The Feelings and Needs Exercise | College Essay Brainstorming Exercise

[@julia-zp4qr]

As an international student, this process is very much overwhelming. I've written 4 essay already-but ready to toss them out as they weren't deep enough. This exercise opened up new doorways and helped discovered parts about myself. Thank you so much!!!!

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks for sharing!

[@ddcmason]

The examples you give from your own life really illuminate what the student is looking for underneath the titles. Great job...and thank you!

[@Collegeessayguy]

Yes! That is what it's all about :) Thank you for your kindness.

[@mangotruth1414]

I'm just here to say thanks so much for this exercise. I'm now in a college that I'm more than happy to be in (sophomore), and I strongly believe that it was thanks to this exercise that I've been able to be accepted to this college (and other colleges). I'm now using this exercise + the values exercise once again to prepare for behavioral interviews!

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks so much! Happy I could help. Good luck!

[@mimimorgan4585]

Thank you so much. This exercise is not only valuable as a brainstorming exercise, but I feel as if I've sort of opened up new ways of learning and understanding myself. You're the best!!!

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks for sharing!

[@joelraj550]

An actual genius I was so tired of people giving me the same advice this is good

[@Collegeessayguy]

Glad I could help!

[@nyxbhatt7575]

Thank you so much, Mr. Ethan, for this. Just wanted you to know that you're helping students in all types of situations all over the world with your content! You're the best! Also, you seem like such a wholesome, wise and warm person to be around :') thanks again! love from India

[@Collegeessayguy]

I appreciate that!

[@JHANSI_REDDY]

I have photography mind and I remember things in the form of pictures. But i feel soo difficult to write anything may be because I remember and think that way. Your videos help me translate from photos to literature. Thank you so much.

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks for sharing!

[@captaincrunch845]

This is absolutely brilliant and wholesome. This is such a great outline for self reflection! Thank you so much!

[@Collegeessayguy]

Yes, exactly! It's all about going within and using your discoveries to share with others authentically. So glad you got something out of it. :)

[@anshikavermag]

I was struggling a lot to frame my final essay.. thankss to youuu i have a very clear picture of how I want to express myself.

[@Collegeessayguy]

You got this!

[@mayeshamalihaproma6575]

It is really thoughtful. I couldn't believe that within 10 minutes I can come up with these ideas. Thanks a lot.

[@Collegeessayguy]

You are so welcome!

[@sarvasvarora]

I wish there were more such people like Ethan sir! Love you and thanks for all your resources. I hope I get selected for the Matchlighters Scholarship :) 🤙

[@Collegeessayguy]

Best of luck to you! I am so glad that you are getting something out of my resources.

[@delainegneco7352]

Did they choose you?

[@sarvasvarora]

@@delainegneco7352 Yup they did!

[@delainegneco7352]

@@sarvasvarora awesome! And how was your experience, did you already apply to college?

[@sarvasvarora]

@@delainegneco7352 The experience was great! My matchlighter counselor rlly helped me in my CommonApp essay, refining my college list, and even framing short sentences fir ECs and awards in CommonApp. With the essay, she assisted me in brainstorming and eventually coming up with a topic. Then after several edits, we finished the essay, and I kinda liked how it came off at the end. Regarding college, yeah I already applied last year. Will be attending McGill University this fall :)

[@marissamartin7007]

Thank you so much for this I was struggling with a personal narrative and this helped so much.

[@Collegeessayguy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@umaanshmusic]

Hi, Mr. Sawyer, love what you are doing with these exercises. Just one question though, in this case, you talk about negative or positive feelings that we may have experienced in our challenges right? Then how can one experience positive feelings in a challenge?

[@Collegeessayguy]

Hi there! Yes, you'll notice on the Feelings & Needs Exercise document (drive.google.com/file/d/15wvaPhSKfHFAMHNLdkrGGYLsHxrGAUXA/view), that there are a mix of both positive and negative feelings. The feelings experienced because of a challenge are different for everyone, which is why I include both. It's OK if you're only experiencing negative feelings amidst a challenge (and vice versa). Hope this helps!

[@umaanshmusic]

@@Collegeessayguy Ohh ok. Could you pls describe a situation where one may experience positive feelings amidst a challenge?

