When I started writing my supplemental essays, I thought they had to be perfect and polished. My first drafts sounded so stiff and formal—like I was trying too hard to impress the admissions team. I quickly realized that the essays where I shared my genuine experiences and struggles resonated much more.
For example, in my environmental science essay, I initially wrote about my love for nature and sustainability, but it felt surface-level. So, I decided to open up about the time I accidentally ruined my school's garden project and how that failure drove me to learn more about ecology. It was messy and imperfect, but way more authentic!
Incorporating these personal stories made my application stand out and feel real. So if you’ve been trying to make your supplementary essays too perfect, it’s okay to show a little vulnerability. It just might be the thing that connects you with the admissions committee!