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Is it fine to use first-person pronouns in a college essay?

Hi everyone! I noticed that I've used 'I' quite a lot in my college essay. Is it acceptable to use first-person pronouns or should I try to rephrase my sentences without them? I don't want my essay to come across as self-centered or unprofessional.

11 months ago

Hello! It's completely normal to use first-person pronouns in your college essay. After all, the essay is meant to showcase your personality, experiences, and perspective. Using 'I' allows you to tell your story more effectively and gives the admissions officers a better understanding of who you are.

That being said, it's important to strike a balance. You don't want to overuse 'I' to the point where it becomes repetitive or seems self-centered. Instead, try to vary your sentence structure and focus on the impact your experiences had on you, others, or the world around you.

For example, my child wrote about their volunteering experience in their college essay and used first-person pronouns to describe how it affected them personally. It helped the admissions officers see their growth and dedication to the community. So, don't worry too much about using 'I' in your essay – just make sure it's not overused and your message is clear. Good luck!

11 months ago

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