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Articles & Advice > College Admission > Articles

How to Find Your Strengths for College Application Essays

Everyone has strengths, even if you can't think of any right now! Here's how to identify your best and write about them in your college admission essays.

by Dia Huth CollegeXpress Student Writer

Last Updated: Jan 30, 2024

Originally Posted: Sep 2, 2015

One year ago, I was exactly where you are right now. Okay, maybe I wasn’t sitting in front of your laptop, but I was working hard on my college applications, trying (sometimes desperately) to answer all of those tough questions: Where did I see myself in five years? Why did I want to attend this college? And, hardest of all, what personal strengths would I add to the college community? This last question came in many different wordings, but it was always there, and it was always the most challenging for me. Honestly, sometimes I thought I didn’t have any strengths!

Time for the good news: I did have strengths, and they helped me get where I am today—sitting in a comfy chair in the library of my dream university, to be specific. Time for the even better news: you can lock in on your strengths and achieve your college goals too. And we’re gonna start right now with some questions you can ask yourself to figure it all out.

What have you overcome?

You have to be strong to overcome challenges, and a good first step toward finding your strengths is to look at the obstacles you’ve faced in life. Perhaps you’ve struggled with a health problem, like a physical or mental illness, or maybe you  fought against bullying in your high school . If nothing immediately comes to mind, look back at where you were a year ago, five years ago, 10 years ago. How have you changed since then? What lessons have you learned? Now, I know what you might be thinking: “But, Dia, all the obstacles people talk about in essays are huge. I don’t have any of those.” And I know what you mean. You may have read some essays about people at the forefront of a natural disaster, or people learning how to walk or simply hold a pencil again. Those are huge obstacles, and those stories are amazingly inspirational, but they aren’t the only ones out there. 

I didn’t have a story like that—or so I thought. At first glance, I’m pretty much your run-of-the-mill girl. But I needed to zero in on my strengths, so my solution was using the “five years ago” trick. It allowed me to see a massive change in my life: I had made amazing strides in healing my social anxiety. That might not seem like much, but it was “huge” in my life. Your obstacle might be along those lines too! Struggles come in all shapes and sizes. Maybe you overcame your stage fright to have a teeny tiny part in a school play like you’ve always wanted. No matter what kind of obstacle you’ve faced, coping with it shows your strength and drive. Think about  how you have overcome that obstacle: did it require diligence? Courage? Persistence? Those are wonderful traits that you can highlight in your admission essay.

Related: Top College Essay Tips From Admission Insiders

What do you enjoy?

The second way to find your strengths is a little easier. All you have to do is answer this question: If you could spend a day exactly the way you wanted to, what would you do? Think about the activities you instinctively turn toward when you want to relax or have a great time. These activities are “hints” at what your strengths are! Do you like to spend time with others? You’re social and might have strengths in communication. Do you enjoy volunteering? You like to help others , which shows compassion. Do you like to read or write? That shows communication skills as well as strengths like diligence and organization. Sports can show teamwork and persistence; a love of travel can show an appreciation of different cultures and a sense of adventure. Make a list of what you enjoy and brainstorm what each activity might say about you. It’s okay to “brag” a little here—just make sure that you are honest with yourself! You have strengths, and it’s okay to not have strengths in every single area that I’ve covered. We’re all wired differently.

What do people tell you?

For this third admission essay tactic, think about the people you trust. What do they have to say about your strengths and skills? Feel free to ask them too! You aren’t looking for endless praise; you’re just asking for help identifying your strengths. If you aren’t comfortable asking someone in person, shoot them a text or a Facebook message. I would recommend turning to your parents, your best friend, your youth leader, or anyone else who routinely lifts you up and makes you feel better about yourself. Sometimes, people tell you about your strengths without calling them by name. For example, let’s say that the president of your club asked you to be the club’s treasurer. He may not have said, “You’re so amazing at math, I need you to be our treasurer,” but the invitation can point to strengths in organization or financial skills!

Related: What Do Admission Counselors Look for in College Applications?

What stories do you have?

This is an important step of the essay-writing process, even if you've already found your strengths. What stories can you tell? Do you still remember the day you decided you wanted to work in a particular industry? Did you always help your grandmother cook dinner when you were a kid? Strong stories, anecdotes, and memories can help you identify your strengths, and they make interesting essays. Beginning an essay with a story that catches your reader’s attention; then, for your conclusion, all you have to do is finish the story and reiterate how it demonstrates your point!

If you can’t think of any stories, spend some time scrolling through your social media feed or flipping through photo albums. You might look back in your diary if you keep one. I’ve also found that parents and grandparents are usually excellent at telling stories or reminiscing over fun times! The best part about these stories is that they fit in with everything else discussed here. If you have overcome a challenge, odds are there's a story behind it! If you enjoy a certain hobby, I know you can think of a particularly memorable time when you did that activity. A conversation with a trusted person might bring up a story too. For example, your best friend might remind you that you’re always a positive thinker, which you demonstrated the time you and she were stuck in traffic for two hours.

Related: 5 Ways to Brainstorm Your College Essays

As you work on identifying your personal strengths for your college applications and essays, remember that they are there, and they all matter! While we all have different strengths, there isn’t such a thing as a “more important” strength. The world can’t run without leaders, but it also can’t run without compassionate people, good listeners, adventurers, and original thinkers either. Wherever your strengths lie, they are valuable, and they will be an excellent addition to whatever campus community is right for you.

Find more advice on strengthening your admission essays (and your writing in general) in our Application Essay Clinic .

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•   Best Ways to Prepare for 5 Different Supplemental Essays
•   How to Write an Effective, Powerful Personal Statement
•   Don't Use Your English Paper as a College Essay
•   6 of the Worst College Admission Essay Myths You Shouldn't Listen To
•   Top College Essay Tips From Admission Insiders

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How to Showcase Your Strengths in Your College Application Essays

Your admission essay is an adcom’s greatest insight into who you are as a person. It can also be a tool to showcase your high school accomplishments. So, how can you craft an essay that both conveys your personality and portrays your strengths—without coming off as arrogant? Here are four tips to guide you.

