Skip to main content
What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
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)

Using Experiences with Bullying as a College Essay Topic: Your Takes?

I've had some tough times dealing with bullying in high school. I've learnt a lot from it and I'm thinking of using this for my college essay. Is this a good idea or not? I'm a bit unsure about how such a sensitive subject might be received by the admissions officers.

4 months ago

Your concern about how the topic of bullying will be received is valid. However, if you approach it with maturity and demonstrate lessons learned and personal growth, it could indeed make for a compelling essay. The focus should not only rest on the hardships you faced but on your resilience, perseverance, and the positive changes you have made in your life as a result.

Additionally, to avoid making the essay too dark or negative, maintain a balance between recounting the bullying event and showing the transformative actions or mindset that resulted from it. It's important to also address how this experience directly influenced your character, shaped your worldview, or spurred you into action or activism.

Remember, colleges are looking for students who have overcome adversity and continue to thrive, learn, and be impactful in their community. A well-written essay about overcoming bullying could potentially highlight these characteristics. Just ensure the central narrative is about your growth and maturity.

4 months ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.