Biggest Accomplishment?

[ladybug3]

I am just finishing the last of my application essays, but I am at a complete loss. My last question is "Describe your most substantial accomplishment and explain why you view it as such." It seems like it should be an easy question, but I have complete writer's block. Does anyone have any suggestions/advice when writing such an abstract answer?

Edited November 26, 2011 by ladybug3

[DeeLovely79]

You should take some time and just think about your life and some of the situations you've dealt with during and after college. I'm sure there is a challenge you've had to face but you were able to overcome (hint it doesn't have to academic). Having to work multiple jobs while in school, caring for a sick loved one, working on a research project that didn't seem to go anywhere. What about some of your volunteer experiences? Did you help a potential client with a seemingly unsolvable problem? It may help to go over any old notebooks, journals or e-mails so that you can remember some of things that you've accomplished over the past few years. There is something that you have done that is special and will help you demonstrate to the ad comm why they should choose you over other applicants.

[especially]

Are you having trouble identifying the accomplishment, or describing/explaining it? If the first, I'd ask a close friend / family member (or simply try to think 'in their shoes') what accomplishments you've achieved. Personally, I always under-value my successes and accomplishments, so asking someone else to identify big things you've done can be helpful.

[ladybug3]

Thanks to both of you. There were a lot of good ideas in both posts.

Are you having trouble identifying the accomplishment, or describing/explaining it? If the first, I'd ask a close friend / family member (or simply try to think 'in their shoes') what accomplishments you've achieved. Personally, I always under-value my successes and accomplishments, so asking someone else to identify big things you've done can be helpful.

I am actually having trouble with both. I have a few accomplishments in mind, namely overcoming anxiety disorders and getting an article published during my undergrad.. I have been asking people I know and they keep telling me to write about my article, however I don't see that setting me apart from anyone else and I am worried my anxiety story will either say "feel sorry for me" or ""I cannot handle the added stress of grad school" despite not meaning to say either..

[DeeLovely79]

Thanks to both of you. There were a lot of good ideas in both posts.

I am actually having trouble with both. I have a few accomplishments in mind, namely overcoming anxiety disorders and getting an article published during my undergrad.. I have been asking people I know and they keep telling me to write about my article, however I don't see that setting me apart from anyone else and I am worried my anxiety story will either say "feel sorry for me" or ""I cannot handle the added stress of grad school" despite not meaning to say either..

At first I was going to say not to mention your anxiety issues but I see that you are applying to social work programs. The faculty in your department were/are practicing clinicians and so I think the anxiety disorder may not carry the same stigma to someone without clinical experience. I actually think that the faculty will value the courage it takes to be so transparent.

I think you should discuss both accomplishments since you feel like both are equally challenging. Just make sure to frame your ability to deal with your anxiety disorder in a positive light ie focus on what the disorder has taught you and how those strategies will help you met the challenge of a graduate program. Your discussion of your research article should also underscore how this prepares you for a graduate program.