Do you know who truly knows you best? I am sure many of you will be quick to say a parent or sibling. Maybe even a best friend. However, at the end of the day, you are your own best expert in really knowing what you believe in, why you do the things you do, and why you have formed the perspectives you have. In short, if there is anyone who can truly guide you in developing your personal statement—it’s YOU!
Since college admissions officers are looking to see which students would be a good fit for their schools, they use the college essay as a way to learn something on a more personal level about each applicant.
Many times, using the ‘stream of thought’ technique can help you get started through the process of brainstorming/discovering a potential topic idea as the basis for your essay. To give you a brief explanation about what this actually means, when you write your ideas down on paper or type them up in a document, you are simply allowing yourself to write down the first things that come to mind. This means without judgment and fear—also without worrying about using correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Many times, ‘stream of thought’ writing helps unlock memories and feelings that ultimately give way to deep reflection. And the best part about this type of writing is that it is done without any type of outside influence.
So, by following these steps, you can get in touch with your inner voice and undoubtedly, what it has to say will surprise you!
Stream of Thought Activity
- Find a quiet space to let your thoughts flow without interruption whether that be in the privacy of your bedroom, in the corner of your school library, or when snuggled up in your favorite living room armchair.
- Choose your medium of choice: a blank document on your computer or a piece of paper/journal and a pen.
- Now begin writing down the first thought that comes to mind.
- From there, build on it. Think about how it makes you feel and what it reminds you of.
- From there, feel free to go on a tangent—what is another thought that pops into your mind and run with it. Is it significant to you and if so, why?
- Now keep going—no matter what comes to mind, just jot it down and see if it naturally expands. It doesn’t matter if thoughts are logical or follow a certain flow. They can be as fragmented as they want to. Reason being, let your mind guide you—without reason.
- Embrace the process—this moment is all about you just being.