“What’s the legacy you want to leave?” (And why this question is so important in college admissions.)
"Not every writer is a social justice warrior, and not all of us feel the need to use our writing to make the world a better place. But we all have issues we care about. Problems that concern us. Things we want to change." - Karen Banes
When considering the question of what legacy you want to leave, it's not just about an individual's aspirations or accomplishments, but it's also a reflection of the impact they desire to have on the world around them. This question holds particular significance in the context of college admissions, especially for prestigious institutions like Ivy League and top colleges. These institutions are not just looking for high achieving students; they're seeking individuals who possess the qualities of unique leadership and a potential to create a lasting impact on their campuses and in their future endeavors.
In Karen Banes' article, “How To Make A Difference With Your Writing,“ she asks the question, "What's the legacy you want to leave?" A question that also resonates deeply within the college admissions process. Admission committees are seeking students who have not only left a legacy within their high schools and communities but also exhibit the potential to continue making a positive and transformative impact on a larger scale. Ivy League and top colleges aim to cultivate a diverse cohort of students who each bring a unique perspective, experiences, and ambitions to the table.
"If I’m going to put my writing out into the world, why not use it to try and make a difference, in some small way?" - Karen Banes
When students are writing their admissions essays, particularly the Common App main essay, asking themselves what legacy they want to leave can be a guiding principle. This question encourages introspection, pushing applicants to think beyond surface-level achievements and delve into the essence of their aspirations and potential impact. Crafting an essay that embodies the legacy they wish to establish helps applicants present a coherent narrative that showcases their values, passions, and vision for the future. This narrative can then leave a lasting impression on admissions officers who are looking to identify individuals with the drive and potential to create meaningful change.
In her article, Karen Banes underscores the idea that writing has the power to influence and make a difference. While not every writer needs to be a social justice warrior, the essence of the message is to find issues that resonate with you, things you want to change, and to utilize writing as a medium to communicate your perspectives and create awareness. This aligns closely with the essence of the college admissions essay. It's not just about showcasing accomplishments, but about sharing experiences, insights, and passions that reveal who you are beyond the numbers and statistics.
"You make a difference when you write with honesty and clarity about an issue that matters to you. It could be the environment, parenting, or social justice issues." - Karen Banes
Banes also emphasizes the importance of refining your message and considering the impact you want to have. This mirrors the need for clarity and purpose in college admissions essays. Admissions officers are not just interested in what you've done, but why it matters to you and how it reflects your potential to contribute to their academic community and beyond.
Moreover, Banes' encouragement to help readers and think about how you're making their world better aligns with the holistic view that admissions officers take. They seek students who will enrich the campus environment and contribute positively to the university community.
Her suggestion to pay it forward, sharing knowledge and insights you've gained, also reflects the idea of students bringing their unique experiences and perspectives to college. The college experience is not just about personal growth but also about contributing to the growth of peers and the institution.
In essence, Banes' article is a roadmap for creating impactful and meaningful writing that resonates with readers. This approach directly applies to the college admissions process, where students are essentially presenting themselves as 'writers' of their own narratives. By identifying the legacy they want to leave and articulating it effectively in their application essays, students can create an impression that aligns with the values and goals of the colleges they aspire to attend.
Key Take Aways from Karen Baren’s Article, “How To Make A Difference With Your Writing”
Not every writer needs to be a social justice warrior, but all writers have issues they care about, problems that concern them, and things they want to change.
Writing to Make a Difference: Consider the impact of your writing. If you're putting your words out into the world, why not use them to create positive change, even in small ways?
Starting with Personal Issues: To make a difference, start by writing about the issues that bother you personally. Addressing topics that resonate with you can lead to more meaningful and impactful writing.
Defining Your Legacy: Most of us desire to leave a legacy, an impact on the world. If you're pursuing a writing career, you have the opportunity to be creative, earn a living, and leave a legacy simultaneously.
Messaging and Clarity: Writing with a purpose requires understanding the message you want to convey. Before starting a piece, ask yourself what you're trying to say and why it matters. This clarity gives your writing strength and meaning.
Choosing Topics and Refining Messages: Select topics that matter to you and refine your message. Pinpoint the actions you want readers to take after reading your piece. Highlight problems and offer solutions to inspire meaningful change.
Helping Your Readers: Consider how your writing helps your readers. Whether through advice, humor, comfort, support, or information, your writing can make their lives better.
Constantly Evaluate Impact: Continuously ask yourself if your writing is helping your readers. Whether it's providing comfort, solutions, or new perspectives, your writing should create a positive impact.
Paying It Forward: As a writer, you have the power to share knowledge and insights. Every piece of information you find helpful can be passed on through your writing, making the world a more informed place.
Fiction as a Tool for Change: Fiction can be a powerful tool for addressing important issues in a non-threatening way. It allows you to explore complex topics and nuances, leading to a deeper impact.
Clarifying Messages in Fiction: Even in fiction, clarity of message is essential. Define what you want to convey and why it matters. This practice leads to more compelling and impactful storytelling.
Changing the World Through Writing: While changing the world can seem daunting, writing with a clear and thought-provoking message is a way for writers to make a meaningful impact from the comfort of their desks.
Following for More Insights: For more articles on writing and blogging, follow the author on Medium and explore their lists on these topics.
When students approach their college admissions essays, they are essentially writing their personal narratives. They're providing a glimpse into their experiences, values, and aspirations. Asking the question, "What's the legacy I want to leave?" becomes a guiding principle for creating an impactful essay. It encourages applicants to reflect on their experiences, passions, and the overarching message they wish to convey. This level of introspection results in an essay that goes beyond a mere list of achievements and dives deep into the core of who the applicant is and what they can bring to the college community.
Karen Banes' article offers invaluable insights for crafting meaningful writing that resonates with readers. Her emphasis on writing to make a difference aligns seamlessly with the ethos of college admissions essays. While not every applicant needs to be a social justice advocate, the idea of addressing issues that matter to them, sharing perspectives, and creating awareness is directly relevant. Colleges want students who are passionate about issues, regardless of their nature, and who are willing to use their voices and actions to contribute positively.
Banes' focus on refining one's message also mirrors the need for clarity in college admissions essays. Admissions officers review countless applications, and a clear, impactful message stands out amidst the sea of applications. Just as Banes advises writers to consider the impact they want to have on their readers, applicants should contemplate the impression they want to leave on the admissions committee.
"Changing the world isn’t easy, and it can seem scary. Writing and publishing stories with a clear, important, thought-provoking message is one way writers can have an impact on the world, from the comfort of their own desk." - Karen Banes
The legacy you want to leave is a reflection of your aspirations, values, and the change you hope to bring to the world. In the realm of college admissions, this concept takes on profound significance. Ivy League and top colleges are not just seeking academic excellence; they are looking for exceptional leaders who have already made a positive impact and show the potential to do so on a larger scale. Crafting an admissions essay around the legacy you want to leave ensures that your application stands out, showcasing your unique qualities and ambitions. By aligning with Karen Banes' approach of writing to make a difference, applicants can create essays that not only resonate but also demonstrate their potential to contribute meaningfully to their chosen colleges and the world beyond.
