Tips for Writing a Strong Reflection

Make your Reflections work for you while you're writing them, as well as when you refer back to them in the future!

Reflect sooner rather than later.

Memories are most vibrant shortly after an experience.  Semester deadlines are in place for your benefit, but feel free to submit reflections prior to the deadlines!

Capture the whole experience!

If your experience is the entire semester, wait until the end of the semester to write about it.  If your experience is over the course of an academic year, wait until April or May to write about it.

Be authentic and honest.

A powerful reflection comes from vulnerability and a sincere attempt to understand your experience, including any mistakes or weaknesses.

Focus on learning, not just events.

Emphasize the skills you are developing from the experience, instead of only a retelling of what happened.

Use your own vivid, descriptive language.

Think about how you might describe this experience on an interview.

Proofread!

Reflections are expected to be your own thoughts on your experiences. Using AI tools in writing reflections is not only dishonest, but not helpful to you as you prepare to discuss your experiences in the future on interviews and in other capacities.

Each hands-on experience builds upon another, giving you the knowledge and skills you need to excel in your life and career.