<p>Think about the point of the common application essay. It is primarily to reveal your personality and what makes you unique/interesting to the college. I don’t think analysis essays are worth a d*** in this respect, and can’t think of an example I have heard of one that has been successful in admissions. Yes, some introspection or ability to show that you see the broader perspective on things can add strength to an essay that also has anecdotal components. But an essay focused on analysis isn’t likely to get you very far in admissions.</p>
<p>Now… for classroom assignments, your teachers are not wrong. But a classroom essay has a different purpose from a college admission essay.</p>
<p>I think the ‘overcoming adversity’ essay is not easy to pull off well. Better to ask the guidance counselor to discuss in their recommendation if it makes sense, and focus your essay on areas that make you unique and an interesting addition to their campus.</p>