. You can only look at it with eye protection. Don't look at it with the naked eye . The light can get eerie. It's fun, but it is not a thousandth as good as a total eclipse.

A total eclipse is a fundamentally different experience, because it's only when the moon completely blocks the sun that you can actually take off the eclipse glasses and look with the naked eye at the sun.

And you will see a sun you've never seen before. That bright surface is gone. What you're actually looking at is the sun's outer atmosphere, the solar corona. It's the most dazzling sight in the heavens. It's this beautiful textured thing. It looks sort of like a wreath or a crown made out of tinsel or strands of silk. It shimmers in space. The shape is constantly changing. And you will only see that if you're in the path of the total eclipse.

Shots - Health News

Watching a solar eclipse without the right filters can cause eye damage. here's why.

So looking at a partial eclipse is not the same?

It is not at all the same. Drive those few miles. Get into the path of totality.

This is really your chance to see a total eclipse. The next one isn't happening across the U.S. for another 20 years.

The next significant total solar eclipse in the United States won't be until 2045. That one will go from California to Florida and will cross my home state of Colorado. I've got it on my calendar.

The digital story was written by Malaka Gharib and edited by Sylvie Douglis and Meghan Keane. The visual editor is Beck Harlan. We'd love to hear from you. Leave us a voicemail at 202-216-9823, or email us at [email protected].

Listen to Life Kit on Apple Podcasts and Spotify , and sign up for our newsletter .

NPR will be sharing highlights here from across the NPR Network throughout the day Monday if you're unable to get out and see it in real time.

Correction April 3, 2024

In a previous audio version of this story, we made reference to an upcoming 2025 total solar eclipse. The solar eclipse in question will take place in 2045.

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