This paper describes a case study of the impact of the introductory psychology course on students' understanding of their life experiences and course-related ideas. Student responses to a final essay assignment were analyzed to construct composites for areas of applied and transformed understanding. Results are important for psychology teachers and general educators seeking to better understand the potential applicability of course concepts to students' lives. The study also has broader cross-disciplinary relevance in demonstrating the use of the final essay assignment for promoting concept application and reflection and for assessing the impact of our courses on student understanding. (Contains 1 table.)