Does anyone have examples of a strong character analysis essay for a college application?

It's smart to look for strong examples before you start writing, especially when approaching a character analysis in a college supplement. While it's less common for college essays to analyze a literary character, many—like the UC PIQs—ask you to spotlight a key aspect of your personality, which is a chance to do a 'self character analysis.'

Let’s break down an effective approach, and I’ll share a sample outline with an example.

For a prompt asking you to discuss a quality or character trait, it’s best to:
1. Name and define the trait clearly.
2. Show *where* and *how* it appears in your life—specific anecdotes are vital.
3. Reflect on how this trait has shaped you or how you’ve grown because of it.

For example, imagine someone wants to focus on adaptability. Here’s how they could structure it:

1. **Opening**: Tell a quick story or moment that required adaptability—maybe it was moving to a new city the week before sophomore year.
2. **Body**: Dive deeper into how they navigated the change. Maybe they joined the debate team to make new friends, then realized the skill to adjust quickly helped them thrive both academically and socially. Use vivid, concise storytelling.
3. **Broader Reflection**: Mention another time adaptability paid off—like stepping up as a translator for family members or troubleshooting during a group project gone wrong.
4. **Conclusion**: End with how this trait prepares them for the college experience ahead.

Here’s a short excerpt for tone:

"When my mom told me we’d be moving from Bogotá to Orange County, the excitement quickly transformed into anxiety: new school, new language, new everything. The first week, I sat alone at lunch, clinging to my tattered Spanish copy of Harry Potter. But when a classmate asked what I was reading, I took a deep breath and tried sharing the plot in halting English. Our awkward conversation became a weekly tradition—and soon, I found myself adapting not just to the language, but to everything new around me. Each challenge reminded me to stay open, flexible, and persistent."

Notice this isn't just listing the trait; it’s showing it in action, then reflecting on the impact. That’s the key: concrete examples followed by thoughtful introspection.

If you choose to write about someone else (double-check if your chosen school’s prompt allows this!), be sure to connect their trait back to your own growth: Did their resilience inspire you to handle failure differently? Did watching a sibling tackle a disability change your view of perseverance?

Ultimately, your essay should feel personal, focused on a key quality, and rich with specific moments. Read essays on university websites or reputable college essay books for more examples—look for essays that feel like stories, not just explanations. That’s the approach that often stands out!