How do you figure out your core values for your college essay?

Finding your core values can definitely feel tricky at first, especially because words like “honesty” and “hard work” do tend to feel generic when you just list them. But there are some specific techniques you can try that make it much easier to identify values that feel true to you—and to use them as the foundation of a unique, authentic essay.

One super helpful exercise is to look back at moments in your life when you felt something *deeply*—frustration, joy, pride, embarrassment, excitement. Try to jot down a handful of specific memories or turning points and ask yourself: What mattered to me in that moment? What was I fighting for, defending, or protecting? What made the situation so meaningful?

Another approach is to look at the choices you make when nobody’s watching. For example, did you once stand up for a friend being treated unfairly, even if it was awkward or inconvenient? Did you take a risk to try something new, or stick with an activity even when others quit? When you examine your actions rather than just your ideals, you’ll uncover values that are more genuine to who you are.

Some prompts that help:
- What makes you really angry or really happy? Why?
- When have you felt most proud of yourself?
- Tell a story about a time you failed—what did you do next?
- Who is someone you admire? What qualities in them do you value? Do you embody any of those yourself?

For example, I wanted to avoid sounding cliché when I wrote about growing up in a bilingual household. Instead of just talking about “perseverance,” I thought back to specific moments: translating for my parents at a doctor’s office, or feeling out of place at school and then realizing how this skill made me a bridge for others. The core value that emerged was empathy—helping others feel understood. I used a snapshot from one of those moments to let that value shine through in a concrete way, rather than listing it.

You can also try writing a few stories from your life, then underline the moments when you made a choice—even a small one. What does that choice reveal about what matters to you?

Ultimately, the best essays show your values not just by directly stating them, but by illustrating them in action. Start with stories and details, then reflect on what they reveal, and you’ll end up with an essay that’s personal and real.