1. Paint a picture.

This is a phrase that English teachers have drilled into your head, but it’s true for your college essay and in all your written work. Painting a picture of your accomplishments through examples and rhetorical devices helps adcoms visualize the steps you’ve taken to get to where you are today and the person you are and strive to be.

How can you show rather than tell? There are many ways to express yourself through language, from personalized metaphors —actions, experiences, or objects that mirror and symbolize your journey—to rich, vivid details. This is especially true in your essay, but you can also employ these rhetorical devices and language throughout your application, such as in your extracurricular accomplishment descriptions.

For instance, if you’re a pianist, you might use imagery to describe the progression of your musical development, initially exploring playing one note at a time to learning how to play the music you play today. You could evoke specific sounds and melodies to illustrate this development.

2. Use action-oriented verbs.

Rather than relying on soft adjectives, use action verbs like “implemented,” “facilitated,” and so on. These types of words are much more powerful and demonstrate that you do and make things happen. They also emphasize your ownership of your achievements, signifying that these achievements don’t just happen to you: you made them happen.

For example, rather than saying that you were responsible for speaking on behalf of the student body as student council president, you might say, “Raised awareness of X issue and implemented a procedure for handling complaints.”

3. Offer examples and details.

Examples are an essential feature of your essay. They illustrate your accomplishments, provide context, and show adcoms how you’ve made an impact in concrete ways. You should also use numerical values and other details to quantify your accomplishments.

In this post on successful activity entries, students use details to summarize and portray their accomplishments. While this post concerns another section of your application, you can apply the same concepts to your essay.

Example: “Provided homework and study help to underprivileged kids. I studied with one girl until her Cs became As. I love being the “go-to” mentor.”

Here, the applicant shows the impact of her tutoring, rather than simply stating that she tutored. In doing so, she demonstrates the impact on both her and the students she tutored.

Example: “I have been studying piano and performing in recitals since kindergarten. I’m currently working on Beethoven’s Sonata No. 1 in F minor from Opus 2.”

This entry shows the progression of the applicant’s work by demonstrating how far she has come, exemplified by the challenging piece she’s currently playing.

These examples bring your experiences to life, so you’re not just listing achievements but also quantifying them and pointing to concrete ways in which they’ve affected you and others.

4. Tell a story.

Like any good story, your essay should have a narrative arc. Instead of a list of achievements, it should portray an experience that shaped you. No matter what topic you choose, you should be able to tell an account that captures your reader’s attention and has all the hallmarks of a compelling narrative.

For instance, if you’re a first-generation student, you might begin by describing a specific moment in your childhood when you realized that you would be the first member of your family to attend college and then narrate specific events along your journey, such as encouragement from your parents or teachers, difficulties you faced and how you overcame them, and how you finally reached this moment and are excited about the next chapter. This is much more effective than simply stating that you’re a first-generation student and listing the reasons why attending college is important to you.

If you can’t weave together a compelling story with the topic you’ve chosen, you may want to rethink it. Spend some time brainstorming to hone your topic and ensure that it is one that will both capture your audience and showcase your accomplishments.

Your Essay: A Reflection of You

Your essay is a concise glimpse into you as a person. While other areas of your application detail your accomplishments, grades, and extracurricular achievements, this is a place to showcase your qualities as a person. Still, your accomplishments are most likely integral to your personality. Keep these tips in mind as you craft an essay that both captures your character and your strengths as a candidate for admission.

Want help with your college essays to improve your admissions chances? Sign up for your free CollegeVine account and get access to our essay guides and courses. You can also get your essay peer-reviewed and improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays.

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How to Write an Essay About Your Strengths & Weaknesses

While you may be asked to write an essay about your strengths and weaknesses for an English course, this type of essay is more commonly requested for scholarship and school applications. Whoever its audience may be, the essay must have a focus, be well-organized and should paint a truthful and insightful picture of you.

Your essay should have a focus from the start. This will avoid turning the paper into no more than a list of strengths and weaknesses. The main point is expressed through the thesis statement, which should be included in the introduction of the essay. For example, you can write, "It was through my biggest failure as an older brother that I discovered my greatest strength." Or you can write, "While being a perfectionist is in many ways a strength, it also can be a weakness."

Organization

Make an outline charting the course of the essay before you write it. Begin with the thesis statement, then note the points you will make in each body of the paragraph. Make certain these points support the essay's main idea and that they are distinct from one another. List the evidence you will include in the body under each paragraph's topic sentence. Once it's complete, writing the essay will be more organized and quick, and you can flesh out the notes you made in the outline.

The content of the essay can address your achievements, failures and values. Show how the strengths and weaknesses you present are related to your personality, goals, relationships and work ethic. You can write about a specific experience that has changed you or taught you something new about yourself or life in general. Be honest and provide details, analysis and evidence. In the case of a scholarship essay, the Borough of Manhattan Community College advises that it should be "about you, your ideals, and/or your opinions."

To write a strong essay, you always should write more than one draft. After the essay is complete, read through it carefully to identify spelling and grammar mistakes, as well as to verify that you have properly addressed the prompt. You also can show your essay to a peer or instructor for review to make certain there are no confusing or unclear aspects. Finally, incorporate all the feedback into a rewrite of the first draft. The revision should be more developed, organized and polished than the original.

• Borough of Manhattan Community College: Writing the Scholarship Essay/Personal Statement

Soheila Battaglia is a published and award-winning author and filmmaker. She holds an MA in literary cultures from New York University and a BA in ethnic studies from UC Berkeley. She is a college professor of literature and composition.

Essay on My Weakness

Students are often asked to write an essay on My Weakness 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 My Weakness

Understanding my weakness.

Every person has strengths and weaknesses. One of my weaknesses is impatience. I often want things to happen quickly and can get frustrated when they don’t.

Impatience in Everyday Life

This impatience affects my daily life. I rush through tasks, which can lead to mistakes. It also affects my relationships, as I can be quick to react.

