<p>My previous common app essay was a seemingly light hearted story, but it was kind of an extended metaphor, which i kind of talked about in the end. </p>
<p>But I also wrote an alternative one, about my extracurricular activity.</p>
<p>I dunno how I should go about Middlebury as it only has one essay required.</p>
<p>
If it’s as boring as this sentence, I don’t suggest using this one. :)</p>
<p>Then again, I have no idea what “an extended metaphor that you talk about in the end” is either! So… kinda hard to advise here.</p>
<p>You have one shot to grab the reader. And while it can be done, you don’t want to share your epiphanies about how a homeless shelter changed your outlook unless you have something truly uniquely personal to say about it (living in one, for example). The best example of this advice came from admissions at Tufts. He said there was nothing worse than realizing that everyone sat around a campfire during their trip to Africa and typed the exact same essay in the glow, sending them all to him! </p>
<p>As I said to a friend of mine’s son… your grades are awesome, you’ve taken the most rigorous courses your school offers, your test scores are all at or above the 75% of attending students. On paper, you look like everyone else applying. The essay is your only opportunity to speak to who you are - whether you use one of the common app prompts or not. Certainly your recs help define your character, involvement, strength as a leader, follower (one with good instincts, they’re just as necessary in this world), but the essay is uniquely you. </p>
<p>In other words, humor is good (if you’re actually able to write it), and while I don’t necessarily think it needs to be serious per se, it does need to be sincere.</p>
<p>Modadunn said it perfectly. </p>
<p>Writing doesn’t exist in such measured degrees of serious v. silly. If it’s sincere, it’s sincere regardless of all else; if it’s a good essay it’s a good essay and vice versa. I think it misses the point to limit yourself to a “genre” of college essay beyond that simple fact.</p>
<p>The best advice I ever heard on this subjectt was from a Dartmouth speaker. The advice was to not have too many people read your essay, but instead, choose two people. One of the readers should know you well, the other, a person who is not so familiar with you. After they read it, the person who knows you well should be able to say… “that’s so “theunforgiven”, and the other should be able to say… well “theunforgiven”, i really get a sense of who you are now.” The other thing that I would share on this subject is that your app is more than just the one essay. You have a chance in all of the other sections including the extra information to give a peek to the admissions people of who you are and what makes you tick. Over time, I have gained more confidence in the admissions process at Midd and other schools, and somehow or another, more often then not, they are able to choose students who fit into their community and avoid those who might be happier elsewhere. Good Luck in your process.</p>