College Essay Guy
Values
Exercise
College Essay Guy
The Values Exercise
Here’s my other favorite brainstorming exercise and it’ll help you figure out the second
half of your essay in about five minutes.
To begin, pick your top 10 values from the list below.
personal development wonder trust authenticity
recognition health and fitness self-expression practicality
accountability love fun nature
inspiration close relationships rationality objectivity
music humility democracy leadership
helping others art self-control wisdom
peace responsibility balance respect
diversity safety adaptability strength
expertise wealth success flexibility
vulnerability creativity independence financial stability
global awareness knowledge variety empathy
hunger inclusion community belonging
my country curiosity patience equity
sleep gratitude challenges resourcefulness
productivity faith autonomy decisiveness
intuition communication loyalty competence
culture interdependence courage collaboration
healthy boundaries efficiency self-love spirituality
second chances stability ritual social change
listening humor purpose honesty
family truth privacy mindfulness
excitement order freedom grace
travel excellence quiet
adventure religion compassion
laughter beauty cooperation
entrepreneurship meaningful work growth
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College Essay Guy
Next, Pick your Top 5 Values.
Once you have those, pick your Top 3.
And then, yes, pick your
#
1value. Remember that you’re not losing any of the others,
you’re just picking the most important value for you today.
Don’t read ahead ‘til you’ve done that.
Really.
Finally, if you know what career you’d like to pursue--Engineering, for example--put
the first letter of that career (E) beside five values of a great Engineer. Maybe you
write an “E” next to collaboration, autonomy, and helping others, and in the blank you
write in “working with my hands.” Once that’s done, set these aside.
I’ll tell you what to do with them in a little bit.
To continue writing your college essay, click here.
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College Essay Guy
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