I'm working on my essay drafts for the next cycle and sometimes I feel like the topics I want to cover are too personal. Like, is there such a thing as too much information when it comes to these essays? How do you guys find the balance between being open and oversharing? Would love to hear your thoughts or experiences!
Navigating the waters of personal and too personal in college essays is certainly challenging but absolutely crucial. Remember, the essay is a chance to reveal more about your character, values, and how you process experiences - not just to recount those experiences. So while it's good to be open and vulnerable, it's also important to ensure that the information you're sharing is relevant to the point you're trying to make.
Admissions officers are looking for reflection and maturity, not just a detailed description of an event. For example, talking about a family situation may be relevant if you’re illustrating how it shaped your work ethic or perspective, but it's a waste of space to just describe the situation without explaining its impact on you. Balance comes in when you reflect on these experiences by tying them to your academic interests, character development, or future goals.
When in doubt, it can be useful to get a second opinion from a trusted teacher or counselor who can tell you if your essay strikes the right tone and provides the kind of insight into your personality that schools are looking for.
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