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Unweighted GPA: 3.7
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Are personal anecdotes a good idea for the college essay?

Hi all, as I embark on writing my college essay, I'm thinking of including a personal anecdote to make it more engaging. Are personal anecdotes generally well-received in college essays, or should I steer clear of them? Any input would be greatly appreciated!

a year ago

Hello! I believe that personal anecdotes can be an excellent element to include in your college essay. They help showcase your unique experiences and can make your essay stand out among the rest. By sharing a story that's personal to you, you can demonstrate to admissions officers how you've grown and the character attributes you've developed throughout your life.

That being said, it's important to make sure that the anecdote is relevant and enhances your overall message. Additionally, you should focus on telling the story in a way that highlights your qualities and paints a clear picture for readers.

One other tip to keep in mind is to ensure that the writing style remains engaging and mirrors your voice. Avoid making it overly dramatic or excessively detailed.

Best of luck with your essay! You've got this!

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.