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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)

Is writing about indecision a bad topic for my college essay?

I've been grappling with indecision in a lot of areas, and it's something I've grown from. But I'm a bit anxious that writing about my experience with being indecisive might make me seem unsure of myself to admissions. Should I avoid this topic?

10 months ago

Your concern is understandable—after all, you want to present the best version of yourself to admissions. However, writing about personal challenges such as indecision can be effective if framed correctly. It’s less about the indecision itself and more about how you’ve overcome it and grown. Admissions officers appreciate reflection and personal growth. When you discuss your journey with indecision, focus on the strategies you’ve developed to become more decisive, or how your thoughtfulness in making decisions has led to positive outcomes. For example, if you once had trouble choosing between different academic interests but it eventually led you to a unique combination of studies or passion projects, that’s a story worth telling. Make sure the essay highlights your self-awareness, maturity, and readiness for college, as those qualities will resonate well with admissions committees. Find a balance: show that while you've had moments of uncertainty, you've also learned valuable lessons about decision-making which will serve you well in the future. Avoid presenting indecision as an ongoing, unresolved issue; instead, depict it as a stepping stone on your path to personal development and academic success.

10 months ago

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