<p>This is a really interesting question. While it's a bit hard to generalize without seeing examples of straightforward vs. overwritten essays, I believe the former will actually come across better than the latter--especially if it genuinely demonstrates "the analytic mind and logical argumentation...crucial for subsequent academic success." And E. B. White's prose remains far more impressive than any attempts to show off highfaluting SAT vocabulary.</p>
<p>To my mind, the problem with many essays--including the model that some guidance departments hand out that compares climbing a mountain to the applicant's desire to scale the heights of all knowledge--is that they're trite or boring. Although creative gimmicks arent necessary, and may even detract from the effectiveness of an essay, the main purpose (especially now that the revised SAT will purport to test basic writing skills more thoroughly) is to give admissions officers a glimpse into the students heart and mind that they wont get from anything else on the application.</p>
<p>The best book Ive ever seen on the subjectand one of my favorite books on writing, periodis Harry Baulds ON WRITING THE COLLEGE APPLICATION ESSAY.</p>