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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

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

What should my personal essay focus on?

Hey guys, I'm starting to brainstorm ideas for my personal essay, but I'm having trouble figuring out what to focus on. How do I choose a topic that truly represents me and makes me stand out to colleges?

11 months ago

Hi there! It's great that you're starting to think about your personal essay. Choosing the right topic can really help showcase your unique qualities and stand out to colleges.

First, think about the experiences and interests that have shaped you as a person. Consider challenges you've faced, personal growth moments, or accomplishments you're proud of. The key is to find something that is meaningful to you and can showcase your growth, resilience, or determination.

Once you have a few potential ideas, evaluate which ones genuinely represent your personal values and show how you've developed as a person. You could ask yourself: which story can I tell better than anyone else? This will help you land on a topic that is both unique and authentic to you.

Lastly, don't forget to check out CollegeVine's blog post for more guidance: How to Write the Common Application Essays 2023-2024.

Best of luck with your essay, and remember to let your personality shine through!

11 months ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

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.