How to Write a Standout Common App Essay on Personal Growth

The college application essay is your chance to go beyond grades and test scores to show admissions officers who you really are. One of the most popular Common App prompts invites students to reflect on a meaningful experience:

"Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others."

This prompt is an opportunity to showcase your self-awareness, resilience, and evolving perspective. Colleges want to see how you handle challenges, adapt to change, and gain insight from life experiences.

In the example essay below, you’ll see how a student successfully responds to this prompt by sharing a defining moment that led to personal growth and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. Notice how the story is structured, how emotions are conveyed, and how the student ties their experience to their future aspirations.

The Night Skiing Revelation

The air was crisp and filled with excitement as we suited up for our night skiing adventure. Standing at the top of the slope, I felt as if the world transformed into a canvas of white snow against the dark sky, lit only by twinkling stars. It was a perfect moment, but also a moment filled with uncertainty. The thrill I had imagined turned into fear, and I hesitated. In that moment, I realized that sometimes the scariest challenges can teach us things about ourselves that we did not know existed.

At first, the idea of skiing in the dark was nerve-wracking. Thoughts raced through my mind: What if I lost control? What if I crashed into my friends? Or worse, what if I could not see where I was going? With every moment I hesitated, my self-doubt grew louder. But as I looked around at my laughter-filled friends, I had a flicker of understanding: maybe the darkness was not something to fear, but a chance to find new courage within me.

When we finally pushed off together, I was swept into the night, relying on my instincts and the faint moonlight bouncing off the snow. My heart raced as I chose to trust my skills and the support I felt from the group. The laughter of my friends rang out in the dark, guiding me down the slope. With each turn, my fears began to fade. I realized that the things that had held me back, my fear of falling and the unknown, could also lead to exciting experiences and stronger connections with my friends.

The most meaningful moment of that night happened unexpectedly. One friend lost his balance and fell onto the snow in a clumsy heap. For a brief second, we all gasped in concern, but soon the air was filled with laughter. We rushed to help him up, and rather than feeling embarrassed, he laughed along with us, turning that stumble into a moment we shared. It hit me then how our bond had grown stronger through this little mishap. Facing challenges together reminded me that we all have our down moments, but it is how we rise together that truly matters.

Night skiing revealed a calm beauty that felt almost magical. As I glided under the stars, I found a quietness that allowed me to reflect on my life and worries. The stillness mirrored my thoughts, encouraging me to face my fears instead of running from them. Pausing for a moment, I looked up at the stars and realized that the biggest risks we take in life, like stepping into the unknown, can lead to our most significant personal growth. I learned that facing fears in a supportive environment is not just about adventure; it is also about making our lives richer and deepening our friendships.

As the night came to an end and we gathered around the warming fire, I felt a deep connection with my friends that had formed through our experience. I was no longer the reluctant skier unsure of my abilities; I was part of a team, ready to tackle challenges together, and discovering not just the joys of skiing but also the value of friendship and personal growth.

That night taught me that in dim moments, I could find light, not just in the stars above me, but within myself. As I look toward new chapters in my life, I carry the understanding that real growth often happens outside of our comfort zones, and embracing it can lead to wonderful connections with others. The lessons from that night of skiing will stay with me, reminding me to seek out adventures, share laughter, and cultivate strong bonds built on support and friendship.