Anecdotal vs. Expository Writing?

College Essays
1

<p>Hey everyone, </p>

<p>I was wondering what type of writing I should emulate in a personal statement. Basically, I want to know what formats you guys have used. </p>

<p>1) Did you tell a story, and then at the conclusion tell the significance of that story and how it pertains to the prompt?</p>

<p>(Do personal statements tend to have theses? Or are you just writing...)</p>

<p>3) Would it be weak to write a personal statement as if you were writing for an English class: for example, you would have a thesis, then you supply around three points that support it.</p>

<p>I'm stuck at some of the prompts that ask: "describe your world...and how it shapes you". What's the most effective format for that? 1, 2, or something else?</p>

2

<p>Go for the story, it gives you a better opportunity to stand out amongst the 1000s of other applicants. Try to start right in the action of your story (the technique is called in media res; I might be wrong because I rarely pay attention in english class :P) , and have an ultra-good introduction and conclusion. </p>

<p>Hope it helps</p>

3

<p>yes for example....instead of saying..."When i woke up in the morning and went to the bathroom, i noticed myself in the mirror" you should say "staring at my reflection in my rusted bathroom mirror I noticed..." catches the readers attention more</p>