<p>So, like all other juniors, I'll be applying to college next year. Problem is, I'm applying to top tiers and have NO IDEA what I should include in my essay. What should I try to say in my essay? What are some definite no-no's? </p>
<p>Give me your BEST tips.</p>
<p>DO NOT make excuses for anything, be it bad freshman grades, or poor test scores.
DO let your passion come across, choose an activity that really exudes enthusiasm for yourself.<br>
DO NOT hesitate to brag a little. Be proud but don’t be cocky.<br>
DO make your essays less generic than everyone else’s. For example, adcoms will receive hundreds of letters about being persistent and eventually achieving your goals. Be more random, unpredictable. </p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>There is good advice here:</p>
<p>[Essays</a>, Admission Information, Undergraduate Admission, U.Va.](<a href=“http://www.virginia.edu/undergradadmission/writingtheessay.html]Essays”>http://www.virginia.edu/undergradadmission/writingtheessay.html)</p>
<p>BE CREATIVE. i cannot emphasize that enough. i am a guy, my essay was about my stuffed animals. i had another essay that asked what extracurriculars i will do, so i wrote it as though i was going through time, capturing snapshots of what i will accomplish. i got into an ivy league university with those essays. </p>
<p>there are just so many people who are like everyone else, and then WRITE about it. like essays about juggling music and sports and academics. SO many people do that. just be creative 
use symbols in your story rather than blatantly telling the reader your information. find something about you that is original, unique, and tells a lot about your personality. some colleges don’t do interviews, so they NEED to gather information about your character through your essays.</p>
<p>oh and make sure a teacher or something edits it.</p>