How to Use AI for Essay Brainstorming (The Right Way)

My exact prompt and method for deeper essay insights

Hey friend,

Happy Saturday! It's the start of summer, and I hope the sun is shining wherever you are. 😎

Now, I'm sure you've all diligently followed my idea capture system and recorded tons of personal statement ideas already.

Yes?

No?

Maybe so?

Wild guess: Your expression right now?

Well if you haven't started yet, don't worry. I've got you. 😉 Today, I'm sharing how to use AI to power your reflection process and extract meaning from ordinary experiences. With AI, you can reveal characteristics and insights that are true but perhaps not obvious.

Think of it like a beach with buried treasures. Everything you need for a stellar essay is already there, within you. AI is just the shovel that helps you uncover those treasures faster.

Let's dive in.

The VIBE AI Reflection Prompt

Remember our V-I-B-E framework? After extensive testing, I've created a detailed prompt that uses this framework to help you reflect more effectively.

Here's the exact prompt:

I'm a high school student preparing for my college application personal statement. I've captured an experience in my notes system, and now I want to reflect more deeply on it using the VIBE framework:

- VALUES: What core principles or things I care about are revealed in this experience?

- IDENTITY: Who I am (my roles, background, traits) as shown in this experience?

- BELIEFS: What perspectives or ways of thinking does this experience highlight?

- EVOLUTION: How does this experience show my growth or change over time?

Here's the experience I want to reflect on: [STUDENT DESCRIBES EXPERIENCE IN 3-4 SENTENCES]

Please help me reflect on this experience by:

1. Identifying 2-3 core VALUES this experience reveals about me

2. Suggesting 2-3 aspects of my IDENTITY that come through in this story

3. Pointing out 1-2 BELIEFS or perspectives embedded in this experience

4. Highlighting how this experience shows my EVOLUTION or growth

5. Offering 3 thought-provoking questions that would help me explore this experience more deeply

Please format your response with clear headings for each VIBE element and use bullet points for clarity. Use straightforward language a high school student would understand, and only analyze what's explicitly in my described experience without making assumptions about details I haven't shared.

Copy and paste this into Claude or ChatGPT and replace the bracketed section with your experience. Watch what happens.

AI Prompt in Action

Here's a real example using Claude:

Sample Input (Student experience highlighted)

Sample Output

See how AI:

1. Identifies your core values through a simple experience

2. Highlights specific traits like "resilient adapter" and "cultural bridge"

3. Uncovers beliefs that may not have been obvious to you

4. Asks follow-up questions to inspire further depth and exploration

Pretty impressive, right?

Tips for Better AI Responses

Be specific in your experience description: Instead of "I volunteered at a hospital," try "During my weekly shifts in the pediatric ward, I noticed how much the kids lit up when I brought my ukulele and played songs."

Use "I" statements: AI works better when you describe your actions, thoughts, and observations rather than general statements.

Push back if something doesn't feel right: If AI suggests a value or insight that doesn't resonate, feel free to dismiss it. Stick to what feels authentic to you.

Ask follow-up questions: Think of AI as a helpful English teacher. Bounce ideas around and continue the conversation. New insights emerge all the time!

Your Task This Week

Pick a few experiences from your notes and test the VIBE prompt above.

I promise you'll discover something about your experiences (and yourself) that you hadn't seen before. From there, continue refining your ideas and building that momentum.

As always, thanks for reading.

Hit reply and let me know what insights you discover—I'd love to hear from you!

Cheers,

May

P.S. Remember, AI is a brainstorming tool, not a writing tool. The goal is to help you reflect more deeply on your own experiences.

---

Missed last week’s issue on the one step students often miss? Check it out here.