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The Why, How, What (WHW) Method: Showing Growth in College Essays

Razi Hecker


Over the years, I’ve developed the "WHW" framework as a highly effective, proprietary way of thinking about how to present growth in college essays. Growth is arguably the most important aspect of a personal statement. Colleges want to see not just who you are now but how you became this person. The WHW framework ensures that your essay dives deeply into the transformative journey, making it both authentic and impactful.


The Concept: WHY, HOW, and WHAT Whenever we are showing growth—or especially when the essay's focus is growth—it’s crucial to not only show what is changing but to focus on why the change is happening and how we are actively taking steps to bring about that change. These three elements—WHY, HOW, and WHAT—work together to create a dynamic and compelling narrative.


Avoid the “Pixie Dust” Story One common pitfall I’ve seen in college essays is what I call the “pixie dust” story, where students overemphasize what has changed while neglecting the why and how.

Example of a "Pixie Dust" Story:

"There was once a runner who got injured. The man was depressed because running brought him joy and meaning. All he wanted was to get back to running. Then, one night, while he was sleeping, a fairy sprinkled pixie dust on his head. The next day, his injury was miraculously gone. He was ecstatic, immediately started running again, and felt happy with his life once more."

Analysis: The problem with this story is that it skips over the why and how entirely, leaving the reader with no real sense of the runner’s personal journey. Growth feels shallow and unearned. Admissions officers want to see perseverance, intentionality, and reflection—not a magical solution to a problem.

Key Insight: Without the why and how, the story lacks depth. It doesn’t tell us anything meaningful about the runner’s character, resilience, or values. This type of essay doesn’t stand out because it reads more like a summary of events than a genuine reflection of personal growth.


The WHW Framework in Action To illustrate the WHW framework, let’s revisit the same runner story and show how to structure it effectively:

WHY (does he want to get better):

"The runner felt lost without running. It wasn’t just exercise—it was a way of feeling grounded and alive. Without it, he struggled with his mental health and felt adrift. He realized that regaining the ability to run wasn’t just about physical recovery but reclaiming a part of himself that gave him purpose."

Analysis: The why sets the foundation for growth by explaining the emotional and personal significance of the goal. It shows that the change is not just about physical recovery but about something deeper—his identity and mental health. This makes the stakes feel real and gives the reader insight into his values.

HOW (does he try and get better):

"Determined to heal, the runner committed himself to physical therapy three times a week, meticulously following every exercise. He spent hours of his free time drilling the techniques he learned, even when it felt tedious. On days when his legs ached too much to run, he would push himself to take slow, steady walks instead. Each small triumph—a longer walk, a new stretch mastered—was celebrated with a favorite meal or a small reward. Over time, these moments of discipline added up, creating a path forward."

Analysis: The how is where the essay comes alive. By providing concrete examples of the steps he took, the reader can visualize the runner’s perseverance and grit. The small details (physical therapy, walks, rewards) make the story relatable and grounded. This section showcases the effort and intentionality behind the growth, demonstrating qualities like resilience and discipline that colleges value.

WHAT (happens):

"Slowly, the runner began to see progress. He could jog for a few minutes without pain, then a mile, then two. But beyond the physical milestones, he noticed something else: his time spent walking had cultivated a new sense of mindfulness. Each step had taught him to appreciate the act of movement itself, not just the outcome. Running became less about achievement and more about being present."

Analysis: The what is the result of the process, but it also opens the door to further growth. By reflecting on the deeper lessons learned, the runner’s journey becomes more meaningful and nuanced. The reader sees not just a recovery but a transformation in mindset.


REPEAT: Growth as a Continuous Cycle What makes the WHW framework particularly effective is its cyclical nature. Growth doesn’t stop at one milestone—it evolves. The runner’s new appreciation for mindfulness leads to a new why:

"As he continued walking and running, the runner realized that the intentionality he’d developed extended beyond physical activity. He began applying it to other areas of his life, from relationships to academics, finding joy in focusing fully on each task. This shift shaped his perspective in profound ways, helping him approach challenges with patience and care."

Analysis: By revisiting the why, how, and what with a new perspective, the story shows that growth is an ongoing process. This layered approach mirrors real life and adds depth to the essay. Colleges want students who are reflective and capable of continued growth, and this cyclical structure demonstrates both.


Bottom Line: In a successful growth-oriented essay, the why and how take center stage, while the what serves as a natural conclusion. The WHW framework ensures that your essay goes beyond surface-level storytelling, offering a clear and compelling narrative that highlights your resilience, intentionality, and ability to reflect.

Why It Works in College Essays: Admissions officers aren’t just looking for a list of accomplishments—they want to understand how you’ve faced challenges, taken initiative, and grown as a person. The WHW approach helps you achieve this by diving into the journey itself, not just the results. It’s a framework that ensures your essay stands out by showing your capacity for self-awareness, reflection, and transformation—all traits that colleges value.

By focusing on the why, how, and what, you create a narrative that bridges the gap between your experiences and the reader, drawing them into your story and leaving a lasting impression.


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