Overcoming Fear: How State-Level Extemporaneous Speaking Can Boost Your College Applications
Overcoming Fear: How State-Level Extemporaneous Speaking Can Boost Your College Applications
Congratulations on advancing to the state level in an Extemporaneous Speaking Event! Your journey from being terrified of public speaking to now enjoying and thriving in these competitions is a remarkable one that can significantly enhance your college applications. This experience is not just a testament to your growth as a speaker but also as an individual. Let's explore how your achievement can be leveraged to strengthen your college applications and why your journey to becoming a public speaker is important to colleges.
The Impact on College Admissions
Your success in this event is a strong plus for your college applications. By sharing your story, you demonstrate your ability to face and overcome fears, which is a quality highly valued by college admissions officers. Admissions panels are looking for well-rounded individuals who can demonstrate resilience, leadership, and the ability to communicate effectively. Your experience is a prime example of this.
Quantifiable Achievements and Personal Growth
Including your specific awards and prizes can make your application stand out further. For example, if you won the state-level competition or received a commendation, these tangible achievements reflect your hard work and dedication. Additionally, you can describe the personal growth you've experienced:
Facing Fears: Detail the process of how you managed to overcome your fear of public speaking. This narrative spans from feeling terrified to eventually enjoying the competition, showcasing your emotional development. Improvisation Skills: Emphasize the skills you developed through improvisation and quick thinking during the speaking events. These qualities are valuable in various academic and professional settings. Leadership Development: Discuss how your experience has helped you develop leadership qualities, proving your ability to take initiative and lead others.When describing these experiences, focus on how they have prepared you for future challenges both in and out of the classroom. Highlight the skills you have gained and the lessons you have learned, making a compelling case for your potential as a future college student and beyond.
Relevance to College Degrees and Future Careers
While Extemporaneous Speaking might not be directly relevant to every degree path, it can certainly be beneficial for certain fields. For example, if you're interested in journalism, communications, or drama, extensive experience in public speaking can be highly advantageous. Here are some reasons why:
Clarity and Confidence: Your journey demonstrates your ability to convey complex ideas clearly and confidently, a valuable skill in many professions. Critical Thinking: The research and preparation required for public speaking events enhance your critical thinking and analytical skills, which are crucial in diverse academic pursuits. Adaptability: Handling unexpected situations and maintaining composure under pressure are traits that will serve you well in various career paths, from business to education.If you're not pursuing a degree directly related to these fields, your public speaking skills can still be valuable. The ability to communicate effectively and effectively manage difficult situations is beneficial in almost any career, whether you aspire to be a leader, an entrepreneur, or a parent.
Conclusion
Your journey from being terrified to thriving in public speaking speaks volumes about your character and growth. This experience, along with any specific achievements, can be a strong component of your college application. Highlighting your personal development, leadership skills, and the tangible skills you've acquired through your public speaking journey will make your application stand out and demonstrate your potential to excel in college and beyond.