Failure question in secondaries

[Docta Kitty Kitty]

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After reading a bunch of articles online about secondary essays, I've read a lot of advice saying that the goal of each secondary essay should be for you to make yourself a more attractive candidate... also, some advice specifically said not to discuss bad grades, etc. What do you all think?

For the "describe when you overcame a failure and what you learned" question, I was planning on discussing when I did bad in a class (even though i worked really hard), but then for the next class I took, i changed my mindset and went in not with a "work harder" attitude but rather focused on adapting to the class and practicing/applying the material, instead of just memorizing. I learned specific goals, being adaptive, and constant re-evaluation is important. Mostly, I learned to embrace failures as lessons and future challenges as growth opportunities.

Would being that honest be viewed negatively?

 

[pericardium]

After reading a bunch of articles online about secondary essays, I've read a lot of advice saying that the goal of each secondary essay should be for you to make yourself a more attractive candidate... also, some advice specifically said not to discuss bad grades, etc. What do you all think?

For the "describe when you overcame a failure and what you learned" question, I was planning on discussing when I did bad in a class (even though i worked really hard), but then for the next class I took, i changed my mindset and went in not with a "work harder" attitude but rather focused on adapting to the class and practicing/applying the material, instead of just memorizing. I learned specific goals, being adaptive, and constant re-evaluation is important. Mostly, I learned to embrace failures as lessons and future challenges as growth opportunities.

Would being that honest be viewed negatively?

Personally I would've answered, "I have never failed at any point in my life". But since that would be a complete lie, I think you're explanation isn't bad. Can't think of anything wrong myself.

 

[baxt1412]

i compete in powerlifting so a failure would be easy to talk about since I have gotten second on both of my competitions. or even with a lift during a competition or in the gym. but i think academics is a fine thing to use in this case.

 

[Lakedays]

I can't say for sure, but I think what they are saying about bad grades and not writing about them has more to do with making excuses vs a bump in the road where it taught you a great deal about…. if you utilized professors etc more so than you used to, also, you could also parlay that into the value of mentors/building relationships etc - but seriously, I have no idea. Have not gotten one II yet. 🙂