Working on My Weakness

Despite this, I am learning to manage my impatience. I practice mindfulness, which helps me stay calm. I am not perfect, but every day, I strive to be patient.

250 Words Essay on My Weakness

Introduction.

Everyone possesses a unique blend of strengths and weaknesses, shaping their character and defining their individuality. My journey of self-awareness and growth has led me to recognize one of my significant weaknesses – procrastination.

Understanding Procrastination

Impact of procrastination.

The impact of procrastination extends beyond academics. It has hindered my personal growth and the development of essential life skills. The habit of putting off tasks has, at times, led to missed opportunities and prevented me from reaching my full potential. It has also affected my self-esteem, creating a vicious cycle of delay, guilt, and stress.

Overcoming Procrastination

Recognizing procrastination as a weakness was the first step towards overcoming it. I have started implementing strategies like time management, setting realistic goals, and breaking tasks into manageable parts. I also practice mindfulness to stay focused and avoid distractions.

In conclusion, while procrastination remains a significant weakness, acknowledging it has opened avenues for self-improvement. It has taught me that weaknesses are not permanent obstacles but challenges that can be overcome with determination and the right approach.

500 Words Essay on My Weakness

Every individual possesses a unique mix of strengths and weaknesses. They shape our character, influence our actions, and guide our decisions. Acknowledging and understanding our weaknesses is not a sign of defeat but a step towards self-improvement. In this essay, I will share my personal journey of recognizing and addressing my primary weakness: perfectionism.

Understanding Perfectionism

Perfectionism is often misinterpreted as a strength. Striving for excellence and setting high standards is commendable, but when these standards are unattainable and one’s self-worth becomes dependent on achieving them, it becomes a debilitating weakness. As a perfectionist, I have often found myself in this trap, paralyzed by the fear of failure and criticism.

The Impact of Perfectionism

Recognizing the issue.

The first step in overcoming any weakness is acknowledging its existence. I realized my perfectionism was a problem when I noticed its detrimental effects on my mental health and productivity. I was constantly stressed, my work was always late, and I was never satisfied with my achievements. This realization was a wake-up call that prompted me to seek change.

Addressing Perfectionism

Addressing perfectionism requires a shift in mindset. I had to learn to distinguish between healthy striving for excellence and unhealthy perfectionism. This involved setting realistic goals and understanding that failure and mistakes are part of the learning process. I also had to learn to separate my self-worth from my achievements.

Seeking Help

Perfectionism, my primary weakness, has been a challenging journey of self-discovery and growth. Recognizing and addressing it has not only improved my productivity and mental health but also enriched my understanding of myself. It has taught me that it’s okay not to be perfect and that our weaknesses, once recognized and addressed, can become stepping stones to personal growth and self-improvement.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

Happy studying!

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30 Best Students Strengths And Weaknesses List & Examples

Whether you are a high school student applying to college or a college student creating a resume for a part-time job , understanding your strengths and weaknesses is key to selling yourself.

Sure, your academic achievements go a long way, but standing out among the large pool of other students with similar achievements requires showing why you are the right fit.

Having a firm grasp of your strengths and weaknesses as a student allows you to answer that question convincingly.

Even if you are not pursuing either goal, understanding what you are good or poor at helps you build on existing successes and improve your overall performance.

Below is a list of strengths and weaknesses with examples of applying them in the real world. Before we dive in, I should tell you that none of these are permanent qualities.

If you identify with more qualities in either category, it doesn’t make you perfect or damaged. Each weakness can be worked on, and every strength requires consistency to stay one.

With that said, here are 30 best strengths and weaknesses as a student with examples.

Examples of Student Strengths

When writing about your strengths as a student, here are some examples worth mentioning. Review the list to choose what best fits your application.

Ask your peers and teachers if you don’t find one that matches your perceived qualities or are unsure of your strengths.

1. Trustworthy

Consider highlighting your trustworthiness, especially if you are applying for a job . Many business owners are wary of young people due to their unpredictability.

Showing that you can be relied upon to carry out tasks and be trusted to handle critical parts of the business is beneficial.

On an application or interview , you might phrase it like this:

“One of the first life lessons I learned was the importance of being trustworthy. I understand that people won’t give me responsibilities if they don’t believe I can handle it without worrying about my reliability.”

2. Creativity Skills For Different and Unusual Perspectives

image source: Alice Dietrich

Today, universities and businesses seek students who can use their different and unusual perspectives to develop successful strategies and solutions.

Sharing how your creativity helped you achieve academic success or solve a problem may help you stand out.

It doesn’t matter if you aren’t visually creative, either. You only need to show you can think in a novel direction.

This strength is helpful, whatever the job or field you wish to major in, but it is crucial in the arts.

3. Self-Learner 

As a student, you learn different things in class. Still, the professional world values those who independently find and master learning resources .

Independent learning is not only an admirable trait to include in college or job applications , but one that helps you throughout your life.

This could be via online courses, unpaid (voluntary) internship, or mastering a specific subject. Don’t hesitate to display your self-learning qualities. It could be the defining difference between you and someone who might need a lot of hands-on training.

4. Discipline 

image Source: Thao Le Hoang

The ability to stay focused and motivated on a specific goal in unpredictable circumstances is known as self-discipline. To universities and employers, it also means the ability to do the right thing at the right time.

You can communicate this strength by saying something like:

“I study for two hours from 8 to 10 pm every night. There are a hundred other things I’d rather be doing, but I know if I am going to become a [university name] freshman, I have to make sacrifices.”

5. Kindness

In the classroom and the outside world, kindness is a strength. Being capable of treating others with respect and being empathetic to their circumstances is important.

You might think this shouldn’t matter to admission officers or HR, but it shows you can connect with the people around you and leave a positive impact.

It also enhances the likelihood of cultural fit. If an organization values kindness among its staff, showing you have a compatible personality will give weight to your application.

6. Critical Thinking

image Source: Lou Levit

Professors and managers need to know you can figure out the right solution when presented with a problem. Critical thinking is a valuable skill that proves that and a strength for any student who has it.

