Most significant challenge: Living in the shadow of my twin

Prompt: Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome the challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?

The COVID-19 pandemic arrived as a persecuting riptide, tearing lives and straining relationships. Amid the lockdown, I was met with my tsunami: the growing distance between my twin brother and I. We once bonded like two peas in a pod, but then solitude changed our home into an arena of comparison, where his milestones bellowed over my insecurities.

As my twin buried himself in his studies, I fell into a state of isolation. Conversations at the dinner table revolved around my brother's latest accomplishment, while my efforts seemed to go unnoticed. I began to feel conflicted, and lonely, watching the companionship I once drew comfort and laughs in quickly unravel. It felt like a punch in the face that despite everything we'd been through, we were now set on separate paths. As I watched my friends and their brother's bond continue to strengthen, exchanging laughter and sharing the reassurance of knowing their other half is always there, it made me miss my brother all over again.

After a while of living in the shadow of my brother, I longed to step into my light. With the future of self-improvement shining in the back of my head, I began challenging myself, taking more APs, studying for hours, and working to understand tough subjects. I felt my confidence begin to blossom, and I realized that my achievements didn't have to mirror anyone else's but reflect my hard work.

What began as an endless competition ended as a refined mindset of self-challenge. Through this process, I grew individually and realized my strengths. With the announcement of college and the physical separation, I plan to continue this mindset and dive into new challenges and opportunities that let me explore my identity without the shadow of comparison. But, what excites me more is my reunion with my brother, not as competitors but as two separate individuals who have evolved in their unique ways. In days to come, there is no doubt that our relationship will uphold a stronger bond of mutual assistance and understanding.

I find this to be an engaging and unique take on how the lock-down affected your studies and your personal relationship with your twin brother. The way that you used your difference from him to propel you academically is to be noted because of the well known belief that there is a "more intelligent twin". The way you used the difference in achievements to find your place academically is notable because you did not allow it to destroy your relationship with your brother. It would appear instead that your relationship improved because of the difference in academic paths and accomplishments. This is a well developed response to the prompt that may be of interest to the reviewer. A point for improvement though, you may want to refer to your twin brother and how he reacted to the way you felt about your academic shortcomings at the start. Make him appear to be an inspirational twin who helped you find your place in the family and in academics.

Hi,
I think your response is very interesting to read. Not a lot of people can write about an experience like this, which is helpful for standing out in a pool of applicants. One suggestion would be to include some examples of strengths you have developed to help make this an even more well-rounded response. Good luck!