College applicants worry about appearing boastful
13 posts across 3 communities in the last 60 days; 85% from r/ApplyingToCollege.
“Need genuine advice. I am close to finishing my first PIQ for UC apps. I decided to answer PIQ #2 which is this prompt: 2. Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few…”
“how do i not sound like im bragging if im talking about my family in some prompts, like about how my parents are really intelligent and creative and artistic and they helped me be like that too? i feel like i shouldnt talk about that stuff”
“If you are thinking that you are going to be inspirational by posting about how you got II's or A's and you have some "low" stat, you should disclose a variety of things: 1) The stat has to be genuinely low. 3.6 in not a low GPA. 509 is not a low MCAT with a high GPA. 2) Post…”
Multiple college applicants are concerned their application essays will sound arrogant when discussing family accomplishments or personal achievements. They seek advice on how to present these details without seeming boastful.
SOURCES (13)
“If you are thinking that you are going to be inspirational by posting about how you got II's or A's and you have some "low" stat, you should disclose a variety of things: 1) The stat has to be genuinely low. 3.6 in not a…”
“Im mixed (black and Arab) should I write about that? I don't really know if the question is asking you to write about your background or something else. Please help 🙏🏽 " Harvard has long recognized the importance of enrolling a student body with a diversity of perspectives and experiences. How will the life experiences that shaped who you are today enable you to contribute to Harvard? " submitted by /u/iiKhico [link] [comments]”
“I’m writing the duke optional supplemental that asks about something i’ve been excited about and I was wondering if i can write something that’s completely unrelated to my major? Like what if I’m majoring in political science and I wanted to write about robotics or like chemistry?? submitted by /u/ConversationShot4626 [link] [comments]”
“I'm really in a bit of a Catch-22 here. I'm trying to write personal statements to get into Biochemistry and related PhD programs, but I feel like the authentic reason that I want to pursue a PhD makes me seem like a jerk, and I feel like there's no way that a review committee would want to admit someone like me. On the other hand, I have heard if you're not authentic then you're equally as unlikely to get in because the committees won't believe anything that you've w”
“Hi, I'm an international sophomore who'll be applying to universities in the US. I'm part of my country's WSDC team. I was the first person in my country (being vague) to win an award at WSDC (being vague again). Recently, I was interviewed by Forbes of my country, and had an entire article written about me & my debate journey. Is it something worth mentioning in my college application? FYI: I'm FGLI (will be applying for aid), so it's not through nepotism. subm”
“I've read a great deal of college essay advice that claims a student ought to sound like a high schooler. My inner voice is not really a high schooler as reading so much and participating in the arts leads me to perceive life and self-expression . Converted into speech when talking to friends, my voice may sound more "high school -esque", but that is like code switching. When I write from my heart it sounds very literary with lots of metaphors and descriptions; it mirrors my tenden”
“Im applying to a T10 that really cares about character. Though I’m pursuing a STEM major, I have a variety of artistic talents (self-taught guitar/drums/keyboard and music production, have had years of art lessons/tutoring spanning drawing/painting/ceramics/etc.) Should I submit a portfolio of all my projects (finished/unfinished drawings+paintings, sketches, original song demos+snippets)? I haven’t really published anything anywhere or exhibited anything, but I imagine a university that strongl”
“I'm applying for Comp sci. my Extra curiculars talk about my double edge (linguistics + CS) so I wanted to talk about my stutter to show why I love linguistics and what insights I've had from this while teaching orphans. do you think my personal statament could be about this? Or is it a bad idea to talk about something like a stutter. submitted by /u/Beneficial-Drop-4855 [link] [comments]”
“Specifically, being a "Alien" in the context of immigrant status in the US. Is that too political, being mad at the word? My essay isn't just about this, but its a piece that I have included. I don't wanna make someone mad. submitted by /u/Tall_Collection_8388 [link] [comments]”
“Need genuine advice. I am close to finishing my first PIQ for UC apps. I decided to answer PIQ #2 which is this prompt: 2. Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side. I have an essay tutor and when choosing this topic, I had an idea of creativity to write about my writing because I love creative writing. However I mentioned photography (whic”
“Hi yall! So i'm going to apply to colombia with majors in political science and economics and a minor in creative writing. Writing is something I am really passionate about that I've been doing for ages, and when i saw the optional portfolio, I wanted to submit. However, they basically imply that you shouldn't submit unless your recognized or like really good. 5 of my poems have been published, 3 in a lit mag and 2 cause I won first place in a national comp (15+ countries and 230+ su”
“how do i not sound like im bragging if im talking about my family in some prompts, like about how my parents are really intelligent and creative and artistic and they helped me be like that too? i feel like i shouldnt talk about that stuff submitted by /u/Due_Raspberry4867 [link] [comments]”