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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)

How do I craft a compelling personal paragraph about myself for college applications?

Writing about myself feels so weird. Any of you have tricks for making a paragraph about yourself sound good but not braggy for college apps? I am trying to stand out but also come off as genuine.

a year ago

It's completely natural to feel a bit awkward when writing about yourself. A good strategy is to focus on storytelling. Think about experiences that have shaped you and that demonstrate your character, resilience, or passion. Start with an anecdote that captures attention and encapsulates your qualities. Instead of simply stating achievements, show them through actions and experiences.

For example, rather than saying 'I'm dedicated', describe the time you spent mastering a complex skill or managing a difficult project. This allows your dedication to come through without directly saying it. Lastly, be reflective. Discuss not just what you did, but what you learned about yourself or how you grew from the experience. This kind of self-awareness is both genuine and appealing!

a year ago

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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.