taking risks college essay

Taking Risks Conception Essay

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It is a well-known fact that taking risks can result in two things: success of failure. Some people say that taking risks brings to new very important findings, for example, in sports or science; others argue that taking risks can cause failure or even death, for example in finance or everyday life.

Some say that taking risks is inherent in people, and other people claim it contradicts instinct of self-preservation. To my mind, taking risks is a bit of all mentioned above, but there is no doubt that for each person taking risks is not the same.

I think that taking risks is an important and inevitable part of our lives; we all take risks, major or minor. I agree that if people want to succeed and achieve more they have to risk, at least, from time to time, or as Schwalbe puts it – to try something new (Schwalbe). I assume that all the athletes take risks to establish their records; they are likely to “40-30-30 Rule”, where 30 is the degree of the risk (Schwalbe).

This risk rule really works in sport and science, since all the experiments are a kind of risk; scientists take risks and get their results. To my mind, Schwalbe is right pointing out that the most of people regret on what they haven’t done rather on that they did. So in terms of getting rid of one’s regret a person needs to follow own instincts.

Nevertheless, it is necessary to admit that sometimes taking risk may cause very negative results; therefore it is necessary to be reasonable. I am impressed with the example provided by Ropeik about the woman who was afraid to fly because of terrorist (Dreifus). This woman decided to drive several states, and she died in a car crash.

In this case the woman should have think about the degree and possibility of risk in cars and planes. Regarding the fact that planes are the safest means of travelling, and the fact that possibility of terroristic act repeating wasn’t big, this woman should have gone by plane. This proves that there are some cases where thoughtful reasoning is needed.

Here I should stress that thoughtfulness is necessary in medicine where people’s lives are concerned. Doctors should carefully consider all the consequences and then make decisions. Doctors are not the only people who should be concerned about health; people should mind their health themselves. Every risk here should be thought over thousands of times to make no harm to oneself or somebody else.

At this point I would like to return to my statement that each person has his/her notion of risk. Someone may think that it is very risky to ride a bicycle, someone may be afraid to take a risk and visit another country or even unfamiliar place. I am sure that a person who goes in for extreme sports, may be very conservative in food and will never “take a risk” to taste some exotic dainty (here I don’t some religious or health restrictions, of course).

To my mind these humble risks can be taken, and there is something that can inspire people to take such kind a risk, this is an example of other person. For instance, in case with food, a person can see that other people taste that, so he/she can also try it; this person tries and, of course, starts trying to find those stupid reasons preventing from such pleasant experience. After this, I am sure, the person will continue taking such kind of risks.

As for me, I can’t say that I risk all the time. I can’t even provide any example of my big risk; I suppose my risks are still in future. I know that I am not afraid to take risk; at least I haven’t met some difficult situation when I was to risk.

Here I’d like to mention my friend, who is afraid of speaking. I can’t say she doesn’t talk at all, but she is not a public speaker, and she will never speak on something she is not sure about, and if she is asked something she doesn’t know thoroughly she just keeps mum. My friend is afraid of making mistake.

To my mind this is not right, for everyone knows if we don’t make mistakes will never learn. In this connection I would like to cite Carrol admitting that “failure is a good thing” (Carroll). Though, I wouldn’t agree that “success is boring” (Carroll). I’d rather admit that people should try to improve even successful things. A good example of this is Carrol’s daughter who seeks for the further development (Carroll).

To my mind, taking risks is essential for the whole humanity. It is impossible to imagine where we could be now if our ancestors didn’t risk to tame fire. All these great and little risks lead people to new discoveries, new opportunities. I think people should take risks and start something new; they can’t just sit and talk about achievement of others, they should take a chance and risk, leaving one’s fear behind, without being afraid of failure, because failure will only show the right way to go and succeed.

Works Cited

Carroll, J. “Failure Is A Good Thing.” NPR. 2006.

Dreifus, C. “A Conversation With/David Ropeik; The Fear Factor Meets Its Match.” The New York Times . 2002.

Schwalbe, M. The 40-30-30 Rule: Why Risk Is Worth It . The 99 percent Web.

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The art of taking risks

When I went back into the classroom at Washington University a few years ago after 25 years away from teaching, I could see right away that admissions standards and student quality had elevated since I was last a teacher or student there. I saw that new strategies and techniques were needed to be an effective teacher. I found myself teaching College Writing, the foundation writing course, to students who mostly have a firm foundation in writing the basic college essay forms. What they needed, I realized, was to try new forms, to try new things they don’t know how to do and that they would not be able to do as well as they write conventional essays. They needed to risk failure. They needed to take risks.

I have been finding ways to incentivize taking risks in my teaching, which means, in a competitive academic environment, finding ways to base grades, in part, on taking risks. I also force myself to model taking risks by trying new things as a teacher and telling them this is a new thing, so it might not go as well as my tried and true strategies. I risk failure before them. I take risks.

Last semester, I had a student who plays rock drums. For his culminating research essay, he chose to write about the seminal rock band the Yardbirds. To earn the point for taking risks on this assignment, he decided to record himself playing four pivotal Yardbird songs that he writes about in the essay, playing not only drums, his proven instrument, but also guitar, which he was just learning how to play. I approved.

When you take risks, you encounter new obstacles. Matthew reported that he was having difficulty reserving a space on campus - COVID made this more challenging than ever - to set up and record his drums. I told him (imagine geezer voice here) that when I was his age, we broke into the then-new business school and rehearsed in one of their nice lecture halls. But then, we were a full rock band, not one lonely drummer learning guitar, we had never even imagined a pandemic, and a college professor should probably not suggest that one of his students commit a crime to complete an assignment. Instead, I decided to take a risk of my own.

Matthew, the drummer, was a transfer student starting at Washington University after completing two years at community college in San Jose. So, he was a junior in a classroom of freshman - and someone savvy enough to set himself up to get a degree from Washington University at roughly half the price. I decided to ask my musical partner David Melson - we have been making music together since we were Matthew’s age, more than half of our lives ago - if he would record Matthew in his home studio. That was a bit of a risk, inviting a student into the home of a friend who is not affiliated with the university, and it was equally a risk for Matthew to accept. We all went for it.

I wanted to be there - it was my idea, and I was the connection between them - but research essay drafts were due the night before the session, and Matthew did not perform up to his potential on that draft. I could not get with being the tough guy coach in my critique that night and the fun guy teacher at the session the next day, so I asked Dave if he would proceed without me. He said sure. (This, as you will see, would become a pattern.) Their session went well (with Dave joining Matthew on bass, another future pattern), Matthew's risk paid off, his research essay rewrite was strong, and he earned an A in my class.

