Prompt: What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?
How does your talent stack up against the competition at UC? Let's see some examples
1 Tip that Matters💡🔆
The talent or skill should ideally have a tangible impact on your life goals. For example, proficiency in problem-solving could influence your choice of major, or effective communication skills have redirected your life's trajectory.
First, let's dive into how to structure this essay effectively.
Introduction:
Body Part 1: Discovery and Development
Body Part 2: Demonstration and Achievements
Conclusion: Impact and Influence
When I was eight years old, I cracked a complex puzzle my father had been struggling with for hours. That moment was a surprise for both of us, marking the beginning of my journey in problem-solving, my greatest talent.
The puzzle incident sparked my passion. In middle school, I joined math and science clubs, learning new techniques and approaches. I practiced endlessly, from solving Sudoku puzzles to tackling coding challenges. My interest in problem-solving extended beyond academics; I often found creative solutions to everyday problems, like designing a pulley system to lift heavy objects in our garage.
I demonstrated my problem-solving skills in various contexts. In eighth grade, I won the school’s math competition by solving a tie-breaking question in under a minute. Joining the robotics team in high school, I used my knack for troubleshooting to help win competitions. One notable achievement was fixing our robot’s arm during a critical match, reprogramming it on the spot for victory. I received the school's Math Excellence Award twice and was invited to the National Youth Science Camp.
My talent has shaped my personal growth, teaching me patience and perseverance. Academically, it influenced my decision to pursue a computer science major. Extracurricularly, it led to leadership roles in robotics and math clubs, where I mentor younger students. These experiences have molded me into a confident and resourceful individual.
In summary, my problem-solving journey began with a simple puzzle and has become integral to who I am. This talent has brought me satisfaction and accolades, influencing my academic and extracurricular choices. At UC, I aim to contribute by joining innovation clubs and engaging in research projects, eager to bring my skills to new challenges.
By integrating my talent into the UC community, I look forward to continued growth and making a meaningful impact.
Before the velvet curtain rose on the Rainbow Theatre's production of The Wizard of Oz, my family friend Anna tried to introduce me to Michelle and Ziyang, her cousins visiting from Taiwan.
"Amy," Anna beckoned. "Stop hiding behind your mom. Come here."
Yet, as Dorothy sang about the Yellow Brick Road and confronted the Great and Powerful Oz, I remained, like the Cowardly Lion, behind my mom, too shy to meet the eyes of Anna or her cousins.
Although unconventional, my talent, the ability to effectively communicate, is one I worked for years to develop. From a young age, I had trouble speaking to others and expressing my feelings; a social recluse, I wanted to spend time with others but feared their rejection and judgment. But following that shameful incident at the play, I resolved to overcome my fear.
I shakily began introducing myself to others; the notion of rejection terrified me, but I refused to allow my insecurities to withhold my development. Although I became more confident and social, I still had inherent problems when conflict arose. I learned to recognize my flaws and set aside certain childish tendencies, like ignoring others in anger, or refusing to listen to criticism, and learning to apologize, improved my relationships. I became more straightforward with my problems and strove to better my character.
Many consider effective communication "just talking,” but it is a skill that must be honed. One must develop certain traits, such as confidence, clarity, and empathy to effectively communicate.
After years of hesitation and isolation, my life has immensely improved. My communication skills have not only helped me socially, but also academically. During group projects, I lead others, resolve conflicts, and establish a foundation of understanding that increases our teamwork. Effectively communication prevents misunderstandings and improves efficiency.
My shyness plagued me for years, but my perseverance allowed me to overcome my fear and swallow my pride. I still constantly strive to improve my character and communication skills. Looking back at my younger self, it’s hard to believe that I used to be a kid who hid behind her parents.
Overall, the essay is okay, but it lacks evidence and substance. It does not pass the content stage of the GradGPT essay coach.
Before the curtain rose at the Rainbow Theatre for The Wizard of Oz, my family friend Anna tried to introduce me to Michelle and Ziyang, her cousins from Taiwan. "Amy," Anna called out, "Stop hiding behind your mom. Come here." Yet, as Dorothy sang about the Yellow Brick Road and faced the Great and Powerful Oz, I remained like the Cowardly Lion, clutching my mom's hand, too shy to meet Anna or her cousins.
My talent—the ability to effectively communicate—is unconventional but one I diligently developed. From a young age, expressing myself and speaking to others was a challenge. Often a social recluse, I sat alone at recess, watching other kids play while scribbling stories in my notebook. Following that awkward incident at the play, I was determined to overcome my fear.
Slowly, I started introducing myself to classmates with simple "hellos" and gradually joined group conversations. In fifth grade, I volunteered to present a group project on the solar system, pushing through my nerves to speak about planets and their orbits.
While becoming more confident and sociable, I still struggled with handling conflict. Recognizing my shortcomings, I set aside childish tendencies, learned to apologize, and became more open about my challenges.
Effective communication isn't just talking; it requires traits like confidence, clarity, and empathy. Joining the debate team in middle school forced me to think on my feet and articulate my thoughts clearly. By high school, I led discussions in English class, encouraging peers to share their interpretations of To Kill a Mockingbird and becoming more comfortable speaking up.
After years of hesitation and isolation, my life improved significantly. My communication skills not only helped socially but also academically. Leading group projects, I delegated tasks clearly, listened actively, and mediated conflicts, ensuring everyone's ideas were respected and included.
My shyness haunted me for years, but perseverance allowed me to conquer my fear. I continue to strive for personal growth, constantly working to enhance my character and communication abilities. Reflecting on my past, it's hard to believe I was once the kid who hid behind her parents.
In conclusion, follow the outline of introducing the talent or skill, describing its discovery and development, providing examples of how you applied it, and mentioning any achievements to create the first draft. Next, work upon the draft to build the essay. Next, work upon the draft to build the essay. Finally, check whether you score more than 80 and pass all 5 checks on the essay coach.
