Adherence to prompt vs. strength of essay

College Essays
1

<p>Hey!</p>

<p>Do you guys think it's more important to write an essay that clearly follows the prompt or an essay that's really, really good but isn't super focused on the prompt? I'm stuck in a dilemma - my essay is not as strong in following the prompt (Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family) as it is on its own, and I'm not sure whether to make it more clear how it's following the prompt (which would weaken it imo) or to just leave it as is.</p>

<p>Thanks for your advice!</p>

2

<p>I think since common app prompts are so general, they leave room for variation. I think that as long as you have some structure and focus, which I assume you do, and you convey your personality that you should be fine. Message me if you want direct advice and I can read it over.</p>