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Duke University
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Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

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Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Do colleges prefer essays about personal challenges or achievements?

Hey everyone! I'm working on my college essays and I'm not sure if I should focus on a personal challenge I've overcome or an achievement I'm proud of. Do colleges have a preference for one over the other? Thanks for your help!

a year ago

Hey there! It's great that you're working on your college essays. In my experience, colleges don't necessarily have a strong preference for essays about personal challenges or achievements. What's more important is that your essay is authentic and showcases who you are as a person.

When my child was applying to college, they chose to write about a personal challenge that helped them grow and learn. The key is to pick a topic that resonates with you and helps admissions officers understand your character, values, and personal growth.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. If you feel that discussing a personal challenge will provide a more meaningful story, go for it. On the other hand, if you believe your achievements will best highlight your strengths, then focus on that. Good luck with your essays!

a year ago

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