<p>"My D will start applying in Fall 2005, so she hasn't written her essays yet. But I've been reading around on CC and elsewhere and am a bit puzzled by this type of writing as a "genre". Many of the examples I've read that others say are good seem overwritten, more like short stories that happen to be based on true experiences than like discursive analyses of one's goals, accomplishments and personal qualities."</p>
<p>The college essay is a particular kind of writing, NOT like school essays. They are not meant to be a good analytical paper that proves a thesis statement. As well, the essay is not meant to recount goals and accomplishments which are already on the application. The essay needs to show who the person is...a personal side of the student. I would agree that the essay is meant to show "personal qualities". A student should brainstorm their personal qualities about themselves that they hope to showcase. Then write an essay that SHOWS those aspects of him/herself. The essay is not meant to be telling all the accomplishments. The essay, in most cases (depending on the prompt) should be narrative in style and show these qualities but not tell them out right. It should not be "explaining" in other words. Anecdotes that show the personal traits work well. There are SOME essays that might be more straightforward such as the "why X college" prompts. But even essays that ask why this major, can be infused with anecdotes. </p>
<p>I concur with the recommendation to read Harry Bauld's book, plus any sample essays that work in many other resource books. I don't think these kinds of essays are "overwritten". They are simply a different style of essay from those that are written for school. They are not analytical with supporting statements. They should not even be statements. Sometimes there are short answer questions on an application that require more straightforward answers but for the main essay prompts, a more narrative or showing essay that reveals personal characteristics without telling/explaining them, works best. </p>
<p>Susan</p>