Critical thinking skills involve the systematic analysis of evidence collected via experience, observation, reasoning, and reflection. It also includes considering a variety of outcomes to make a decision.

You could tell a story of when you demonstrated critical insight to achieve academic success in your application.

7. Planning Skills

Planning involves the consideration of different activities necessary to achieve a goal. It is a skill that requires other skills like communication skills, multitasking, project management skills, and problem-solving.

Planning also involves leveraging hindsight and foresight. If you’ve successfully planned a school or class event, feel free to add it to your application.

Even if you weren’t successful, showing how you failed and what you learned from it is a real advantage, whatever your goals might be.

image source: Devin Avery

One of the most critical student strengths is focus. Being focused means the ability to stay on a task without constant supervision.

As a high school student, focus as part of your strength tells admission officers you have what it takes to succeed in college, where there are plenty of distractions.

Much of the evidence of this is in your academic records, but you can also write something like:

“I am a focused person. It’s a quality I’ve developed because it helps me complete my tasks faster, keeps me sharper, and makes it easier to get several things done.”

9. Time Management Skills

Strong time management enables you to balance competing interests in your schedule. You can manage all your classes, events, and activities without falling behind.

It also shows you can adhere to strict opening and closing schedules as a potential employee.

Breaking down large tasks into a to-do list allows you to estimate the time needed for each assignment more accurately. This way, you can plan your days better and avoid procrastination.

There are plenty of student strengths to choose from, but adding this strength to your application shows you have what it takes to succeed.

10. Coding Skills

image source: Christopher Gower

Coding highlights problem solving skills and can be another major skill in the student strengths and weaknesses list. You might exclusively associate with technology and software design. But it goes beyond that.

Aside from the fact technology is embedded in all spheres of our lives today, coding skills embed other skills. This includes analytical thinking, research, problem-solving skills, self-learning, etc.

Coding is also a sign of efficient thinking.

If you can code software to solve a specific problem—whatever the role or degree—include it in your application. It can help set you apart from other applicants.

11. Collaborative Skills

Don’t discount the value of your ability to work well with others. It is a practical and handy quality for students as projects and programs require them to work with others. Social skills go a long way to accomplishing everyday tasks.

Adding your collaborative and social skills and describing how you’ve used them in your application may benefit you.

“I worked with six classmates to develop an attendance monitoring system for our online classes. It improved the average class attendance by 25%. I’m looking forward to working on new projects with my future classmates.”

12. Open to Criticism

image source: Marcus Winkler

One of the student strengths college admission offices look for is showing you can gracefully accept criticism.

Your professors and peers will criticize you for something you will inevitably do poorly. Knowing that when the time comes, you won’t react negatively and instead channel it into improving your results is worth sharing.

Employees, especially those who believe young people are unteachable, also value these qualities.

In your student application or interview , you can share an instance where your openness to criticism helped better your performance.

13. Open Mindedness

A college is a place with diverse ideas, concepts, and facts. A student needs to be open-minded enough to engage with them to thrive. This is a favorable quality for admission officers.

Being open-minded also shows curiosity, which is a strength for a student. Open-minded students are more likely to learn ideas outside their classroom from books or the internet and apply this knowledge in class discussions.

Future employers are also more likely to see open-minded students as better fits for their adult environment.

14. Determination

School comes with its social and academic challenges. Some manifest in the struggle to make friends or study to pass classes you don’t like.

Coming across as a determined person tells admission officers that you’ve got what it takes to become a successful student.

A tested and trusted way to do that is to share a story of a time you overcame adversity to achieve your goals. The details don’t have to align with the field you’re applying to. It just needs to show the kind of person you are.

15. Growth Mindset and Positive Attitude

A growth mindset enables you to develop your talents and abilities . College admission offices and business owners appreciate this quality in students.

It is especially a great strength to include in an application if you have a less than stellar academic record. Having a growth mindset tells them you are willing to improve existing capabilities and learn new ones. It also signifies that you have good organizational skills.

Including this in your list of strengths and weaknesses will compensate for any deficiencies and reservations the application review personnel might have.

Examples of Student Weaknesses

image source: Tony Tran

College admission officers and employers want a full picture of your personality trait. This means they want to learn what makes you great as much as the things you find challenging.

Below are 15 weaknesses to choose from. Pick the most relevant ones to the field or role you’re applying to.

Also, don’t just state the weakness. Provide context on how it has affected your student life and the steps you’re taking to improve.

1. Fear of Failure

It’s not uncommon for students to experience the fear of failure, and it is not something to be ashamed of either. Even adults still suffer from it.

The fear of failure keeps students from performing optimally and challenging themselves. It also makes them unable to concentrate on their studies as the anxiety overwhelms them.

If this sounds like you, when listing it among your weaknesses, you could say:

“I’d say my number one weakness is a fear of failure. Even when I had the right answer, I refused to share my thoughts in class and became envious of those who did. I have since recognized that it is not their fault, and I’ve been taking mindfulness exercises to overcome this fear.”

2. Self Criticism

image source: LifeWorks

Self-reflection is a strength. However, when you can’t recognize when you’ve done an excellent job and celebrate yourself, it becomes self-criticism and a weakness.

As a student, self-criticism can lead to burnout and self-punishment that keeps you from performing optimally or enjoying the learning environment.

Here’s how you could share this as a weakness to the student interviewer when asked in your interview question:

“Even though I receive stellar comments from teachers, I still feel like I’m not performing to the best of my ability. This has caused periods of burnout and angry outbursts. But I’ve adopted a looser schedule and am trying to be fairer to myself.”

Being apathetic as a student means you don’t care about your studies and the consequences. This mindset keeps you from seeing the value of studying and applying yourself accordingly.

It is a typical student weakness, but answering the question truthfully can make you stand out anyway:

“After a bad result, I develop an apathetic response to my studies, which sets me back and forces me to play catchup. I’ve since recognized the pattern and now study harder to avoid bad results. I’m also learning not to let one bad result outweigh the value of other results.”

4. Impatience

image source: Ashima Pargal

Impatient students have trouble collaborating with others because they want everything done on their schedule. It can also affect how they respond to someone else’s errors or when they have to wait.