[@whynot-ru1ld]

OMG once complete i felt like my essay is dooneeee !!! thanks a looot ! i do feel like some part of my story is cliche and one is really tabout : actually my main challenge is going to a high school i hate due to the overprotectivity of my , honestly really loving parents , i became really stronger afterwards but one of my main things that helped me get through my depression was my prayer ( islam ) ... depression and prayer , are they safe ?? and is the topic cliche , even though i'll try to involve some of my international background ? thanks a looooot !!!!!

[@Collegeessayguy]

Sounds like you can make it work!

[@edmondmeng2278]

THIS IS AWESOME. Although I am writing for prep schools, but I think this is so helpful!

[@Collegeessayguy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gauz1515]

THANK YOU ETHAN! YOU ARE AN AMAZING HELPER!!!!!!!!!!

[@Collegeessayguy]

Glad you think so!

[@KarenHernandez-gv3cd]

Hey. Your videos are very helpful. What is the best way to structure an essay in which there was not a specific turning point but a series of events that made you take action or propelled an action?

[@Collegeessayguy]

Good question. I talk about this in some of my blog posts. Check out the best ones here: www.collegeessayguy.com/college-application-hub

[@FernzRamiz]

Thank you so much. I had to do an assignment with this video and it really helped me!

[@Collegeessayguy]

Glad it helped!

[@anezkamarwa8378]

This was such a great reflective exercise to do. Thank you so much :)

[@Collegeessayguy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@pwetzl]

why are his videos like... bootleg therapy sessions bruh

[@Collegeessayguy]

LOL, thanks for watching!

[@bethdewey566]

Thank you so much. This is impactful and meaningful.

[@dipendipen8304]

Thank you for this beautiful thought... Wishes..

[@Collegeessayguy]

You're welcome! :)

[@norabui]

This is so helpful. Thank you!

[@ryandevaney118]

Ngoc Bui iii

[@Collegeessayguy]

So glad you got something out of it. Feel free to tune in again any time.

[@jameshatzopoulos9885]

This is a useful video. Thanks for the guidance!

[@Collegeessayguy]

You're so welcome!

[@JessicaMalvido]

This is really good! Thank you! :)

[@Collegeessayguy]

Glad you think so. You're so welcome :)

[@GhostBrian]

Can I write a montage essay about various things that I value the most in my life? Is it too broad or overused?

[@Collegeessayguy]

That style of topic could work! A good question to ask yourself is: "Does this topic demonstrate the skills, qualities, values, and interests I offer the school as an incoming student?" If yes, then start outlining and writing your first drafts. If no, go back to brainstorming!

[@asmamawalemayehu8315]

hey i was wondering how i could relate all your brainstorming videos into 1 essay

[@Collegeessayguy]

Great question! My free guide to the personal statement will help you apply your brainstorming content to your essay. Check it out: www.collegeessayguy.com/get-the-free-guide-to-writing-the-personal-statement-ytl

[@timchen7715]

this section is getting too personal after I'm done with it. not sure If I should write about it.

[@Collegeessayguy]

That's okay! You can do this exercise a couple times until you discover a topic that really excites you. :)

[@devonsears1041]

I want to write about my parents divorce, but I was told it is too overdone. Is this true or is there a way I could write about it successfully?

[@Collegeessayguy]

Divorce is an extremely common topic that is typically really hard to stand out with. If you're feeling very committed to this topic, try outlining it and see which values, skills, qualities, and interests you might be able to bring forth by telling this story. Otherwise, I would recommend you do some more brainstorming. Remember, your personal statement should be about you.

[@lilsmarty818]

i should be writing what i didn't do bc i did distance myself from everything

[@Collegeessayguy]

Hmm...keep going/thinking! I'm sure you did something. :)

[@FernandaTapiaComedy]

Wow this was Amazing!!! Thank you!

[@Collegeessayguy]

You're so welcome!

[@maloo538]

Why did this make me tear up

[@Collegeessayguy]

That's a good sign! :)

[@vidyab.6938]

We have the same favorite pen!

[@Collegeessayguy]

Ha! Love that. Thanks for sharing.

[@boushilahmata3805]

where can i find the pdf?

[@Collegeessayguy]

Check out the link in the description!

[@mollyrock.z]

OMG THANK YOUUUUUUU

[@Collegeessayguy]

You're welcome :)

[@dexterdeuntro2730]

Kudos!

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks for watching!

[@eurekagotami1505]

Thank youu

[@Collegeessayguy]

You're so welcome!

[@sammarjaei2802]

great exercise! super helpful, thanks!!

[@Collegeessayguy]

Glad it was helpful :)