How can I approach the Princeton essay prompts using advice from College Essay Guy?

Here’s how you can apply College Essay Guy’s strategies directly to the Princeton supplemental prompts, especially the "In Service of Humanity" one:

1. "Find Your Core Values": College Essay Guy stresses that strong essays are anchored in what matters most to you personally. Start by making a list of your top 3-5 core values—these might be things like empathy, curiosity, justice, creativity, or resilience. Don't just focus on universally 'good' values; think about what actually drives your choices and actions.

2. Make it Personal Before Academic: Princeton’s "In Service of Humanity" prompt is broad on purpose because they want to glimpse how you live out values in daily life. Instead of turning directly to your desire to do research or your intended major, begin with a specific personal anecdote that shows you acting out your values in real life. For example, maybe you organized a community mural to protest hate in your neighborhood—what did that experience teach you about serving others or standing up for something bigger than yourself?

3. Connect to Princeton, but Don’t Lead With It: Once you’ve rooted your story in something personal, connect the dots to Princeton near the end. Show how your understanding of service relates to clubs, classes, or initiatives unique to Princeton. Example: If you care about access to mental health, note how you want to join the Princeton Student Health Advisory Board to continue advocating for others.

4. Let Personality Shine: College Essay Guy’s advice isn’t just about values, but also about voice. Use details—dialogue, humor, quirky observations—to make your story lively. If you’re funny in conversation, let a light joke sneak in. A highly personal story (even if small-scale) will stand out more than a grand but generic one.

Practical breakdown: For "In Service of Humanity," start with a brief, vivid story from your life where you actually served or helped others. Unpack what you learned (your values) and why it mattered. Then, show how you’ll bring that same commitment to Princeton, referencing specifics. For instance, "My time leading tech tutoring at the library showed me that small kindnesses fuel big change. At Princeton, I want to bring that energy to the SVC Tutoring Program."

If you get stuck, try College Essay Guy’s "Values Exercise" (https://www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/values-exercise). Choose an experience that’s truly yours—even if seemingly unremarkable, like helping a neighbor—then dig into why you made those choices, and how that reflects your ideals.

Count every small step toward helping as evidence—big impact isn’t required. It’s the authenticity of your story that Princeton wants.

To summarize: Start with your core values (use the exercise), tell a specific personal story illustrating those, reflect on growth, then connect specifically to Princeton’s offerings—and you’ll answer their prompt while standing out!