<p>what do they want basically? do they want an essay that demonstrates clear thinking and a logical and systematic organization in the progression of the format (which demonstrates coherence and writing ability suited for the term papers you will have to write there)? or do they want something really creative that shows a different side of you - something completely new that they wouldnt have seen before? I know they want a mix of both, but lets be more specific. What's the main purpose? To assess grammar and coherence or really to just get a glimpse of your personality? Theres no excuse for grammar mistakes, but what are they really looking for?</p>
<p>do they want a poignant account of a meaningful memory?
an attestment to your hard-wrok ethic and ec's?
sense of humour? what you're like around your friends, when you're more laid back and not being intervbiewed or writing an application?
a coherent narrative of a memory's impact on you?
why you would love to attend that shcool?
mini-biography (w/ more structure)?
etc.</p>
<p>sure, all would generally be great but cmon be specific the essay is very important!</p>
<p>I think (this is my opinion) that it is slightly more important for them to see what your personality is like and passions are. The essay's grammar, spelling, etc. should be well done, but I'm guessing they aren't going to decide not to admit someone because they wrote "their" and meant "there". First write an essay that expresses you, and then proofread and make it more polished and coherant. Of course, if you emphasize writing as one of your strengths, your essays should express that.</p>
<p>We had a specific discussion about essay with Hotchkiss admissions rep during our visit there. Her advice to us was that essay was an opportunity for our daughter to distinguish herself from the applicant pool. A big part of that applicant pool is going to have proper grammer and paragraphs structure (and good grades, good SSAT, good recommendations, etc.). These people read hundreds of these. They need a reason to remember yours. Two specific things the Hotchkiss rep mentioned was making clear a passion of our daughters (that's an easy one for her) and making it clear why she wanted to go to Hotchkiss (in particular if Hotchkiss were her first choice - guess they are thinking about yield).</p>