<p>Okay, I have a dilemma. I have such a big story to tell and I really want to make it into my essay. I just do not know how to tell it in 500 words. It is a life-changing (for anyone) event and I really want to talk about it. Everything about it is emotional. Does anyone have any tips on making it so it still sounds like it has a focus enough for the common app essay? Like should I just choose a topic and then focus on answering the question? Or should I make my own topic and just go all out, tell a massive story, and then edit it down to 500 words with all the important parts? Thanks for your input.</p>
<p>Also, if you are interested in reading it (provided that you give feedback) when it is finished, leave your e-mail and I'll get it to you when I finish. </p>
<p>Thanks again, any help is appreciated.</p>
<p>500 words is ample space to write in. Don't trivialize how much you can say in a space that small. People make haiku about life changing experiences. That said, 500 words isn't exactly roomy, and you might not get in every last resonant thing that happened. That's okay. As long as what you've written is true and is you, your essay will be good and will stand out. So don't try too hard to fit everything in. If you feel like you can really distill one part of something really well in 500 words, do that. If you think 2 things fit, then write 2 things. It's up to you, but don't try to do too much. If you pop blood vessels trying to write the next War and Peace, it'll be obvious and it won't work. There are lots of essays like that. Few essays talk about life changing things with focus and without pretense, condescension, or any of those other deeply irritating staples of college admissions essays.</p>
<p>if you want, PM it to me when you're done.</p>
<p>I'll read yours if you read mine! PM me.</p>