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Your chance of acceptance
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's a good strategy for answering the Common App essay prompts?

Anyone else feeling a little stressed about choosing the best prompt for the Common App essay? How do you guys decide which one to go with? I want to showcase my strengths but I'm torn on which prompt will let me do that best.

9 months ago

I completely understand how overwhelming it can be to choose the right Common App essay prompt. Here's a strategy that might help: Start by reflecting on your most meaningful experiences, achievements, and values. Make a list of stories you could tell that showcase your uniqueness and the 'spike' in your profile. Once you've got a list, look through the prompts and see which one aligns most closely with a story you’re excited to tell.

This approach ensures that you’re leading with content that represents you authentically, rather than trying to fit your experiences into a prompt as an afterthought. Remember, the prompt you choose is less important than the story you tell and the insights you share about who you are.

9 months ago

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