I’m pretty big on data and I’ve been involved in some projects with quantifiable results that I’m proud of. Do you think including numbers or stats in my application essay would impress admissions officers or would it be better to stick to narratives and personal growth stories? Looking for input from anyone who’s successfully used numbers in their essay without it turning into a math report lol.
Including numbers or statistics in your college application essay can certainly be effective if done appropriately. Admissions officers are often looking for concrete evidence of an applicant's achievements, and quantifiable results can provide that. It's important, however, to ensure that the numbers you include serve to enhance the narrative of your personal growth or the story you're telling. For example, if you led a project that resulted in a 20% increase in recycling in your community, mentioning this statistic could effectively highlight your leadership and impact. Just remember that the essay should primarily reflect who you are as a person, and the numbers should only be there to support that reflection, not to overshadow it. Balancing quantifiable achievements with reflection on what you learned or how you grew from the experience will make for a compelling essay. Aim for storytelling with data as a supporting character, not the protagonist. Best of luck!
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