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How do I write about a personal challenge in my college essay?

Hi everyone! I'm a junior, and I'm starting to work on my college essays. I want to write about a personal challenge I've faced, but I'm not sure how to approach it. How do I write about this in a way that's honest and impactful without sounding like I'm seeking sympathy? Thanks for your help!

11 months ago

Hi there! It's great to see that you're starting early on your college essays. Writing about a personal challenge can be a powerful way to share your growth and resilience with admissions officers. To ensure that your essay is honest and impactful, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Focus on growth: Instead of dwelling on the challenge itself, emphasize on how you have grown and matured as a result of overcoming it. This will show that you're not seeking sympathy, but rather demonstrating your ability to learn from difficult experiences.

2. Be specific: Provide concrete examples of the challenge and how you dealt with it. This will give the admissions officers a clear understanding of the situation and allow them to better appreciate your growth.

3. Reflect on your emotions: While it's important not to focus solely on the negative aspects of the challenge, don't shy away from describing your emotions during the process. This will help create an authentic and genuine tone in your essay.

4. End on a positive note: Conclude your essay by discussing how the experience has shaped you into a stronger, more resilient person. This will leave a lasting impression on the reader.

Best of luck with your essay!

11 months ago

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