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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)

Why This College' Essay Nerves

Hey guys! So, how should I approach writing a 'why this college' essay? I have genuine reasons but I'm scared of sounding unoriginal or like I'm just telling colleges what I think they want to hear. Any advice on how to personalize this?

10 months ago

It's completely normal to feel anxious about crafting a 'Why This College' essay, so you're not alone. The key is to integrate your personal story and passions with what the college offers. Start by rattling off the reasons you love the school – programs, clubs, courses, faculty, etc. – and then tie those reasons back to your experiences and future goals. For instance, if you’re an avid environmentalist and the college has a strong sustainability initiative, you could write about how you'd contribute to and grow from those resources. Reflect on your specific experiences, like a project or volunteer work, that have shaped your interest in the school's offerings. Remember, the more you can connect your past experiences and future aspirations to the unique opportunities at the college, the more personal and less generic your essay will feel. Colleges want students who will take full advantage of what they have to offer, so show them how and why you’ll do just that. Good luck, and remember that your voice is unique – let it shine through in your writing!

10 months ago

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