Dave and I drive down to Nashville at least once a year to record new songs with our lifelong musical partner (he was there for those business school break-ins) Elijah "Lij" Shaw at his studio, the Toy Box. The drummer in our musical partnership, Matt Fuller, lives in Los Angeles and can't make most of these sessions, so we usually use one of the young musicians who have interned at the Toy Box and jump at the chance to develop their relationship with Lij. But now, I had an idea.

I asked Dave what he thought of Matthew's drumming and attitude, based on their Yardbirds session in his basement, and Dave said that Matthew was perfectly fine. Did I think he could hold up at one of our Toy Box sessions? Dave said he didn't see why not.

It would be a risk to ask a former student - as in, a student in my class the exact previous semester - to hop in a car with me and one of my oldest friends and drive to Nashville for a recording session. Matthew would spend a long weekend with his former professor and two of the professor's friends who speak in psychic shorthand and complete each other's sentences. We share decades-old inside jokes by quoting fragments of the punch lines. We have been doing this for longer than Matthew has been alive. We also drink a lot - sometimes, a scary lot - of beer during these sessions. There was no guarantee the kid would even enjoy playing our songs, and the weakest performer in the project is his former professor, me, the front man in the traveling rock band who could never really sing and was now just a weak lead singer in a studio project that didn't even gig or tour.

I took the risk. After all, I need to model what I teach, practice what I preach. I invited Matthew - and told my current students that I was doing this. I invited Matthew to our next session in Nashville. He took the risk. He accepted the offer. 

Leading up to the session, I checked in with Matthew a few times, giving him an opportunity to get cold feet or confess that his semester (now, the first semester of his senior year) was overwhelming him. I'm good, he kept assuring me. I'm good to go.

As we got right up on the session (Halloween weekend), I suddenly realized that I was the one who was going to have to bail, due to pressing personal and professional issues that needed my immediate attention. Unusually for one of our sessions, the show could go on without me - Lij and Dave have been doing a lot of songwriting without me, other than my words or poetic texts that I selected for a project. With my encouragement, they both have been writing and singing more lead vocals. They wanted the show to go on, so I asked Matthew, which was another risk for both me to ask and for him to accept - did my former student want to go on this musical interstate journey with me and my friends even after I dropped out? We took the risk. They went to Nashville without me.

Dave and Matthew just got back from Nashville late last night, and I have not talked to anyone about how it went, how it really went, on a human level, awkward moments and all. The only inkling of awkward I have heard is that Matthew, it turns out, is a morning person, whereas our sessions tend to go from noon to question mark. The Saturday session, for example, wrapped up at 5 am Sunday for Dave and Lij, whereas Matthew crashed at 2 am. I assume he used his mornings to do school work. I hope to hear more about the human side of the session eventually.

As for the music, the risk really paid off for our project. "The kid from San Jose is fitting right in!" was my first message to the guys, as I listened to a live feed of the session in St. Louis. "Great parts and feel, Matthew." I elaborated in a voice memo, saying that Matthew plays drums with the instinct of a songwriter, always feeling the form and punctuating the changes. As rough mixes began to roll in, I heard something very different in the performance. People who like our music tend to forgive a little looseness in the playing in exchange for spontaneity and feeling, but I was hearing a tighter performance with no loss of spontaneity or feeling. It was really exciting. I heard it especially in the rhythm section: Matthew and Dave.

"Dave always plays uber-melodic bass because he can but also to compensate for some wobble," I texted the group. "Take away the wobble and Dave hammers the pocket, being more selective and effective in his melodic departures. It's legitimately new and better."

Take risks - it's how you arrive at work that is legitimately new and better.

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Essay Samples on Risk Taking

Risk-taking is a fundamental aspect of human nature. It’s an inherent part of progress, innovation, and achievement. By pushing the boundaries of what is known and venturing into uncharted territories, individuals have propelled themselves and society forward. Taking risks involves a willingness to confront uncertainty, face challenges, and overcome obstacles. It requires resilience, adaptability, and a belief in one’s own abilities.

Writing a College Essay About Taking Risks

A college essay about taking risks provides a unique opportunity to delve into the multidimensional nature of risk-taking. In your essay you can:

• explore different types of risks, such as intellectual, emotional, physical, or social risks.
• examine the motivations behind risk-taking and the potential rewards and consequences that accompany it.
• discuss how risk-taking can lead to personal growth, expanded horizons, and the development of essential life skills such as decision-making, problem-solving, and resilience.
• explore the challenges individuals face in assessing risks, weighing potential outcomes, and making informed decisions
• analyze the role of risk-taking in entrepreneurship, scientific breakthroughs, artistic endeavors, and personal relationships.

To craft an exceptional essay on “Risk Taking,” begin by reflecting on your own journey. Recall moments when you dared to challenge the status quo, overcome fears, and make bold choices. Share anecdotes that highlight your resilience, determination, and ability to embrace uncertainty. Consider the lessons you learned along the way and how they shaped your character and worldview.

To enhance the depth of your taking risks essay, include relevant research findings, expert opinions, and statistical data. Support your arguments with credible sources and demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the topic.

Conclude your essay with a thought-provoking summary that leaves readers inspired to embrace risk-taking and embark on their own transformative journeys. Encourage them to consider the balance between calculated risks and reckless behavior, emphasizing the importance of learning from both successes and failures.

Definition Of Heroism As A Self Deserving Act

Heroism as an expression of self-actualization and pinnacle social state is of fundamental interest to humanistic psychology and the field more broadly. The dynamic of having influential forces within human societal structures is a rather appealing notion for the general masses due to the fact...

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The Role of Technical Workers in Theatre Industry

“There’s no real theatre without taking risks” A quote by Haris Pasovic. One should always challenge yourself and not limit yourself. The theatre is a vast space for all your ideas and imagination to come reality. One should always believe that they can bring an...

The Book Report - The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine

The book I chose to read for my report was The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine by Michael Lewis. I was nine years old when the market crashed in 2008 and wasn’t fully aware of the impact that it had on the United States...

• The Big Short

Risk Taking of Commercial and Retail Bank

Introduction Without taking the risk, banks, the important financial institution, cannot be in running order (Matthews & Thompson, 2014). In business term, bank is defined as an institution authorized by a government which provide financial services, for example, accepting deposits, paying interest, making loans, etc.,...