This is also a notable weakness to share with employers. Some might even see it as a strength, especially if you phrase it like one.

“I struggle to work with others because I’m fast and impatient. I can be too eager to complete a group assignment, which often leads to conflict with my peers.”

5. Lack of Focus

Lack of focus and a short attention span are common academic weaknesses for modern students. Students with this struggle to concentrate during a lecture or study for long hours.

Of course, this might not be a character trait. Some students have attention deficit disorder and need professional help.

Whatever the case may be, when you list this as a weakness, be specific about how you’re working on it.

“I struggle with paying attention in class and get bored easily when completing a task. To improve my attention span, I meditate, exercise, and take notes by hand to keep myself engaged in class.”

6. Disorganized

image source: Robert Bye

Disorganization means the inability to prioritize tasks and events. It also represents an inability to plan and allocate effort properly. More importantly, it negatively affects consistency.

These things impact the performance levels of students and a potential candidate as a weakness option to discuss during an application.

Yes, admission officers want to see students who have the organization levels to navigate the various demands of college. But combining this weakness with strengths like self-learning and openness to criticism can help you come across as an ideal candidate.

7. Disruptive

Disruptiveness doesn’t just affect your academic and career progress, but they also affect the advancement of others.

A disruptive student is more inclined to pursue their own interests, such as being the class clown or class talkative, than focusing on school work.

Being disruptive is not the ideal weakness to share on an application, but it doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker:

“I have a playful nature and enjoy being the source of fun to others, but I don’t always know how to pick my moments. This can have a disruptive effect. I’ve sought professional help, and I’m learning to decenter myself.”

8. Self-doubt

Self-doubt also means a lack of confidence. It is one of the weaknesses that puts a lower ceiling on a student’s accomplishments. A student riddled with this weakness is less likely to ask for extra credit or volunteer for extracurricular programs.

They are also less likely to be an active participant in class.

“As an introvert, I am reluctant to put myself out there and discover other activities I might be great at. I’ve been placing myself in interactions outside my comfort zone to fix this, and my confidence is improving. I believe more of this will keep the self doubt away.”

9. Stubborn

Stubborn students refuse to alter their attitude or viewpoint even in the face of better arguments. They are more likely to trigger conflict and are always determined to do what they want.

Stubbornness also makes it harder to collaborate and participate in group discussions.

Some professors and employers might appreciate this quality in a student or employee. Others resent it.

Hence, it is advisable to research the tolerable weaknesses of the field or role you are applying to.

10. Too Blunt

image source: Rodolfo Clix

Students who are too blunt might struggle to make friends, impacting how they settle into a college environment. Overly blunt students looking for part-time jobs may also struggle to work with others, especially those applying to roles with leadership responsibilities.

When you mention this weakness in your application or during an interview , clearly state you are working on it.

“I’ve been called blunt, even though I don’t always agree. Nevertheless, I’m taking communication skills classes to learn how to give feedback kindly.”

11. People Pleasing

A student who struggles with pleasing people is less likely to have boundaries and cannot say no to requests, even if it affects their studies.

They volunteer for more tasks they can handle and are unable to balance their schedules to do school work productively.

“I find it hard to say no to requests, which has affected my academics in the past. In the last six months, I’ve gotten a daily planner that helps me organize my life and keeps me from overcommitting myself.”

12. Individualist

image source: Elaine Casap

An individualist prefers to work alone. Either because they are introverts, not a fan of people, or the arrogant belief that they are better.

Neither is a positive personality trait as a student. It portrays an inability to collaborate, but it is a good weakness to share on an application.

Individualism can be both a strength and a challenge if you want to highlight leadership skills.

13. Easily Distracted

Distractible students find it hard to focus on a task or study for long periods. This sets them behind on schoolwork and negatively affects their academic performance.

Admission officers recognize this is common among students, so it is okay to acknowledge it in your application.

“I am easily distracted, but I know while it didn’t seriously impact me in high school, I have to improve my focus if I want to excel in college. I am using Lumosity and StayFocused to improve my focus, and I’ve noticed changes.”

14. Indiscipline

image source: Sam Balye

At minute levels, an undisciplined student has trouble attending classes and regularly completing assignments. In higher doses, they lack control over their behavior, disobey rules, and are a divisive presence.

It might seem unwise to list this as your weakness as a student, but doing so illustrates self introspection and an ability to hold yourself accountable.

15. Procrastination

Finally, procrastination. The bane of the education process. Students putting off work until the last moment is a universal behavior. It is a weakness employees and admission officers are familiar with and can help you stand out if you put it subtly.

“Like many students, I prefer to wait until the last moment to do schoolwork. After auditing a few classes, I’ve realized it will deeply affect my academic performance. I’ve also incorporated daily planners into my routine to allocate my time efficiently.”

What is My Strength and Weakness as a Student? – Sum Up

Sharing your strengths and weaknesses as a student isn’t a meaningless charade. It helps educators and employees assess your potential and how best to nurture and wield your competencies.

Even the research alone can help you identify things you need to better position yourself among your peers.

Lastly, when describing them, be specific and stay as honest as possible.

Tom loves to write on technology, e-commerce & internet marketing. I started my first e-commerce company in college, designing and selling t-shirts for my campus bar crawl using print-on-demand. Having successfully established multiple 6 & 7-figure e-commerce businesses (in women’s fashion and hiking gear), I think I can share a tip or 2 to help you succeed.

Academic Strengths & Weaknesses: Q&A and 25 Examples

• Written by HIGH5 Content & Review Team
• August 16, 2024

As a prospective student, choosing a college or university is an important decision and a big step toward your future. Many students rely on an excellent academic application to get into their dream college or university, but that might not be feasible for all.

Having specific talents and academic strengths identified through tools like the HIGH5 strengths test , along with your extracurricular activities or volunteer efforts, can significantly enhance your college application, ultimately helping you to stand out among other applicants. Understanding which talents and strengths to highlight on your application will help you get into your ideal college and on your path toward success.

