How do you actually use 'essence objects' from College Essay Guy in a personal statement?

Great question! Using 'essence objects' can feel a bit awkward at first, but it's actually a creative way to dig into your personality and experiences for your personal statement. The main idea is not necessarily to write an essay solely about objects, but to use these objects as entry points to stories, memories, or qualities that define you.

For example, let's say one of your essence objects is an old, chipped mug. Instead of writing an essay just describing the mug, you might start with a story about morning routines with your family and how the mug represents comfort or tradition. That story could lead to a deeper reflection on how you value stability during times of change, or how you brought parts of that tradition with you when you moved homes or schools. In this way, the object becomes a springboard to something more universal and meaningful about who you are.

Some students weave in several essence objects—sometimes as a motif or through short vignettes. Others focus on one and use it as a recurring symbol. For instance, one applicant wrote about the worn-down grip on their violin as a way into talking about perseverance and the challenges of being a musician from a small town. Another used their running shoes to introduce a moment of personal growth and then connected that to their hobbies and values—it didn't have to be a cliché about sports, but something more personal, like using the time spent running to process big life changes or brainstorm creative ideas.

Feeling cheesy is totally normal, but remember, admission officers read thousands of essays, and an authentic, specific story stands out even more than perfect writing. If you feel self-conscious about the object itself, focus more on what it helped you realize or how it connects to your growth than just describing the object. Aim for moments of conflict, change, or insight—those are often more compelling than the object itself.

Try freewriting about an object with prompts like: "When I see/use this, what do I remember? What does it teach me? Has it been present in a pivotal moment?" This usually leads you past the 'cheesy' feeling and into the authentic material admission officers love.

Short version: Use essence objects as launchpads for meaningful stories. It’s normal to feel silly at first, but the emotional truth is what grabs readers—so don’t be afraid to experiment. Good luck brainstorming!