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Adjectives in Application Essays: Which ones do colleges favor?

Hello! As I've started drafting my college essays, I've been wondering about the descriptors I should use. Are there specific adjectives that admissions officers like to see that could make my application shine? Personal growth, challenging, etc. What's the right tone to strike?

10 months ago

Hey there! It's great to see you're taking a thoughtful approach to your essay writing. When it comes to adjectives, it's less about using specific words that admissions officers 'favor' and more about authentically describing your experiences and qualities.

Adjectives that accurately reflect your personal growth or the challenging nature of your experiences can indeed make your application stand out. The right tone to strike is one that feels true to who you are and speaks to your resilience, adaptability, and grit, if those are qualities you're aiming to convey.

For example, if you led a community service project, you might describe the endeavor as 'transformative' if it had a significant impact on your perspective. Avoid overused terms like 'passionate' unless you truly feel they're the only words that do justice to the intensity of your feelings or involvement. Remember, the potency of your essay comes from how your unique voice melds with the narrative you're sharing. Good luck!

10 months ago

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