Grammar, Usage / Rephrase text about research paper (sentences) [9]

I think an adjective would help here. And, I have used the phrase 'I believe' too many times throughtout my SOP, so if you could provide me another alternative, it would be very nice, thank you! :)

Grammar, Usage / Rephrase text about research paper (sentences) [9]

Rephrase a sentence in the SOP

'My grades and academic achievements paved the way for my entry into one of the country's premier institutions- XYZ College of Engineering.'
Problem is I came across this sentence in someone else's SOP. I have drafted my own SOP but unfortunately, I found myself using this line. I do not want it to be a copy and am not able to think of a better way to express the aforementioned sentence. It would be a great help if someone could point out a way to construct a new sentence with the meaning unchanged.