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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

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Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

How should I choose which Common App essay prompt to go with?

The Common App essay is giving me a headache... there are so many prompts to choose from! Can you guys share some tips or strategies on picking the right essay prompt for the Common App? I'm struggling to decide which part of my life or which story fits best.

9 months ago

Hello there! I totally get that picking a Common App essay prompt can feel overwhelming. The key is to reflect on which aspects of your life you're most excited to share with admissions officers. It's like picking an outfit for a special event – you want to choose something that not only looks good but also feels like 'you.'

Consider drafting quick outlines or jotting down ideas for a few different prompts. This exercise often helps students discover which story resonates most with them. Remember, the essay is your opportunity to show a side of yourself that isn't reflected elsewhere in your application.

For example, if you're an avid gardener who has learned resilience through tending your plants, that could make for a captivating essay responding to a prompt about a personal growth experience. Try to go with a narrative that feels both genuine and engaging, that provides a glimpse into what makes you unique and how you see the world. Good luck, and trust your instincts!

9 months ago

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