<p>After I finished my rough draft of my common app essay, I decided to use my parents are my first editors. Both of my parents told me that my essay is too arrogant, and that I should tone it down.
The problem is I think I need to be arrogant. My essay is about me overcoming a large struggle, and my pride on the topic has translated into apparent arrogance.
Is a sense of arrogance good in this case? I will message you my essay If you would like to see for yourself.</p>
<p>Show your essay to an adult who knows you, but who isn’t a member of your family, like an English teacher, perhaps. It’s hard for family members to judge tone well. Also, some parents may be from cultural backgrounds in which praising yourself may seem arrogant bragging–but to most Americans it may not seem that way at all.</p>
<p>I can read it if you want. I’ll be able to give you better advice that way.</p>
<p>You can definitely make it not sound “arrogant” and still showcase your achievement. I know what you mean - colleges want to see how awesome you are, but you can’t actually tell them that because then you come off sounding bad. </p>
<p>I think it makes sense to sort of go the “humble brag” route and make it very easy for them to associate you with your great accomplishments without straight out saying how great you are. </p>
<p>Arrogance is a killer. But know that even the “humble brag” route can kill you. The essay is not the place to brag, I think. Your recommendations, grades, accomplishments, and ECs should “brag” for you. The essay is a chance to show personality – and if arrogance is what shines through, it will NOT help you. Consider whether having your guidance counselor tell your “overcoming” story in their recommendation is a better idea, and focus your essay on something that makes you a unique and interesting addition to the college community.</p>
<p>Actually I think @intparent is right - the people reading your essays are probably very quick to discern the “tune” of your essay, whether humble or not. It is better to make it more about what you could contribute to a community or institution than make it about yourself.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>