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How do I avoid sounding pretentious in my college essay?

While writing my college essay, I'm worried that I might accidentally come off as pretentious when I mention my achievements and experiences. Any tips on how to balance humility and authenticity with showcasing my accomplishments? Your guidance would be much appreciated!

a year ago

It's great that you're mindful of maintaining authenticity and humility in your essay while also showcasing your accomplishments! To strike the right balance, first, focus on the lessons you learned and how your experiences shaped your character and growth, rather than just listing off your achievements. Showing vulnerability and growth can make you more relatable to the reader.

When discussing your accomplishments, provide context and emphasize the hard work, determination, and any personal challenges you overcame to reach those milestones. By doing this, you reduce the risk of sounding pretentious, as you're acknowledging the effort that led to those accomplishments.

Finally, consider having someone whose opinion you trust, such as a teacher, friend, or family member, review your essay and provide feedback on the tone. They might pick up on areas that may come across as pretentious and help you adjust accordingly.

Best of luck with your essay!

a year ago

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