Self-reflection in college essays - how much is too much?

I'm gearing up to write an essay about myself for my college apps and I'm worried about oversharing. How do I balance talking about my accomplishments without coming off as bragging, and being self-reflective without overdoing it?

It's great that you're thinking carefully about the tone of your essay. The balance between self-promotion and genuine self-reflection is key in a college essay. You want to present your achievements and what you've learned from your experiences with humility. When you mention an accomplishment, also discuss the journey or challenge you faced to get there, and what it taught you. In terms of self-reflection, it's wonderful to be honest and thoughtful, but make sure that your reflections lead to a positive outcome or a lesson learned. Colleges are looking for growth and maturity, so focus on how past experiences have shaped you into the person you are today. For example, instead of just saying that you won a science fair, talk about how the hours of research and experimentation heightened your passion for science and taught you valuable time management skills. As for the reflective aspect, you might discuss a failure or setback, but more importantly, detail how it made you more resilient or motivated. Just remember to keep things concise and relevant to the prompt, and avoid delving into overly personal or sensitive topics that might make the admissions officers uncomfortable. Keep your writing focused on who you've become, how, and why it matters for your future goals.