In this article, we will go through what constitutes academic strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, we will provide a list of academic strengths and weaknesses for your reference. Lastly, , you will learn how to identify and develop your academic strengths.

Pro Tip From HIGH5 Before you submit your college application, take the HIGH5 strengths test to identify your key strengths. Use the detailed report to pinpoint which strengths to highlight in your application essays and interviews, ensuring you present yourself as a well-rounded and capable candidate.

What are academic strengths?

Academic strengths are talents, abilities, or skills that give students a solid foundation for academic success. Academic strengths are innate and will manifest themselves when you demonstrate your competence in a particular learning topic.

Your academic strengths can be highlighted during college or university admission applications in order to catch the eye of those reviewing applications. These strengths allow you to stand out among the many applicants. Your strengths also enable you to show your competencies as a successful student and learner.

Having the right talents and traits can help you attract the attention of the admission staff. Your academic results, coupled with your extracurricular achievements and accolades, as well as your academic strengths may help you get accepted to your top-choice college. Now, let’s identify some examples of academic strengths:

20 examples of academic strengths

Growth mindset, problem-solving skills, open-minded, organizational skills, critical thinking, receptive to feedback and criticism, collaboration, time management, emotional intelligence.

• Communication

Striving for excellence

• Academic Writing

Adaptability

Having a growth mindset where you can accept and learn from mistakes is a crucial academic strength, ultimately setting the foundation for lifelong learning and personal growth. This characteristic enables individuals to view failures not as setbacks but as opportunities for improvement. It fosters a resilient mindset that encourages experimentation, understanding that each error provides valuable insights.

By openly acknowledging and learning from mistakes, students and professionals can develop more effective strategies and enhance their problem-solving skills, achieving better outcomes in both academic and real-world scenarios.

Utilizing the HIGH5 strengths test can significantly enhance an individual’s understanding of their natural talents, including rebounding from setbacks. By identifying resilience-related strengths, such as ‘Philomath’ or ‘Believer,’ individuals can better leverage these traits to transform mistakes into learning opportunities.

Problem-solving skills are vital in academia and beyond, as they require individuals to evaluate complex situations critically, identify obstacles, and develop innovative solutions. These abilities build on analytical thinking, logical reasoning, and creativity to overcome challenges. Moreover, problem-solving skills also incorporate the ability to think on one’s feet and make quick decisions under pressure. This is a highly sought-after skill in the workforce, enabling individuals to handle unexpected situations and take calculated risks confidently.

Kindness and empathy are essential strengths that contribute to building a positive learning environment and strong relationships with others. These qualities involve understanding, respecting, and valuing the thoughts and feelings of others, even if they differ from our own. In academia, kindness and empathy can help individuals collaborate effectively with peers, build supportive networks, and communicate ideas. Learning this skill in an academic environment can ensure you’re prepared for the professional setting where these qualities help individuals work well in teams, resolve conflicts, and establish trust with colleagues and clients.

Discipline is a foundational quality that underpins success in both academic and professional realms. It involves the self-control to maintain focus on goals, adhere to a structured plan, and consistently work toward achieving objectives despite challenges or distractions. Effective discipline translates into meeting deadlines, maintaining a strong work ethic, and exhibiting persistence in the face of adversity. In your academic career, the ability to maintain disciplined effort over a long period of time is what separates success from failure (1).

Honesty is a core value that fosters trust and integrity in all forms of communication and interaction. It underscores the importance of originality and the ethical conduct of research, scholarship, and many others in academic settings. Professionally, honesty cultivates a culture of transparency and accountability, which is essential for building lasting relationships and ensuring fair practices.

Being open-minded is a willingness to learn and immerse oneself in new experiences, which is extremely crucial for personal and professional development and success. This quality enhances cognitive flexibility and prepares individuals to adapt to changes and advancements in their field. It fosters a growth mindset, enabling people to view challenges as opportunities to expand their knowledge and skills.

Pro Tip From HIGH5 HIGH5 recommends regularly revisiting and reevaluating your strengths as you encounter new experiences and challenges. This ongoing reflection ensures you consistently align your growth and learning opportunities with your evolving strengths profile.

Effective listening is vital for understanding complex concepts, following instructions accurately, and empathizing with others. It enables individuals to absorb, process, and respond to information appropriately, facilitating better communication and collaboration in both academic and professional settings.

Strong organizational skills are instrumental in setting realistic goals, planning activities efficiently, and managing time effectively. They allow individuals to anticipate potential obstacles, allocate resources wisely, and stay on track to achieve desired outcomes.

Creativity is thinking outside the box and generating innovative ideas or solutions. In academia, it drives research and the development of new theories, while in the professional world, it leads to the creation of novel products, strategies, and approaches to problem-solving. It’s important to learn to love the process and let whatever happens in the creative process happen without worrying about it (2).

Critical thinking involves analyzing information objectively, evaluating evidence systematically, and making reasoned judgments. This skill is invaluable for navigating complex issues, making informed decisions, and developing persuasive arguments in scholarly and professional contexts.

The receptiveness to constructive criticism is essential for continuous improvement and learning. It involves recognizing feedback as a tool for personal and professional growth, allowing individuals to refine their skills, enhance their performance, and adapt their approaches to meet high standards of excellence. Moreover, it’s key while in the academic setting to learn from professors, upper-classmen, colleagues, and fellow students to gain their wisdom and insight on feedback and how to improve.

The art of collaboration involves working cohesively with others to achieve common goals. It requires open communication, mutual respect, and a willingness to share ideas and resources, vital for success in team-based projects and environments.

Effective time management allows individuals to prioritize tasks, work more efficiently, and meet deadlines. It involves planning, organizing, and allocating time to activities according to their importance, which is critical for productivity and stress reduction. This skill is crucial for the academic setting.

Emotional intelligence is the capacity to be aware of, control, and express one’s emotions judiciously and empathetically. It plays a crucial role in building and maintaining interpersonal relationships, as well as in personal development and leadership.

