How to write about a weakness in a college essay

RReaders in Stanford's admissions office are trained skeptics, and an essay in which the writer comes across as flawless tends to raise their guard rather than lower it. A story told about a trial lawyer known for winning shows the alternative. He objected twice to opposing counsel's exhibit and was sustained both times. On the third attempt he stopped, asked whether his opponent really needed it, and withdrew his own objection. A juror watching would conclude that he had nothing to hide, that he played fair, and that he trusted his case enough to give ground. Those are exactly the impressions an applicant wants a reader to form, and very few essays manage them.