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Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
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Can I write a poem as my college essay?

Hi everyone! I'm really passionate about poetry and I was thinking of writing a poem for my college essay. Is this a good idea, or should I stick to a traditional essay format? I want to stand out, but I also don't want to take any unnecessary risks.

11 months ago

Hi there! It's great to hear that you're passionate about poetry. Colleges love to see students who have interests and talents beyond academics, and your poetry could definitely help you stand out. However, writing a poem as your main essay might not be the best approach.

The primary purpose of the college essay is to provide a glimpse into your personality, thoughts, and experiences that may not be evident from the rest of your application. A traditional essay format allows you to tell a story, share insights, and demonstrate your unique voice. While a poem can be beautiful and thought-provoking, it might not give admissions officers the information they're seeking.

If you really want to include a poem, consider writing a shorter supplemental essay that features your poetry and the impact it has had on your life. That way, you can still showcase your passion for poetry while also providing a traditional essay that gives admissions officers a deeper understanding of who you are.

Best of luck with your application!

11 months ago

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