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Your chance of acceptance
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's the best approach to writing college essays?

As a junior, I've been starting to think about college essays. However, I'm not really sure about the best approach to take while writing them. How do I pick the right topic or angle to stand out without coming across as boastful or clichéd? Any tips or resources you can recommend would be much appreciated!

a year ago

Hey there! It's great that you're thinking about college essays early on. Writing a good essay takes time, and starting early is a wise idea. When it comes to picking an essay topic, consider focusing on a personal experience or event that demonstrates your character, passion, and growth.

Avoid clichéd topics or themes, such as 'How I Won the Big Game,' and instead showcase your authentic voice. This might mean exploring a unique interest, discussing a challenge you've faced, or reflecting on your role in your community. Remember that the goal is to provide the admissions committee with a glimpse into who you are beyond grades and test scores.

As for resources, a great place to start is CollegeVine. They have numerous articles and guides on essay writing that might help you in this process. Additionally, consider seeking guidance from a trusted teacher or counselor who can provide valuable feedback on your essay. Finally, don't be afraid to rewrite and revise your essay multiple times—it's likely that your first draft won't be your best work. Good luck!

a year 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.