Communication skills

Communication skills involve conveying messages, emotions, and information through compelling narratives, speeches, or informal channels. A strong command of language is crucial for effective communication, enabling individuals to articulate thoughts clearly and convey complex ideas succinctly. It enhances the ability to persuade, inform, and engage audiences in various contexts. Moreover, skills such as debating encompass the ability to present arguments coherently and persuasively while also critically evaluating the arguments of others. These skills are vital for effective communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

Striving for excellence is continually pursuing higher standards and quality in work or activities. It involves dedication, resilience, and a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. At times, this trait can be confused for perfectionism. It’s important to understand the distinction because perfectionism and striving for excellence are not mutually exclusive. Perfectionism is not about striving for healthy achievement and growth (3).

Ethics involves understanding and applying principles of right and wrong in decision-making processes. It is critical for maintaining integrity, trust, and professionalism in academic, personal, and professional contexts.

Leadership involves guiding, inspiring, and motivating others to achieve common goals. It requires vision, communication skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to make decisions and solve problems effectively. While many think that there are not opportunities for leadership in the academic space, there will be plenty of opportunities to show leadership skills.

Academic writing

Writing encompasses expressing ideas, conveying information, and communicating effectively through written text. It is fundamental for academic success, professional development, and personal expression.

Adaptability is the ability to adjust to new conditions, challenges, and opportunities. It involves being flexible, resilient, and open to change, which is crucial in a rapidly evolving world.

How do I identify my academic strengths?

Take a strengths test.

Taking a strengths test is crucial in understanding your unique capabilities and academic strengths. The HIGH5 test , specifically designed to uncover your top five strengths, provides detailed explanations that are invaluable for academic and personal development. Over 25 million strengths have been identified using our test, helping students like you make informed decisions about their future. Try it now for free .

Pro Tip From HIGH5 Moreover, you can utilize the insights from your HIGH5 test results to engage in targeted academic activities. For example, if your results highlight ‘Critical Thinking’ as a strength, participate in debate clubs or critical writing workshops to further hone this skill.

Ask and collect feedback from others

You can also consider obtaining feedback from lecturers, parents, or close friends. Sometimes, they may know your strengths and talents more than you do. They can give you valuable feedback on areas that you may not have noticed. Alternatively, you can also recruit their help to go through your list of strengths to verify your self-identified strengths.

Evaluate your decisions

Taking time to analyze how you make decisions can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses. Some people make decisions based on reasoning, while others make decisions based on emotion or personal feelings. Consider the last expensive purchase or difficult decision you had to make. Did you make the decisions based on your reasoning or emotion? Understanding your preferred style can help you better understand your natural decision-making inclinations and let you make the most of them.

Assess your organizational style

Other than your decision-making process, your organizational style can also reveal more about your strengths. You may be someone who prefers a structured way of doing things or flexibility where you go with the flow. If you are someone who gets stressed when there’s no plan, then organizational skills could be one of your strengths. But, if having a structured plan makes you stressed, then flexibility could be one of your strengths. You might be more adaptable to change and are willing to go with the flow.

Tips for managing academic strengths

Recognizing your strengths through assessments like the HIGH5 test is vital for enhancing your academic performance. Accurately identifying these strengths allows you to strategically leverage them, increasing your effectiveness and success in academic pursuits. The advantages of identifying your strengths will be well worth the time and effort you invested. Moreover, students should consider activities outside of school that help them grow intellectually while developing their strengths.

Here are some activities aimed at pursuing enrichment through other means:

• Music, drama, or art
• Academics, such as academic clubs
• Social justice
• Cultural activities
• Interest clubs
• Volunteering
• Internships

Pro Tip From HIGH5 After identifying your strengths with the HIGH5 test, create a personal development plan that focuses on these strengths. Set specific goals for each semester to develop these strengths, such as joining specific clubs, taking leadership roles, or engaging in community service that aligns with your strengths.

How to answer an interview question: “What are your academic strengths?”

Your greatest strength may be a necessary skill for the role in which you are applying. Your strengths are also what distinguishes you from other candidates. In general, you can choose between skills/habits and personality traits when highlighting your academic strengths. Use the same combination of your strength + context + story to highlight your strengths. Depending on your experience and skills, you may want to adapt your strength selections and responses.

You may refer to the suggestions below when crafting your script:

• Do not make a long list of strengths that are all over the place. Focus on one or two essential qualities directly related to your application, and back them up with specific examples.
• Do not exaggerate or lie about your strengths when answering such questions. But don’t be too humble because you want to show your best qualities to your interviewers.
• Find a skill in the job description that you exhibit and utilize that as your strength.

The importance of analyzing academic strengths and weaknesses

Having a deep understanding of strengths and weaknesses will assist students in discovering how to excel in school. It will also aid in developing a sense of self-awareness as they become more acquainted with how and when they can utilize their skills. Once they realize what they are excellent at, they will devote more attention to honing their skills. Then, instead of being held back by problems, the students will see every opportunity as a chance to develop and grow.

By focusing on their strengths, students will slowly develop confidence and passion, which will lead to improved academic grades over time. As their ability to manage their strengths grows, they will also gradually overcome some of their weaknesses.

What are academic weaknesses?

Nobody is perfect. We all have our strengths and weaknesses. Academic weaknesses are the drawbacks you encounter in a learning environment. Similar to academic strengths, your academic weaknesses can come from your skills, personality traits, or talents. These weaknesses are usually identified as part of the college or university admission process. Or, they can also be used for your personal development.

5 examples of academic weaknesses

Procrastination.

• Lack of Focus

Fear of failure

Every student’s academic career is affected by procrastination. Procrastination is the deliberate postponing of one’s assignments until the last possible moment. It adds to their workload and causes them to get stressed when they can’t complete their tasks correctly. An example of procrastination is a student who spends hours playing computer games before doing their school assignment. A student procrastinates studying for an upcoming exam by doing unimportant things such as cleaning their room or watching TV.

Lack of focus

When students have a short attention span, they are unable to focus on the work at hand. They may be easily distracted by their surrounding environment. Examples of this weakness are zoning out in class, losing attention through neglecting to do homework, oversleeping, or focusing on partying rather than studying.

