Here is the prompt:

“The transition from middle to high school is a key time for students as they reach new levels of both academic and personal discovery. Please share a book (novel, non-fiction, etc.) that had a serious impact on you during this time. Please focus more on why this book made an impact on you and less on the plot/theme of the book itself (we are not looking for a book report).” 200-300 Words

• FYI – We are not restricting you to the exact years of 8th-9th grades, but rather the general timeframe of the middle to high school transition, which can extend somewhat further than one year on each end. Feel free to use your discretion in your choice of the timeline focused on the shift to your high school years.

So, how should students approach this essay, especially if they are not big readers or if they don’t remember the books they read in middle school or early high school? 

Here are 3 brainstorming tips to help you develop your essay if a book that impacted doesn’t immediately jump to mind.

1. On one side of a Google Doc or a big sheet of paper, make a list of any books you remember reading in and outside of school in 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th grades and write a sentence about what you remember the book being about. Feel free to scan your bookshelves, Kindle library, journals, GoodReads, and bookstagrams, if you find yourself getting stuck!

2. On the other side of the document, make a list of important moments and thoughts you remember from your transition to high school and think about what personal values go along with each one.

Examples: 

• My best friend moved away and I couldn’t imagine going to high school without her. It was hard to find a new friend group but I found new friends in the Robotics club. Connection, Friendship



• I was so excited to get picked for the varsity softball team but also scared that I wouldn’t be good enough to stay on it. I spent hours in the gym and at home. Persistence, Dedication

• My 9th grade history teacher was so hard! I failed the first test. I had to do so many things differently to do well in that class. Perseverance, Resourcefulness

3. Now, go down the list of books and see if you can make a connection between the theme of a book or the main character’s journey and any of the values associated with your important moments or experiences. Draw a line to link any that might go together. 

Pick one pair that you think would help you share a positive quality or two with the Georgia admissions team.

Remember to spend the majority of your essay talking about you and your experiences! The important thing is making sure this short essay helps the reader learn more about you beyond your transcript, resume, and what you already shared in your personal statement.