Influences of Risk Taking Behaviors During Adolescence

The fact is, risk taking behaviors increase during adolescence, but the reason behind this behavioral change is still up for debate. There is speculation that risk taking behavior is a result of hormonal changes during puberty, and the brain’s socio emotional system seeks to increase...

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Effect of Terrorism on Risk Taking and Investment Decision

Abstract: This article focuses on fear of terrorism as one important factors effecting risk taking and investment decision in today’s economy. We argue that external security threats can undermine incumbent target governments by exposing foreign policy failures and damaging society’s general well-being. Identifying who is...

Outcomes Of Locus Of Control Among Drug Abusers: Role Of Perceived Social Support

Present study observed the diminishing effect of perceived social support between locus of control, self-efficacy and relapse among drug abuser. Data was collected from 250 drug addicted from Sargodha through Drug related locus of control, multidimensional scale of perceived social support, and advance warning of...

Risk Factors Of Stress In The Workplace

The major factors of job stress are job design, work tasks, work roles and interpersonal relationships. A systematic program of research on the health consequences of stressful life events was initiated by Holmes and Rahe, who developed a standardized, paper-and-pencil inventory of life experiences, the...

The Health Risk Factors Of Lack Of Proper And Regular Fuel Availability

People under the poverty line are mostly energy poor too. It is estimated that approximately two thirds of these are women, quite a few of whom live in female-headed rural households. It is essential to keep in mind that men and women have different energy...

Best topics on Risk Taking

1. Definition Of Heroism As A Self Deserving Act

2. The Role of Technical Workers in Theatre Industry

3. The Book Report – The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine

4. Risk Taking of Commercial and Retail Bank

5. Influences of Risk Taking Behaviors During Adolescence

6. Effect of Terrorism on Risk Taking and Investment Decision

7. Outcomes Of Locus Of Control Among Drug Abusers: Role Of Perceived Social Support

8. Risk Factors Of Stress In The Workplace

9. The Health Risk Factors Of Lack Of Proper And Regular Fuel Availability

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College Essays: Taking the Risk

For seniors, college could not come any sooner. There is only one thing standing in our way, and that’s the college essay. If you plan on applying to a university within the next year, you should be writing a college essay. Most of the universities out there want to not only see how you write, but they also want to know something interesting about you.

The truth is, when I say interesting, I mean interesting. Colleges are used to reading the same exact essays about the same old basic things over and over again. Write about something that actually speaks to you, and has significance in your life. Do you really think that writing about breaking your collar bone at gymnastics camp when you were eleven is really worth writing about? Or that one time on your eighth birthday when you got a gold fish that died the next day? The stories that lack inspiration are not worth writing an entire essay about. The basic stories that have little symbolic meaning are not the ones you want to be writing an essay that could make you or break you.

The best stories to write about are the ones that have always meant something to you. If something has been with you for your whole life, chances are it is something that is unique about you and something that the admissions counselors will find rather interesting. If something you want to write about occurred when you were very young, chances are it’s not going to be as descriptive compared to a more recent or ongoing experience in your life.

Brainstorming a topic to write about can be easy for some, and much harder for others. In order to do well on this essay, you cannot rush through it. Also, if you are stuck between a few ideas, write more than one essay. Your English teachers are more than willing to help out with ideas and get you on the right track to writing the perfect essay, so go talk to them. Preparing for college is pretty much a whole other class, because it requires so much thought and time.

What you write about is completely up to you, which can be an advantage, but also difficult at the same time. If you pick the wrong topic, it could hinder your chances on getting into the school of your dreams. In order to take the big risk, you need to be vulnerable. Taking the risk means channeling your inner writer and putting the creative you in the form of an essay. There really is no downside of taking a risk and writing about something different. So why not do it?

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Risk Taking Essay Examples

The importance of writing an essay on risk taking.

Writing an essay on risk taking is important because it helps individuals understand the significance of taking risks in various aspects of life. Whether it is in personal relationships, career choices, or business ventures, taking risks is a crucial part of growth and success. By exploring this topic through writing, individuals can gain valuable insights into the benefits and potential consequences of risk taking.

When writing an essay on risk taking, it is important to consider the following tips:

• Define the Concept: Start by defining what risk taking means and its significance in different contexts. This will provide a clear understanding of the topic for the readers.
• Provide Examples: Incorporate real-life examples of individuals or companies who have taken risks and the outcomes they experienced. This can help illustrate the impact of risk taking.
• Discuss the Benefits and Drawbacks: Analyze the potential benefits and drawbacks of taking risks. This will provide a balanced perspective on the topic.
• Offer Personal Insights: Share personal experiences or insights on risk taking to make the essay more relatable and engaging for the readers.
• Emphasize the Importance of Calculated Risks: Highlight the importance of making informed and calculated decisions when taking risks, rather than acting impulsively.
• Conclude with Key Takeaways: Summarize the key points and lessons learned from the essay, leaving the readers with valuable insights to ponder.

Overall, writing an essay on risk taking can provide a platform for individuals to explore and understand the significance of taking risks in life. It can also serve as a tool for personal reflection and growth, allowing individuals to assess their own approach to risk taking and make informed decisions in the future.

• The psychological impact of risk-taking on individuals

Risk-taking is a behavior that involves engaging in activities with uncertain outcomes, often with the potential for both positive and negative consequences. It is a fundamental aspect of human nature, and individuals engage in risk-taking behavior for a variety of reasons. Some people may seek out risky activities as a way to experience excitement and adrenaline, while others may take risks in pursuit of personal or professional goals.

The psychological impact of risk-taking can be complex and multifaceted. For some individuals, engaging in risky behavior can lead to feelings of exhilaration and a sense of accomplishment. However, for others, it can result in feelings of anxiety, fear, and regret. Additionally, risk-taking behavior can also have long-term consequences for an individual's mental health and well-being.

• One potential topic for an essay on risk-taking could explore the psychological factors that drive individuals to engage in risky behavior. This could include an examination of the role of personality traits, such as sensation-seeking and impulsivity, in influencing an individual's propensity for risk-taking. Additionally, the essay could also delve into the impact of environmental factors, such as peer influence and societal norms, on an individual's willingness to take risks.
• Another potential topic for an essay on risk-taking could focus on the relationship between risk-taking behavior and mental health. This could involve an exploration of the ways in which risk-taking can both positively and negatively impact an individual's psychological well-being. For example, the essay could examine how risk-taking behavior can provide a sense of excitement and fulfillment, but also lead to feelings of stress and anxiety.
• Furthermore, an essay on risk-taking could also explore the potential long-term consequences of engaging in risky behavior. This could include an analysis of the ways in which repeated exposure to risk-taking activities can desensitize individuals to potential dangers, leading to a greater likelihood of engaging in even riskier behavior in the future. Additionally, the essay could also examine the ways in which risk-taking can contribute to the development of mental health issues, such as addiction and substance abuse.

