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)

100 vocab words

Hey, everyone! I'm looking to expand my vocabulary before I start applying to colleges and writing those essays. Can you recommend a list of impressive (but not too obscure) vocab words, like maybe a top 100? Thanks!

a year ago

Hey there! Expanding your vocabulary before diving into college applications is a great idea. While I can't provide an exhaustive list of 100 words here, I can give you a list of 15 vocabulary words that might come in handy when crafting your essays or daily conversations. However, remember to use these words naturally and not force them into your writing just for the sake of showing off your vocabulary.

1. Articulate: express clearly and effectively

2. Bolster: to support or strengthen

3. Candor: honesty or straightforwardness in speech or expression

4. Demeanor: outward behavior or bearing

5. Ephemeral: lasting for a very short time, fleeting

6. Foster: to promote the growth or development of something

7. Gregarious: sociable; fond of the company of others

8. Hubris: excessive pride or self-confidence

9. Innate: inborn or natural

10. Juxtapose: to place side by side, especially for comparison or contrast

11. Keen: sharp or penetrating; highly developed

12. Lament: to express sorrow, regret, or unhappiness about something

13. Meticulous: showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise

14. Nuance: a subtle difference in meaning, opinion, or attitude

15. Ostentatious: characterized by vulgar or pretentious display; showy

These are just a few examples to get you started. I encourage you to also explore other vocabulary-enhancing resources such as the "Word of the Day" feature on websites like Dictionary.com or the Merriam-Webster dictionary. Additionally, reading regularly (books, articles, essays) can help you naturally increase your vocabulary. Good luck and happy learning!

a year 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.