According to Brad Stone, author of The Everything Store: Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon, here’s how Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, once described himself:
“Physically, I’m a chicken. Mentally, I’m bold.”
It’s not just a funny turn of phrase. Bezos manages to seem likeable in just one sentence (even though the rest of the book shares many examples of what it’s like to work for Bezos that make him less likeable).
For seniors applying to college (for all of us, really), don’t be afraid to acknowledge your own weaknesses, whatever they may be. You're human. We all have faults. Pointing them out shows a lot of self-awareness and confidence. And it gives you more credibility when you’re touting a strength.
On a college application, it’s the difference between:
"I’m a good leader and I can inspire people.”
and…
“Organizationally, I’m a disaster. But I’m a good leader and I can inspire people.”
See the difference?