The psychological impact of risk-taking on individuals is a complex and multifaceted topic that can be explored in a variety of ways. By examining the factors that drive individuals to engage in risky behavior, the relationship between risk-taking and mental health, and the long-term consequences of risk-taking, it is possible to gain a deeper understanding of the psychological implications of this fundamental aspect of human nature.

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Risk Taking In College Application Essays: What (and NOT) To Do

May 03, 2024 :: Admissionado Team

When it comes to writing your college application essays, playing it safe can make you seem less appealing, boring, and well, just plain forgettable in the eyes of the admissions committees (we call them adcoms). Who wants that? So then… you want to take risks in your writing, eh? Excellent. You’re on your way. But beware… there are bad risks as well as good ones, and you’re going to want to avoid them.

Writing Risks To Take 

GOOD RISK. Ah, magnificent, irreplaceable. Yes, good risk can elevate an essay to marvelous, memorable heights, and it comes in a few flavors—which aren’t mutually exclusive, mind you. Let’s explore your options.

1. Be Truthful About Who You Are, The Way You Feel, And Why

The first and best kind of good risk is emotional honesty. Many applicants are afraid to reveal their true sentiments for fear of being judged or seen as overly sensitive, weak, or even unstable. However, it’s so refreshing in an application essay to hear how someone really feels. We’re emotional beings, and one of the easiest ways to relate to another person (i.e. an admissions officer) is to share your feelings. Instead of describing the dry narrative of an achievement, tell us how you reacted emotionally. Baring just a little bit of your soul can go a long way.

2. Show Your Vulnerability, It Makes You Human

The second type of good risk goes hand in hand with emotional honesty: showing vulnerability. You can’t help but do this when being emotionally honest (you’re giving access to your innermost feelings, after all), but it goes deeper than that. Showing vulnerability is a way of humbling yourself, of saying, “Hey, I’m not perfect… I’ve got my flaws.” The important thing to remember is that you must always follow up with a positive glimpse into the future (i.e. talk about how you’re going to improve and address/conquer these shortcomings). Self-deprecation is good, but it’s most effective when paired with an earnest resolution for improvement.

3. Give Fresh Perspective On Something Common

Finally, good risk can mean presenting a seemingly bland topic from an unexpected angle. Many applicants write about their relationships with parents or older siblings—how they look up to them, are inspired by their example, etc. This is common, so if you’re going to write about it, you need a fresh perspective. I can’t tell you exactly what this fresh perspective is, because it needs to come from inside you. In other words, you’re the only person on Earth who is able to tell your narrative in a personal way.

For illustration, I’ll provide you with an example, straight from the mind of our brilliant senior consultant Cleo Handler. In her application essay, Cleo picked a common topic—her love of the Harry Potter series—and dealt with it in an unexpected way. Instead of gushing about the books or characters themselves, Cleo spoke about how her admiration of the series helped provide her with something more intangible: a feeling of interconnectedness with her generation.

In her essay, she described the collective atmosphere of waiting together with others for each book’s new release—everyone bundled up in the cold, chatting with excitement, sharing hot chocolate—as well as the companionship she felt later on while discussing the varied reactions to the novels. Ultimately, Cleo converted well-worn territory into fertile ground with her fresh perspective, allowing her to craft a unique, winning application essay.

Writing Risks To Avoid

Here’s a commonly held view: “The Admissions Committees (adcom) at the colleges I’m applying to want to see a certain type of writing in the application essays students submit.” Thousands of college applicants spend countless hours trying to crack this code, trying to figure out what they THINK adcoms want to read in order to craft essays that fit into this apparent mold. The truth is… this couldn’t be a more inaccurate approach. When you’re writing an essay to fit some imagined norms, you’re committing the cardinal sin of bad writing: which is… playing it safe. Here are things you want to avoid:

1. Being Clever for Cleverness’ Sake  

If you’re just writing an essay to showcase your ingenuity and talent for wordplay without truly saying anything about yourself, you’re in trouble. The guy who wrote his essay from the perspective of a goldfish was clever (“As far as I know, the world is only as big as the bowl that contains me!”), but he wasn’t giving any real insight into his own character.

2. Writing For Pure Shock Value 

This includes going into unnecessary graphic detail (“I severed my thumb, and here’s what it looked like!”), being argumentative (“listen to this extremely controversial political viewpoint!”), and delving into your personal, erm, carnal experiences. The latter is actually quite common, since many teenagers are under the misapprehension that AdComs would totally love to hear about their hedonistic escapades.

3. Being Dishonest

Sure, you spent hours preparing for your debate championship only to come in 7 th place, so can’t you just say you came in 1 st , y’know, for the dramatic arc of your essay? You can… if you want to get your application tossed in the trash. AdComs are bloodhounds when it comes to sniffing out even the smallest of lies. Truth is, honest writing has an intangible and wonderful quality , one that can never be imitated by half-truths or flat-out fibbery. So do yourself a huge favor: don’t even consider lying in your essays—not even a little.

Still want to know more? Listen to Raj’s (co-founder and CEO) perspective on taking risks when writing application essays. He talks about two forces at play in many student’s heads while writing.

• The desire of a student to truly express themselves in a particular way.
• A “vapor of nervousness that enshrouds the entire process of not making mistakes, not stepping into danger territory.

Force #1 often gets overpowered by force #2. Where do students go from there? Listen in.

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Taking Risks Essay | Is Taking Risks Good Or Bad?, An Essay On Risk  

January 10, 2022 by Prasanna

Taking Risks Essay: People often fear risks, especially when it comes to things like finances, relationships and career choices. Moreover, studies have shown that people are more likely to be worried about risks in the future than they are excited about opportunities. This is because it is difficult for humans to think in probabilities and statistics, so we tend to overestimate how bad things could potentially happen. However, taking risks can actually be a good thing, provided you do your research and weigh the alternatives carefully. Furthermore, you will need to find your risk threshold and you’ll be able to make decisions easily.

