<p>When applying to a selective school, should I say "I would take advantage of the opportunities at X College" instead of "I will take advantage of the opportunities..." ?
"Will" feels less wordy to me but too self-assured...</p>
<p>“Will” sounds like you think of yourself as already there, which, IMHO, is a good thing!</p>
<p>Okay, thanks. I just feel like that might seem a little cocky, seeing that I’m more than likely not going to be accepted into the school (does this imply that I believe I WILL get accepted, unrealistically so?).</p>
<p>Personal choice. I’ve seen/read essays of those accepted using both “will” and “would.” On a personal note, I agree with you, “will” sounds cockier.</p>
<p>I used “would.” I don’t think it’s more wordy, and it sounds more humble than “will”; if the school to which you’re applying is selective, “would” is in and of itself an acknowledgment of the realistic competitiveness of the college.</p>
<p>I really don’t think it’s too big of a deal though. Don’t sweat it.</p>
<p>Thanks all. The essay was submitted, with “would.”</p>
<p>I used would.</p>
<p>The important thing is just to be consistent, so I’m sure it’ll be fine.</p>
<p>^ I second that. Btw, I used would in most of my essays.</p>
<p>I said “I can see myself [doing whatever]”</p>
<p>I used the even more direct “I’m applying to X because I like Z” :D</p>