What characterizes life story memories? A diary study of Freshmen's first term

► Participants described and rated events during the first term and recalled life story and control memories 3 months later. ► Life story memories were compared to control memories and forgotten events on event ratings, consistency and dating accuracy. ► Life story memories were more goal-relevant, emotionally intense and rehearsed than control memories at the time of the event. ► Control memories were more unusual and rehearsed than forgotten events at the time of the event. ► Life story memories were less consistent over time, but were more accurately dated than control memories.