I remember drafting my first supplemental essay and thinking it had to sound super impressive and polished. However, it felt more like a resume than a reflection of me. After countless edits, I decided to just be real about my experiences and struggles. For instance, I wrote about how I had to learn to balance my passion for art with the pressure of academics. It was messy, but it felt authentic and true to who I am.
The feedback I got made me realize that being genuine really resonated more than trying to impress anyone.