Does anyone have advice for writing the JFK Profile in Courage essay for college applications?

Connecting the JFK Profile in Courage essay to your college applications can be a really smart move, but it’s also tough to strike a balance between a well-researched profile and making your essay personally meaningful. For the contest (and similar college supplements), they’re usually looking for you to analyze an act of political courage by an elected official, and you can definitely connect this to your own growth if you choose the right figure or moment.

One thing that helps is picking someone whose story resonates directly with challenges or values you’ve encountered in your own life. For instance, instead of picking someone very well-known like Abraham Lincoln, you might feature a lesser-known figure in local or recent history. This gives you space to dive into specific acts of courage and analyze them in a way that stands out.

After you’ve written about the leader’s story, devote a strong section of your essay to reflection. This could be: how did learning about this person inspire you to act differently, to take a stand, or to view courage in a more nuanced way? For example, if you wrote about Barbara Jordan’s role in the Nixon impeachment hearings, you might relate how her integrity under pressure inspired you to speak up when you noticed unfair behavior in your school’s student council. The key is to keep the connection specific—avoid saying ‘this taught me to be brave’ and instead describe a moment when you faced something tough, and how the leader’s example pushed you.

Something I wish I’d known is that contest judges and admissions readers appreciate nuanced, honest engagement over ‘big hero’ narratives. It’s okay to mention your doubts, struggles, or even fear when confronting a moment that required courage. Reflecting on a gray area—not just right vs. wrong outcomes—can make your essay more authentic and less generic.

Also, don’t be afraid to use vivid details from both the historical story and your own experience. For example, if you describe a city councilwoman speaking to a hostile crowd, paint that scene and then shift to your own experience with a similar emotional landscape, even if the stakes are different.

Finally, read a few of the winning essays published on the contest’s official site. Notice how the best ones tell a story, focus on character, and draw real parallels with the author’s life and values.

Let your passion for the story—and your own story—shine through.