[BYU] What to write in a brief biography?

Hello EF,

I am confusing about what I should write in response to this question: Please write a brief biographical sketch about yourself (300w). Could you please suggest me some ideas? Should I write abt my special hobbies/philosophy or anything?

Really appreciate your help!

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I was born on October 11, 1990 as T. to H. T and L. L of Hanoi, Vietnam. My family is of middle-class with four members. Since childhood, I have watched my parents working hard because neither family side was financially strong. They always instructed my sister and me to stand on our own feet and never give up our dreams: "Winners don't quit and quitters don't win!"

On reaching four, I was sent to kindergarten to the first time in life learn to do without the care of parents and get along with strangers. It was neither easy nor pleasant. When I was six, like many other peers, I went to receive my first official education in NBN elementary school. There, I took up a hobby, which then became one of my most important turning-points: I played chess. Far from just several prizes at regional level, chess brought me invaluable chances to develop myself in all aspects. During long-distance trips to national competitions, I learnt a great deal from my elder chess mates' independence and fair play, the essential sport spirit. Since the team was an Army Chess Club, I had to obey strict discipline and then largely benefited from the intense schedule: punctuality, rigorous working method.

Special chess achievements rendered me the admission ticket to a highly selective class specializing in Mathematics at TV secondary school. I, then, had the valuable opportunity to attend classes with dedicated and distinguished teachers and brilliant friends. The strong scientific basis has built up my methodical and critical thinking. When first introduced into official curriculum at grade eight, Chemistry immediately caught my attention. I joined the school's representative team to compete in the town and took chances to improve my Chemistry skills.

Pursuing my interest, I tried my best to be enrolled in a chemistry specialized class at Hanoi Amsterdam, or Ams, high school. This was an unparallel period. I could truly sense my own personal development through various events, both visible and intangible. I learnt to balance between schooling and extracurricular activities. Especially, it is Ams that first gave me the notion of studying abroad. This is the school where most boys and girls share the dream of receiving education in an internationally vibrant environment like the United States, but have different plans to realize it. Gradually, I am affected by their strong determination; at Ams it started as a trend, and then developed into an ambition.

After graduation, I took and passed the entrance exam to two of the most prestigious universities of Northern Vietnam: Foreign Trade University and National Economics University. However, I took a gap year and spent time on doing volunteer activities, joining Hanoi English Club to hold monthly discussions and taking up another foreign language: French.

Just describe your personal history. Where were you born, where did you go to school, did you move around a lot, that sort of thing.

Yes, and try to make sure there is a "moral to the story," some meaningful truth or life knowledge that came from your personal story.

What is the meaning of YOUR life?

Awesome, it looks great!
Merry Christmas to you too.:)

Kevin

Thanks, Kevin!

Could you please give me some ideas on this topic (also to BYU)? What sets you apart from other applicants, based on unique educational or life experiences, personal or family circumstances, obstacles overcome and/or achievements? (200 words or less)

BTW, this is another BYU short answer: Please list and/or describe your participation and leadership during the last three years in extracurricular activities, including performance groups, athletics, cultural and civic clubs, and church and community service.

I suppose that since the assignment is just list and/or describe, I should not show much emotion or meaning. Am I doing wrong?

Thanks for your feedback. (:

- Besides travelling and reading, one of my special interests is Manga, or Japanese comic books. I have always enjoyed the magic of fairy lands, chivalry prospering in chaos, the uncompromising confrontation between virtue and vice and, most fascinatingly, the culture of Japan. Therefore, in late summer 2007, when Anime and Comics Club, the largest organization for Manga lovers in Vietnam, held ACCTIVE EXPO, a Japanese culture festival, I was excessively eager to sign up for collaborating in the event. Then, I was in charge of back-stage preparation before, during and after the festival, a strenuous but joyful task.

- At the end of grade 11, my class held a performance on the closing ceremony of the school year. I took charge of the fashion show then. This special event helped me to improve my leadership ability: how to balance between individualism and collective harmony, how to assign proper tasks to different friends, and also have a fresh view of an ideal co-worker: responsible, competent and cooperative. These criteria are not meant to guide the search for someone qualified to work with only, but for perfecting myself to become a good partner, whom others expect to cooperate with as well.

Good! It's funny how, in order to achieve your goals, sometimes you need to be smart and tell people something impressive rather than just speaking from the heart. For example, can you focus on things that "set you apart" in ways that are related to your possible major/career?

However, when you get some inspiration and can really speak genuinely from the heart, that is impressive! In answer to your question, I think you will do well to list the activities in the form of prose (i.e. a paragraph or two)... be eloquent and passionate!!

Remember that your purpose is to win somebody over, and make them believe in you. This is going to be the same challenge with every aspect of life, really.