You can also find more  Essay Writing  articles on events, persons, sports, technology and many more

What Is A Risk?

Risk is the probability of an (unpleasant) event happening and the severity of the result if it does happen. To elaborate, the word “risk” can be defined as any situation or factor that might lead to loss or injury. Some people have a negative view of risks and see them as things that will lead to loss, injuries, death and destruction, while others are more accepting of risks and see them as opportunities to learn new things. In most cases though, risks can be unsettling, and the outcomes depend on the circumstances

Who Are The Beneficiaries Of Taking Risks?

For many people, taking risks can be a rewarding experience. For others, taking risks can be dangerous and hazardous. In any case, the benefits of taking risks are often debatable because the possible consequences of them are not always certain and depend on the individual in question. If a risk taken leads to an outcome that someone else is happy with, then it’s considered good. But if the risk leads to an outcome that someone else isn’t happy with, it becomes a risk that isn’t worth taking and people will view you as having poor judgment. This causes fear of risk. Fear of risk in people’s lives can be attributed to many things but the two main causes are a lack of understanding or a lack of confidence. People who have a hard time understanding the potential outcomes of a risky decision will naturally be more hesitant to take the risk. People with low self-esteem may also be hesitant to take risks because risk can often lead to failure, which would lead people with low self-esteem to fail as well.

Interestingly, research has shown that when people are given information on probabilities and statistics, they tend to become less fearful of risks: In a study conducted by behavioral scientists, participants were informed on the risks of ATVs and their safety features as well as the probability of an accident happening. They found that when people were given information on probabilities and statistics, they tended to become less fearful of risks. In other words, statistics and probability are a necessary part of any risk assessment even if they are difficult to comprehend. Fear often comes from not being able to grasp the probability of a risk happening, so if we can help people understand these concepts better, they will be more comfortable with risks.

Is Taking Risks Good Or Bad?

Sometimes, it is better to take risks after carefully analyzing situations. For example, if you put your savings into the stock market and the market crashes, you lose money. But if you invest in the stock market and the market is currently down, then you might make some profit. The keyword to understand here is “calculated risk” – everything that we do has some risks, but thoroughly analyzing and then acting accordingly minimizes the amount of risk.  We also see some risks where it is necessary to take risks. If a company is not performing well, the owners will lose money.

Benefits Of Taking Risks

Risks come in all shapes and sizes and we often face decisions about whether we should take the risk or not. It’s difficult to predict what will happen and so it can be hard to work out what the likely benefits of taking a certain type of risk might be. The best way to understand the potential benefits of a risk is to look at historical examples. But even then, there might be many factors that can significantly affect the outcome of a decision.

There are a few benefits to risk-taking. First, there is a higher chance of succeeding if you take a risk. Second, taking risks can make your life more exciting and less stagnant. Third, risk-taking can lead to happiness. These are just a few examples of the benefits of taking risks in life. However, the benefits of risk-taking are not always obvious. Some people believe that the lack of proper planning increases the chances for failure. Others argue that taking risks is essential in order to find success because it forces you to be innovative and to think outside the box. Risk-taking is a result of multiple factors such as personality, cognitive ability, and temperament.

Generally, a person who is willing to take risks is often more successful, and even if they are not, they can learn from their failures. Regardless, taking a risk can be very hard because you never know what is going to happen. Some people might say that failure will make you stronger and teach you greater humility, while others might believe that this idea is a myth. A person might decide to take a risk for a huge reward, or they might decide to take a different path that they are comfortable with in order to avoid the possibility of failure. In other words, it is important for someone who wants to take a risk to think about the potential consequences before doing so.

The benefits of taking risks in business: The benefits of taking risks in business are limitless. Taking risks in business allows entrepreneurs to explore new and untested avenues with the potential for huge gains. It also encourages innovation, spurs creativity, and cultivates a sense of adventure in employees that can be infectious within an organization. A willingness to take risks shows that you’re not afraid of failure and that you have confidence in your abilities. A willingness to take risks is a sign of confidence in your abilities to succeed and failure is often a matter of perception. As long as you’re prepared to take risks, you’re taking the first step towards capitalizing on opportunities that will benefit your company.

The benefits of risk taking for personal development: Taking risks is one of the best ways to develop your skills. Not only are you learning how to handle different challenges, but you also learn more about your ability to adapt. In other words, taking risks can be terrifying, but it’s one of the best ways to sharpen your skills. It’s not about being risk-free, it’s about taking calculated risks that are within your comfort zone. These risks can give you the opportunity to learn new skills and get valuable experience that will help you in the future.

Conclusion on Taking Risks Essay

Risk-taking is an important part of any endeavor. You can’t succeed without taking risks. Moreover, taking risks is an important aspect of life. Risk-taking pushes us to achieve things we never thought we could do and it makes the world a more challenging and exciting place. It allows us to learn and grow in ways that we may not have otherwise. There are many reasons why taking risks is important, but one of the most significant ones is that it allows for learning, growth, and development in ways that you may not have experienced otherwise. However, taking risks can have some devastating consequences. Hence, before taking a risk, it is important to weigh the pros and cons to ensure that you are making a carefully calculated decision.

FAQ’s on Taking Risks

Question 1. What are examples of taking risks?

Answer: These are examples of taking risks: – Investing your money into a company that you think will grow skyrocketing over time. – Taking a job that pays less but is more fulfilling for you. – Moving across the country for a relationship with someone you love.

Question 2. Why do people take risks?

Answer: Humans are hardwired to take risks. This is because the brain’s reward system is activated by many kinds of risk. These can range from taking a chance on a new type of food, to bungee jumping. Whatever the risk, if it pays off, it can be addicting and make you want more of the same type of thrill again.

Question 3. How should we take risks?

Answer: It’s hard to take risks. Some people are born risk-takers, while others are more cautious. However, the decision of how to take risks is individualized and should be made based on circumstances.

Question 4. How taking risks can lead you to a better life?

Answer: The idea of taking risks and chances is not one that many people would naturally want to take. That said, it is something that can lead you to a better life. Taking risks and chances in life will give you the opportunity to grow and learn, which can lead you to a better future than following a safe path.

Question 5. What is taking risks in life?

Answer: Taking risks in life is an important part of living. It can lead to success or failure. If you take risks, you might fail and make mistakes. But if you don’t take any risks, you’ll never know what could have been if you did.

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How Much Risk Should You Take with Your College Essays? Here Are Some Tips

Andrea aronson.

