Essay Alchemy

1. The IGI Formula

2. Mining Moments

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Write a 10-minute “spark list”:

• Times you felt uncomfortable (conflict = story)
• First/last experiences (moving, winning, failing)
• Moments tied to your spike activity

Circle the entry with the strongest emotional voltage; that’s your core anecdote.

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3. 200-Word Blueprint

Expand to 600-650 words only if every extra line serves IGI.

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4. High-ROI Style Tweaks

• Specific > Big words: “Grease-stained lab coat” beats “unique research opportunity.”
• 1 vivid verb per sentence: Swap “was involved in” → “ran,” “built,” “debated.”
• Dialogue sparingly: One line of authentic speech adds immediacy.
• Metaphor limit: One fresh comparison; avoid clichés (“journey,” “roller-coaster”).

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5. Final 5-Point Edit Checklist

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1. Voice test: Read aloud—does it sound like you, not your parent or AI?
2. Show-to-tell ratio ≥ 3:1.
3. Quantify impact (hours, dollars, people helped).
4. Delete the first paragraph—the real beginning often hides in paragraph two.
5. Cross-check prompt—answer it directly in one clear sentence.

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Bottom line:

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Anchor your essay in a single high-voltage moment, run it through Insight → Growth → Impact, and polish until every word earns its place. That alchemy turns personal stories into the kind that stay with an admissions officer long after the final read.