I had the incredible opportunity to speak with Christoph Guttentag, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions at Duke University, who shared some powerful insight on what colleges are really looking for in your application essays.
He emphasized that when admissions officers read your essay, they’re picturing you as a potential member of their community — almost like you’re speaking directly to them. While it’s natural to feel pressure to write a “great piece of writing,” the real goal is to show how you express yourself and what you want them to know about you.
So, ditch the pressure to be a literary genius and focus on letting your authentic voice shine through!
Hear more on The College Admissions Process Podcast