• July 29, 2023

In an interview that I read the other day, a former Dartmouth College admissions officer lamented the fact that students don’t take enough risks with their college essays. Their Personal Statements, in particular. When a college is receiving thousands and thousands of applications from qualified students. An admissions reader has only 10-15 minutes to review each application in its entirety. A breakthrough Personal Statement can make a real difference. But what is a risky college essay, anyway?

But, how much risk should students take? It’s hard to know. What’s risky and positive to one admissions reader, might be in poor taste to another. With essays ranked by college admissions officers as the most important non-academic feature on an application, taking a significant risk can be a very scary thing! While I can’t account for every admissions reader’s personal preferences.

Suggestions as you craft a risky personal statement

If you pick a controversial subject, be sure that you have a well-reasoned argument.

Putting your opinions into your Personal Statement for something that you feel strongly about can say a lot about you as a person. And this is a good thing when it comes to college admissions. But, be sure that you have good and personal reasons why you feel the way that you do. And these are clearly reflected in the essay. Arguing a point of view without having any kind of personal connection to the issue will not be perceived well by those who read it. Especially those admissions officers who may happen to disagree with your opinion!

Don’t use an inappropriate topic

You don’t want your admissions reader to come away from reading your Personal Statement with the thought, “ TMI !” So, stay away from highly personal and revelatory topics and explanations that would make the majority of people who read the essay uncomfortable. While this might work for some readers, it certainly won’t work for all.

Don’t end negative

While writing about a heavy and serious topic is no problem and even a good thing. You still want to leave the reader with a positive message in the end. How did you evolve as a result of a negative experience? Why was this negative experience a positive force? Put yourself in the reader’s shoes. Who would you rather admit? The depressing student or the uplifting student?

Never play the victim

Nobody likes a whiner, and admissions officers are no different. As you craft your essay, be sure that you don’t blame others for bad things that may have happened to you. For example, if your essay is on how you got cut from the varsity soccer team, and you perceive that this happened because of politics or the fact that the coach didn’t like you for some reason, don’t throw the coach under the bus in your essay! Life is full of unfair situations, and your ability to rise above it, move on and take personal responsibility will be what admissions officers want to read about.

Tell a story that is unique to you

Think how many times admissions readers have had to read an essay about “the big game and the power of the team”, or the church community service trip that a candidate took. These types of topics are used and reused a lot. Find something different. Remember, the topic that you pick for your essay does not have to be about a major experience or hardship in your life. In fact, the subject that you choose to write about can be something quite small.

What matters is that the story that you tell gets to the essence of who you are as a person. Writing about something small and unexpected is a lot riskier than writing about the same tried and true topics that all those thousands of other applicants are writing about!

Do you need help deciding what is a risky college essay?

The expert college admissions consultants at Great College Advice can help you brainstorm topics, develop your ideas, structure your essay, and edit it to perfection. If you need help in crafting a risky college essay–but one that is not too risky–give us a call or contact us via our website.  We’d be happy to talk to you. 

For more tips and information about writing your essays, check out some of our other recent blog posts on the topic:

the-perfect-college-essay-what-to-say-when-you-have-nothing-to-say the-perfect-college-essay-get-them-hooked the-perfect-college-essay-edit-edit-then-edit-again the-perfect-college-essay-focus-on-you

Andrea Aronson College Admissions Consultant Westfield, NJ

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Taking the Risk: Why It Matters

Favorite Quote: "Don't be afraid to be yourself"

What does taking a risk mean? It means stepping out of your comfort zone, and at times doing new things even if it terrifies you. One of the greatest risks I have ever taken was auditioning for my high school's fall play. Not only am I a person who has no performance experience, but I also stutter. The thought of performing in front of a large auditorium full of people terrified me. The reason I decided to audition was because I wanted to try something new and get involved in my school's theater program. On the day of the auditions, there was also a special acting workshop meant to warm us up. I walked into to the auditorium, and set my backpack down. I looked around and saw about twenty people, calmly getting ready. Soon we began special acting exercises such as the "Machine" where one person begins a motion and a sound, and others add on. Then we split into partners to rehearse parts from the play. I was incredibly anxious. After I delivered some of the lines my thespian line partner said "Oh and I noticed you were stuttering. Was that for dramatic effect or do you really stutter?" I was speechless. When it came time to audition, I was feeling apprehensive. I was put into a group of five and paired up with a person for a scene out of the play. I stood on a piece of faux parquet floor, left from the latest play, surrounded by the pitch black walls of the drama performance center. Across from me the director and two of his assistants sat in metal chairs like a jury about to deliver its final verdict. Needless to say I was really worried about making a good impression on the director. In the scene I played the role of a male painter disguised as a woman, because he had faked his own death in order to gain millions. The comedic effect of the scene was enhanced by the fact that my scene partner was playing an evil picture dealer bent on marrying me (the woman). We said our lines and, amazingly, I didn't stutter. Nevertheless it was awkward pretending to try and seduce a guy. Then the director had us switch roles and I played the evil picture dealer. We went through it several times, and finally the audition was over. I was so relieved, not to mention embarrassed. I left the audition thinking 'Well that was a flop, but hey it was a good experience, and I can always do crew'. The next Monday I got a call. I had made the play. I was cast as the King of France. I was ecstatic. It was a lot fun doing the play, and it did really well. It was clear to me: My stuttering couldn't prevent me from doing the things I wanted to do, and that taking risks (even if they embarrass you) is well worth the time and effort.

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How to write a compelling personal statement

In the space below, I will talk about a few dos and don’ts of college essay writing, but these will not be the standard, immediately executable dictates that so often circulate in admissions consulting—e.g., don’t hand in an essay with spelling errors, tailor your language to the specific school, etc. Instead, my tips are more abstract, perhaps even metaphysical pieces of advice to help guide you through the admissions process and beyond.

1. Treat your essay like a first conversation.

Imagine that you are attending a party being thrown by the coolest people you kinda-sorta know. You’re not friends with them yet but a sense of mutual recognition exists among you. After months of trying to get some hangout time with this crowd, they’ve extended you this invitation, and you know that the stakes are high—this is your moment to win friendship, make connections, have fun and meet new, interesting people. So you show up wearing your fanciest clothes, and immediately engage a member of the in-crowd in conversation. “Potential friend,” you declare, “Here are five reasons why you should like me.” And with that, you produce a sheath of paper on which you have scrawled a series of arguments proving your coolness and general excellence. … Awkward …

Most people would never dream of pulling this in a social setting, and yet this is exactly what far too many admissions essays end up sounding like. It is essential to recognize that an admissions essay shouldn’t be a series of explicit arguments, even if it is providing evidence and establishing a claim.

