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What are your chances of acceptance?
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.

a year 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.

a year ago

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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.