On top of their overwhelming academic workloads, students have to deal with their parents’ (or other individuals’) expectations. As a result, students are afraid of failing academically and disappointing their parents. Ironically, their fear of failure is what causes them to perform poorly when it matters.

Disruptive students can hamper their success as well as other students’ concentration in class. Interestingly, students who behave this way might signal that something deeper is going on. Students who are disruptive should address the root cause in order to fix it long-term (4).

Apathetic students tend not to see the value of studying and learning. They find it challenging to invest time and effort to achieve good academic results. As a result, they rarely enjoy their time in school, and their opportunities later in life may be limited.

How to help students understand their academic strengths?

The real work begins after the students have identified their academic strengths and weaknesses. After identifying them you can work closely with the students to determine how these strengths and weaknesses may affect their academic progress and then build a plan to assist.

By conducting an honest self-evaluation, students will be able to prioritize and plan their personal development plan. It is recommended that they concentrate on one area at a time. They should avoid focusing on developing all their strengths and weaknesses at the same time.

You can ask students to start by making a list of their academic strengths, with their preferred strengths at the top. The list they developed will provide them with a clear understanding of their top strengths. Remind them that it’s easy to discount a particular skill when it doesn’t seem to relate to the present situation. But this isn’t always the case. With the list, they can easily recall their strengths even while working on a seemingly unrelated task.

How to help students understand their academic weaknesses?

Let the students know that recognizing their academic strengths is only half the battle. The other half is having awareness of their academic weaknesses. By recognizing their weaknesses, the students can understand how their weaknesses might affect them when completing assignments, interacting with other students, or just being generally successful in the academic setting.

Similar to listing their academic strengths, you can ask the students to document their academic weaknesses. A key point here is always to be honest and truthful when assessing their shortcomings. Assist them in understanding that their weaknesses will not prohibit them from achieving academic success. They are just minor hurdles that can be overcome with perseverance.

Help them to understand that everyone has flaws and limitations and it’s key to have a holistic understanding and awareness to foster personal and professional growth. Eventually, with a well-structured personalized development plan, they may even transform their weaknesses into strengths.

Academic strengths & weaknesses FAQ

What are some greatest academic strengths.

There are a plethora of academic strengths that you could obtain. However, some strengths are more in demand and crucial than others, especially when it comes to academics. Some of the greatest academic strengths include: learning from mistakes, honesty, integrity, responsibility, commitment, time management, kindness, problem-solving, openness, and creativity.

What is your main academic strength?

You can find your main academic strength by taking an academic strengths assessment. You will be asked several questions in order to gain insight, but it’s vital to answer honestly. Once complete, a strength report is generated. Alternatively, you could ask some of your professors and teachers about your strengths. Moreover, consider some of your greatest academic successes. Write down which strength helped you achieve each and try noticing patterns. These patterns will reveal your academic strengths.

What are some strengths of a student?

There are many strengths that a student could possess , and the strength profile of every student is different. For example, concert masters and sports team leaders likely have excellent leadership and communication skills. Someone who commits to studying every night has time management skills. Another student who focuses on debate club or Model UN could have public speaking skills.

• Duckworth, A. (2016). Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. Scribner.
• Gilbert, E. (2015). Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear. Riverhead Books.
• Brown, B. (2012). Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead. Gotham Books.
• Goleman, D. (1998). Working with Emotional Intelligence. Bantam Books.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, discussing strengths & weaknesses for scholarship applications.

Hey guys, I'm currently working on a scholarship application and I need to write about my strengths and weaknesses. I'm struggling with finding the right balance between being honest and putting my best foot forward. How can I effectively discuss my weaknesses without coming off as negative? Any tips or examples would be appreciated!

Hey there! It's essential to strike the right balance when discussing strengths and weaknesses in scholarship applications. Here are a few tips and examples to help you out:

1. Be genuine: When discussing your weaknesses, choose an actual area where you have struggled, but also demonstrate how you've been working to improve. Remember, everyone has weaknesses, and acknowledging them shows self-awareness and personal growth.

Example: "One area I've found challenging is public speaking. In the past, I would feel very nervous when presenting in front of a large group of people. However, I've been actively working on improving this skill by joining my school's debate team and participating in public speaking workshops."

2. Focus on growth: Use an example of a weakness that you've already started addressing, showing the steps you've taken and progress made. By doing this, you transform a negative into a positive and demonstrate your dedication to self-improvement.

Example: "Managing my time effectively has been a challenge, particularly when juggling school, extracurricular activities, and personal life. To address this weakness, I started using a planner and setting specific goals to become more organized and efficient."

3. Frame your weakness with a positive aspect: Mention a quality related to your weakness that can be seen as a strength. This shows that you can evaluate yourself from different perspectives and that your weakness does not define you entirely.

Example: "I tend to be a perfectionist, which can sometimes lead to spending too much time on individual tasks. However, this also means I am very detail-oriented and committed to producing high-quality work."

4. Be concise and clear: When mentioning your weaknesses, don't dwell on them for too long. Instead, clearly state your weakness, how you're working on it, and quickly move on. This way, you aren't shining too much of a spotlight on your imperfections.

5. Showcase your strengths: Make sure that your strengths outweigh your weaknesses in your writing. Spend more time discussing your strengths, achievements, and any awards or recognitions you've received. This will leave a positive impression of your overall capabilities.

Remember, the key is to be honest and genuine while focusing on growth and self-improvement. By demonstrating that you recognize your weaknesses and are actively working on them, you'll show your resilience and determination, which are qualities that scholarship committees often admire. Good luck with your application!

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Personal Strengths and Weaknesses as a Student Learner

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Self Awareness — Essay About Strengths And Weaknesses

Essay About Strengths and Weaknesses

• Categories: Self Awareness

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Words: 577 |

Published: Mar 19, 2024

Words: 577 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Table of contents

I. introduction, thesis statement: understanding and leveraging strengths while addressing weaknesses is crucial for personal and professional growth., ii. identifying strengths, iii. leveraging strengths.

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