An admissions essay is not an opening statement in a debate tournament, nor is it a litany of personal accomplishments.

Both of these things have their rightful place in an admissions dossier—the first, in the letters of recommendation provided by guidance/college counselors and teachers and mentors acting as designated recommenders, and the second, in the nuts-and-bolts of the Common App and the transcript. The essay, by contrast, is a space for first impressions, for personal anecdotes, for the personality of the applicant to shine through the technical elements that elsewhere pervade the application. To reduce this space to mere data points, or sheer self-promotion, is, honestly, to blow it big time, akin to reading off the “why I’m cool” list to the bewildered party-thrower.

The best way to approach the admissions essay is to see it as a first conversation. To make a great impression, what would you talk about? What about yourself would you be willing to share honestly? What topics spark your interests, your passions? What kind of language are you most comfortable using? And most importantly, what do you want to know about your interlocutor? Where can there be space in the conversation not only for your own curiosity, but also for the curiosity of the other speaker? Framing your essay around this setup will help you make a strong first impression, and one that is organic, personal, and authentic.

2. Don’t just write about what you’re comfortable with, but don’t take a risk that might swallow the essay whole.

Everyone seeking admission to college has probably heard the apocryphal tale about the kid applying to Harvard who chooses the essay prompt “What has been your biggest risk in life?” and then secures his spot at the Ivy by writing “This is.” as a response. There’s a long way and a short way to expound on the story. The short version first: Don’t do that. It’s dumb. And now the long version. We know that colleges want smart, motivated, articulate kids in the classroom, and we acknowledge, thankfully, that all of these attributes contain many opportunities for diversity—there’s not one kind of intelligence, motivation, eloquence… But colleges also want risk-takers among their student bodies, and this point is often less obvious to parents and college applicants alike. We know that there are also different kinds of risk-takers, because there are different kinds of risks, and indeed, the concept of a risk itself is relative. Colleges evidently want risk-takers who fit a certain profile: intellectual daring and principled disobedience are positives, wanton disregard for law, life, and property…not so much.

One way to signal to colleges that you are a strong candidate for the rigorous ways of thinking, learning, and living that the schools can provide is to show just what kind of a risk-taker you are. This does not mean that you must explicitly write about risks, or that you should go out of your way during the admissions process to take risks just so that you can write about them later — no one, to my knowledge, clinches their Princeton scholarship with an essay on “How I cooked a batch of meth in my basement.” Rather, the idea is to find a space in your application where you can naturally reveal this element of your character.

Writing for an audience is, itself, a kind of risk, and our choice of topic, language, medium, style, and structure all amount to a calculated set of choices that expose us, as writers and as people. If your college application essay does not explicitly engage with a narration about a risk you took—standing up for what you believe in, or challenging authority in a complex way, or an act of courage, etc.—it doesn’t mean that you’ve missed the boat. Your essay itself is a risk, and your composition of it involves a feat of considerable bravado. After all, you’re writing to share a part of yourself with complete strangers who are going to judge you based on what you’ve said and how you’ve said it—that’s not small potatoes. For this reason, you should be willing, in your writing, to explore the nature of writing as risk . This might mean challenging yourself stylistically, using new and different kinds of language, pushing yourself to refine your narrative voice, perhaps even talking about a subject that is hard for you to share, or articulate, or even consider. All of these elements are risky, to some degree, but they are also safe, because you can control them—you are the writer of your story, and so you are the arbiter of its content: you decide where the limits should be.

Good admissions essays take risks, but ones that remain in the control of their authors. A perceptive admissions counselor can always sense when something is bold, and when something is just plain reckless, or worse, made up. This is why a two-word essay is a poor choice, much like an essay on genuinely dangerous or illegal conduct. But humans take risks every day, and finding a space to reveal your own risk-taking, in your own words, will keep your application impactful and honest.

3. Be a storyteller .

There is an important distinction between telling a story and being a storyteller. Anyone can tell a story, but only a true storyteller can pull a captivating narrative out of the most mundane parts of life. Giving writers the advice to “just tell a story” is about as useful as saying “just write words down” or “just use language to communicate.” But the idea of being a storyteller is more involved, and less tautological. A storyteller is equal parts collector and sharer, observer and raconteur. A storyteller absorbs the sensations and the happenings of life, and then shapes them into narrative objects of various sizes—here a tall-tale, there a parable, here a quip and there an epic. A storyteller sizes up an audience and bends her/his story to the attentions of those present. A storyteller never tells the same story the same way. Or better yet, a storyteller never tells the same story.

Students approaching the admissions process often panic at the essay stage because, they decide, they have nothing dramatic or exciting or relevant to talk about. Without a cancer cure or an Olympic gold or a pebble from the top of Mount Everest on their mantel, college applicants throw up their hands and lament, “I’m doomed! I don’t have any good stories to tell!” Here’s where the dictum “tell a story” breaks down, and the directive “be a storyteller” kicks in. Being a storyteller is a state of mind—it is an intellectual position that assumes that anything can be interesting if presented in the right way. Being a storyteller is also a physical commitment—it is a pact made between self and audience that asserts that the work of narration is not accomplished until everyone is listening.

Being a storyteller is, essentially, combining the two pieces of advice that I’ve already shared above—treating writing like a conversation, and being willing to take risks. But to achieve truly formidable prose, these elements have to be combined with force: think atoms smashing together in a particle accelerator, instead of the assembly of two halves of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Being a storyteller is achieving this fusion of authentic conversation and oh-my-god-am-I-really-doing-this exposure. It takes practice and it demands failure. It is uncomfortable and it is difficult. But we’ve all heard great stories and we know how they stay with us. We remember not only what they are about but also how they were told. So when you sit down to brainstorm essay topics, or start in on draft one, or draft eleven, remember: anyone can tell a story, but only a storyteller can make it stick.

Stay tuned for more advice on writing, editing, test-taking and more in the weeks ahead. Good luck with the return to school, and as always, enjoy!

Manoah holds BAs in English & French Language and Literature (UChicago, Phi Beta Kappa), and an MA, MPhil, and PhD in French Literature (NYU). He is a Student Affairs Officer at the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences at Columbia.

