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)

Is it okay to write about a personal struggle in my college essay?

Hi everyone, I'm a high school junior starting to brainstorm for my college essays. I want to write about a personal struggle that I've overcome, but I'm not sure if that's appropriate or if it will hurt my chances. Is it okay to write about a personal struggle, or should I choose a different topic? Thanks for your help!

11 months ago

Hello! It's great that you're starting to brainstorm for your college essays. Writing about a personal struggle can definitely be a powerful and impactful topic, as long as it's approached thoughtfully. Colleges are interested in understanding who you are as a person, and overcoming a personal struggle can provide valuable insight into your character, resilience, and growth. When writing about a personal struggle, focus on how you've grown and what you've learned from the experience, rather than solely dwelling on the hardship itself. Demonstrating how you've changed and matured as a result of your struggle can help colleges see your potential for growth and success in the future. It's also important to strike a balance between being honest and open about your experience while also considering the audience – avoid excessive details or oversharing, as admissions officers are looking for a well-rounded understanding of who you are. Ultimately, the choice of topic is up to you, but personal struggles can make for compelling essays when handled with care and thoughtfulness. Best of luck with your college applications!

11 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.