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Duke University
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UCLA
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Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

What challenges are compelling to write about in a college essay?

Hey peers, just a bit confused about choosing the right challenge to talk about in my college essay. I know overcoming obstacles is a common theme, but what types of challenges have you seen or used that truly resonated with admissions? Trying to avoid clichés and looking for some real talk on impactful narratives.

a year ago

Hey there! It's great to hear that you're putting thought into your essay topic. When writing about challenges, the most impactful stories often come from a place of personal growth. Admissions committees look for essays that reveal your character, resilience, and how you've turned a struggle into a learning opportunity.

An example could be dealing with a unique family situation, confronting a personal fear, or learning to overcome an educational hurdle that isn't just about grades, such as developing a new study method or learning strategy when traditional methods didn't work for you.

Remember, it's not about the challenge itself, but rather the insight and reflection you can provide about your personal journey. Good luck with your writing!

a year ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.