Essay Brainstorming Activities

(plus Activities List + Additional Info

Section)
Welcome! This document contains a few brainstorming exercises that will serve as the basis for
all of the work we’ll be doing on the Personal Statement course. You can complete all the work
directly on this document by creating an editable version by clicking above under File >Make a
copy.

Ready? Let’s begin.

The Essence Objects Exercise

Instructions: Follow the instructions on the video.

My Essence Objects List

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 The Values Exercise
Instructions: Follow the instructions in the video.

(Download a printable copy of the values list here.)

o community o challenges o self expression

o inspiration o commitment o stability
o money o leadership o art
o intellectual status o helping others o autonomy
o financial gain o influence o risk
o laughter o wit o balance
o serenity o success o self-discipline
o physical challenge o patience o courage
o responsibility o listening o family
o competition o diversity o empathy
o career o love o working alone
o fame o fast-paced work o humility
o working with others o nutrition o efficiency
o freedom o competence o intensity
o security o practicality o health and fitness
o strength o creativity o meaningful work
o self-control o excitement o my country
o hunger o collaboration o music
o personal development o social change o truth
o trust o beauty o resourcefulness
o faith o ecological awareness o respect
o involvement o quality relationships o bravery
o adventure o travel o communication
o vulnerability o decisiveness o change and variety
o adaptability o curiosity o compassion
o friendship o spirituality o nature
o excellence o loyalty o expertise
o job tranquility o honesty o order
o power o independence o privacy
o passion o supervising others o close relationships
o cooperation o recognition o religion
o affection o accountability o knowledge
o wisdom o democracy o growth
o_______________ o_______________ o_______________
o_______________ o_______________ o_______________

21 Details
Instructions: Record your answers below.

My 21 Details
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 The “Everything I Want Colleges to Know About
Me” List
Instructions: Depending on how you choose to complete the assignment, record your answers
below.

The Top 10 Things I Want Colleges To

Know About Me

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The Feelings and Needs Exercise

Instructions: Watch the Feelings and Needs Exercise. As you listen, you can complete the
exercise below OR, if you prefer, do it on a piece of paper, take a photo, and upload it below. (On
the Toolbar above, click Insert > Image)

What I
Challenges Effects Feelings Needs What I Did
Learned