Related Content

Essay on Taking Risks In Life

Students are often asked to write an essay on Taking Risks In Life in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Taking Risks In Life

What is risk-taking.

Risk-taking is a part of life. It involves doing something that is uncertain or has a chance of leading to a negative outcome. Taking risks can be scary, but it can also lead to great rewards.

Why Take Risks?

There are many reasons why people take risks. Sometimes, we take risks to achieve something that we want, such as a new job or a better education. Other times, we take risks to avoid something that we don’t want, such as a bad grade or a broken relationship.

Benefits of Risk-Taking

Taking risks can have many benefits. It can help us to learn new things, grow as people, and achieve our goals. Taking risks can also make life more exciting and adventurous.

Risks of Risk-Taking

Of course, taking risks also has some risks. We might not achieve what we want, or we might even experience negative consequences. However, the potential rewards of risk-taking often outweigh the risks.

How to Take Risks Safely

250 words essay on taking risks in life, taking risks in life.

Taking risks is a part of life. There are few things worth doing that don’t involve some risk. Also, the bigger the risk, the bigger the potential reward. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of any risk before you take it. As there are times when it’s better to play it safe.

Calculated Risks vs Uncalculated Risks

Risk can be calculated or uncalculated. Calculated risks are those where you take the time to assess the situation and make an informed decision. Uncalculated risks are those where you jump in without thinking. In general, it is wise to take calculated risks rather than uncalculated risks. Of course, there are some cases where it is necessary to take uncalculated risks, but these should be the exception rather than the rule.

Always Have a Backup Plan

You should always have a backup plan in place before you take a risk. This means having a plan for what you will do if things don’t go as planned. Having a backup plan will help you to feel more confident about taking risks, knowing that you have a safety net to fall back on.

Learn from Your Mistakes

It is important to learn from your mistakes when you take risks. This means taking the time to reflect on what went wrong and how you can avoid making the same mistake in the future. Learning from your mistakes will help you to become a more effective risk-taker.

Don’t Be Afraid to Fail

Taking risks means that you are going to fail sometimes. This is a natural part of the process. Don’t be afraid to fail. Instead, learn from your failures and move on.

500 Words Essay on Taking Risks In Life

Why should you take risks in life.

Taking risks is a part of life. It involves stepping outside of your comfort zone and trying something new. While it can be scary, taking calculated risks can lead to big rewards, such as personal growth, new experiences, and increased self-confidence. It can also help you to overcome your fears and develop resilience.

How to Take Calculated Risks

Taking risks doesn’t mean making impulsive decisions or acting recklessly. Instead, it means carefully weighing the potential pros and cons of a situation and making an informed decision about whether or not to take the risk. Here are a few tips for taking calculated risks:

Benefits of Taking Risks

Taking risks is a part of life. It can be scary, but it’s also essential for personal growth and success. By taking calculated risks, you can open yourself up to new experiences, learn and grow as a person, and build confidence. So don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and take a risk every now and then.

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Taking risks.

Every once in a while in one’s life come challenges. These challenges can be so daunting and demanding that it places the person in not just a weird external state but also a peculiar state of mind. There are hardly any people in the world who make it a point in their life to take steps that are too farfetched or have stakes that are too high. Almost every individual finds it easier and more convenient to take steps that are safe and secure them for the present and for the future.

Anyone who has spent even a year in the practical world would agree that this is not how life can be lived. The entire essence of life demands people to challenge themselves and push themselves off the edge just to see if they can fly – that is the true meaning of life. When one dives into a situation where the end point or the result is unknown and cannot even be anticipated based on the current circumstances, it means they are taking a risk. These are not hard core decisions but mere choices that individuals have to take because they pose a better likelihood in the future. It cannot be claimed that if one has a safe job, they will always remain employed and have complete job security. An unstable and an unconventional job might become a constant source of income for several people. The entire questions falls on one question; “Are you willing to take the risk?”

Some people might also claim that taking a risk and having it result in a positive outcome has a lot to do with fate and luck. Though this might be true for various people, but in some cases, where the decision lies in another human and not on fate, taking a bold risk exemplifies your confidence in yourself and that is a valuable but rare quality in humans.

Hence, if you have a risk to take and are torn between a safe and a risky option, tell yourself this:

• The risk you are willing to take might give you a once in a lifetime chance to explore not just your abilities and potentials but also to live your dream.
• Taking a risk and actually have it work out for you might make you feel more confident about your own abilities and make you feel good about the things you can achieve in life.
• Taking a risk makes it easier for you to come up with ideas and innovations that you were too scared to try and test before.
• Taking a risk opens up an entire new world of possibilities for you. It makes you feel like there is no end to your passion.
• Above all, taking a risk is the best way to overcome your own weaknesses and confusions.

Hence, risk taking is a core element of human life and human existence.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, famous essay for an nyu application.

I remember someone mentioning a renowned college essay that was submitted to NYU. Does anyone have the details of this essay, and why it became so popular? It would be great to analyze and learn from it for my own application.

Yes, the essay you're referring to might be the one by Hugh Gallagher. In this clever and humorous piece, Gallagher responded to the prompt asking him to elaborate on his particular interests and life experiences that he felt were noteworthy.

In a brilliantly satirical fashion, he detailed a fictional and highly exaggerated account of his achievements, from fluency in multiple foreign languages, to mastering classical music compositions, and even winning global recognition with an implied role in "world peace".

While it seems that he never actually submitted it as his application essay to NYU, the essay won a writing competition and was widely shared across the internet, becoming a sort of legend in the realm of college application essays. Gallagher did attend NYU for college which perhaps contributed to the myth.

This essay stood out because it was highly creative, humorous, and skillfully written, demonstrating the author's exceptional writing skills. However, it's important to note that while the essay has a certain fame, it doesn't resemble the majority of successful college application essays.

Most successful essays are personal, sincere, and deeply connected to the student's experiences or beliefs. They often center around a specific event or aspect of a student's life, and use this as a lens to provide insight into their character, values, and potential contribution to the college community. In other words, while a little humor can indeed be helpful, making your essay sound genuine, reflective, and insightful is usually more beneficial.

Therefore, while learning from Gallagher's essay, it's essential to not take its approach or contents as a standard. What made it popular was its uniqueness, humor, and absurdity—elements that might not necessarily result in a successful application essay for the average applicant.

The best lessons we can take from this legendary essay are to be creative, to take risks where appropriate, and to make sure your writing has a memorable impact to effectively communicate your individuality to admission officers.

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