<p>At first, I thought my essay was excellent, and in fact I already used it for Washington and Fordham. However, after looking through a book on college essays, I realized it might be mediocre.</p>
<p>-It mentions why I got bad grades junior year. (a do-not according to the book I read)
-It mentions my low points
-It makes excuses (would you agree after reading it?)
-It quotes Nietzsche, a common expression "what doesn't destroy me....."
-Has an existentialist tone, which is unoriginal?</p>
<p>I'd greatly appreciate if someone would look over to see if they concur that it is mediocre, or am I exaggerating and it's actually a good essay? Any takers?</p>
<p>(I want to apply to University of Chicago and some other ones.)</p>