SOAR to Success: A Framework to Strengthen Your College Journey

Hemant Attray
Aug 1
2 min read

At IvyStrides, we’re not just focused on test scores — we help students tell powerful stories, overcome challenges, and showcase the kind of growth top colleges love to see. One powerful tool we use in our essay coaching and mentorship is the SOAR framework.

✨ What is SOAR?

SOAR stands for:

Situation – What challenge or opportunity did you face?
Obstacle – What made it difficult?
Action – What specific steps did you take?
Result – What happened as a result of your efforts?

This storytelling model helps students reflect, organize their thoughts, and communicate personal growth — whether in interviews, essays, or recommendation inputs.

🎓 Applying SOAR as a High School Student

Whether you’re prepping for the SAT or writing a college essay, SOAR can help you build both self-awareness and narrative strength.

✏️ For Essays:

Here’s how a student might use SOAR to frame their personal statement:

Situation: I struggled with reading comprehension as a 9th grader.
Obstacle: I was scoring below average on practice tests, and it was impacting my confidence.
Action: I began a daily reading routine and worked closely with my IvyStrides coach to analyze patterns and improve.
Result: My Reading & Writing SAT score improved by 200+ points — but more importantly, I rediscovered my love for learning.

This format helps students show growth, not just tell it.

🧠 For Goal-Setting and Motivation:

SOAR isn’t just about storytelling. Use it as a reflection framework during your prep journey.

Ask yourself:

What’s my current situation? (e.g., “I’m scoring 1250 and want 1400.”)
What’s the obstacle? (e.g., “Struggling with time management or careless math errors.”)
What action will I take? (e.g., “Join IvyStrides’ Fall SAT batch and complete 10 full-length tests.”)
What results do I expect? (e.g., “Improved score and confidence for December SAT.”)

✨ Why Colleges Love SOAR Stories

Top schools look for resilience, initiative, and impact. SOAR helps you frame your journey in a way that highlights these traits authentically — no fluff, just facts and reflection. Whether it’s for the Common App personal statement, a supplemental essay, or a scholarship application, SOAR gives structure to your story and makes your growth journey unforgettable.