<p>Alright, so I wrote an essay that was very me, and it was very much in my voice. But, it was very vague, in a purposeful way.</p>
<p>Here's the thing, I feel like most common app essays have this structure.. Pretty much like, here was my difficulty/obstacle, this is how i overcame, this is how i changed, end. Or anecdote, how it relates to me, why i'm such a good person, end. </p>
<p>Well I wrote an essay.. That really isn't a structured essay. It uses a lot of ambiguous language, metaphors, etc. It kind of just hints at my life and where i've been and who i am. And i think it shows some good qualities of me peeking through. But it is anything but straightforward, and it is short.</p>
<p>So i'm just wondering, is it ever okay to just skip the structure, skip the straightforward story, and show the adcoms this stream of consciousness, pondering essay? If i don't actually tell them why they should take me, are they not going to see it peeking through?</p>
<p>I know I'm probably not making sense, so if anyone wants to just read my essay, then just say so! I'd be happy to hear what you think, whether i should scrap it or no. And of course criticism would be great. But be aware I <em>JUST</em> wrote this, and it does need much more tinkering around with and such.</p>
<p>I’ve been wondering the same thing. The essay I wrote is kind of like that too, though I think I’m just going to scrap it. I think it really depends on how it’s written. Some vague essays can be good, if they’re abstract and done correctly. However, if they’re too vague then that seems like it would do more harm than good. I would like to read your essay, if you’d let me. Just PM it to me if you want. :)</p>
<p>I would say be careful. Creativity is a great thing, but you don’t want the admissions officers left with more questions than when they started. The essay is supposed to show your personality, work ethic, etc. The readers don’t want reading thousands of essays to be like interpreting a post-postmodern poem. It’s a risk, but if you feel confident, go for it.</p>
<p>I’ve often thought the exact same thing! I have written an essay or two in the format you described and liked them, but I always felt that I might have been biased. Would you mind if I read your essay? I would like to see what such an essay written from an outside perspective would have on me.</p>
<p>I’m a brand new member and came to this forum specifically because I have the exact same issue with the essay that I’m currently working on. I’ve been told that it is good to deviate from the general essay “formula” but it is, of course, risky business. Is anyone willing to read mine?</p>
<p>If done intentionally, being vague or ambiguous can certainly be effective. But you need to make sure that the hints you do provide make sense–adcoms should be able to piece together some idea of you from the fragments you provide.</p>