When writing college essays, a key storytelling element is improvement—how you changed, grew, or evolved over time. But improvement isn’t always simple or linear. It comes in different forms, some obvious, some subtle. Let’s explore a few types:
Different Types of Improvement
Uncommon vs. Frequent - True growth happens when we step outside our comfort zones and face situations we’re not used to.Raising my hand at a conference full of experts? That took another level of courage. But once I did it, speaking in class felt even easier.
Learned vs. Instinctual - Some improvements require conscious effort before they become second nature. At first, I had to analyze my opponent’s movements to anticipate their next throw. Over time, it became second nature, and I dodged the ball without thinking.
Small vs. Big - Not all improvements feel significant at first, but even minor growth can be meaningful.Learning to lace up my cleats again after a crushing loss was tough. But eventually, it led me back to winning the state championship.
Helping Friends vs. Helping Strangers - It’s one thing to support people you know; it's another to extend that help to those outside your circle.I’d always helped my little brother with homework, but the real shift came when I tutored a struggling student I had never met before.
Reluctantly vs. Happily - Sometimes, we don’t want to do something at first, but eventually, it becomes something we enjoy. At first, I begrudgingly stayed after practice to help my team. Over time, I realized I wanted to be there.
With Difficulty vs. With Ease - Growth often comes from struggling through something before it becomes effortless.I used to breeze through piano pieces. Then I tried composing my own music—and suddenly, everything felt impossible.
Forced to vs. Wanting to - What starts as an obligation can become something we genuinely care about. At first, I volunteered because my school required it. Over time, I found myself signing up for extra shifts, even when I didn’t have to.
Growth Isn’t Always Straightforward
Sometimes, one type of improvement actually leads to another in unexpected ways.
Maybe in order to start helping strangers—which is an improvement—I first had to do it reluctantly.
The first time I helped an elderly woman carry groceries, it was because my mom nudged me. The second time, I noticed someone struggling and stepped in before anyone asked.
Or maybe, to do something I wanted to do (rather than being forced to), I had to face an unexpected challenge.
I always dreamed of writing a novel. But without deadlines or pressure, I found it was much harder to stay motivated.
What If You Don’t Know How or When You Changed?
Even better. Sometimes, change happens so slowly, we barely notice it. If that’s your story, just say that.
I don’t remember when I started being friendlier. Maybe it was when I smiled at the barista instead of just mumbling my order. Or when I greeted my neighbor instead of walking past. Little by little, that kindness seeped into everything I did.
These moments of growth—messy, unpredictable, and deeply human—are what make a college essay truly stand out.
At LeagueBound, We Help You Tell Your Story
Improvement should feel natural, not forced. At LeagueBound, we help you:
Craft your activities, experiences, volunteering, and leadership journey throughout high school, so that by the time college applications arrive, showcasing your growth in essays, interviews, and recommendations feels instinctual—not forced or exhausting.
Tell your story in the most compelling way possible, ensuring that your college application reflects not just what you’ve done, but how you’ve grown.
Your journey is unique. Let’s make sure colleges see it.
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