<p>In my English class we are writing our college essays now and I was wondering what kind of essay Columbia is looking for. I know noone really knows what "kind" for sure, but is it better to write a lyrical one with metaphors or a straightforward story? I'm leaning towards the latter. Any help would be appreciated.</p>
<p>write one from the heart period. You must love your essay. It's all about you.</p>
<p>This is what Columbia wants:</p>
<p>"Personal Essay: Write an essay which conveys to the reader a sense of who you are. Possible topics may include, but are not limited to, experiences which have shaped your life, the circumstances of your upbringing, your most meaningful intellectual achievement, the way you see the world - the people in it, events great and small, everyday life - or any personal theme which appeals to your imagination. Please remember that we are concerned not only with the substance of your prose but with your writing style as well."</p>
<p>In other words: PERSONALITY, PERSONALITY, PERSONALITY. I wrote about growing up Iranian not celebrating Christmas (which was my due date) and my boyfriend--who just graduated from CU--wrote about spending all day solving some difficult math problem. You have a lot of options. But it has to jump off the page. </p>
<p>You don't need a crafty, lyrical essay full of metaphors. That almost always ends up being overdone to the point where it's embarassing to read. You're better off writing how you talk than trying to sound too formal and perfect. Straightforward and sharp essays are better. Really limit yourself to 500 words. Just start writing and let whatever you want come out, then edit. Then edit again. And again. It's ok to have other people edit your essay as long as they're not making major changes to it--they should really be proofreaders. A good essay will make somebody say, "this SCREAMS Hermione106." </p>
<p>A few general tips:
1. If you're not a naturally witty person, don't try to be.<br>
2. Avoid the angsty teenager tone. Definitely don't ever sound emo/woe-is-me in a college essay.<br>
3. Easy on the thesaurus.</p>
<p>The other day I actually read through Katharine Cohen's "Rock Hard Apps", and it has a very long section and helpful about the essays. Check that out if you can. I wish I would have read that before I applied to schools. Though my essay ended up being fine, I could have used the direction early on.</p>
<p>couldn't agree more layla</p>
<p>je suis d'accord avec ca. um yeah i dunno why i just felt inclined to speak french, but whatever. i dont remember if the essay sid 500 words, but mine was approx. 700 and i still got in, so.. i dunno. but yeah, i guess if its long, those extra words better count. o i wrote about going to russia for the first time (my parents came when they were 20) and how it affected my identity. i would say it was descriptive and well-written, but not too flowery. do what u feel is best.</p>
<p>Well nobody counts words, 700 probably seemed a bit long to them but if it was well-written, doesn't matter. Good essays say what they're trying to say without too much fluff. That's the main idea.</p>
<p>Eh.Remember these are all guidelines. Personally, if you're a good writer and it seems quick, don't worry about the world limit. I got in and both of my long essays were about 1500 words.</p>
<p>AND layla read one of them and she'd probably (hopefully?) agree that you can break all the rules above that she listed and have it STILL work.]</p>
<p>Just do what works for you</p>
<p>^Doesnt Columbia only have one long essay? Btw, does anyone know if columbia, and other ivies, allow supplementary essays?</p>
<p>I applied to transfer---which has the normal personal statement, and then two short answers about transferring (which I combined into one long essay)</p>
<p>I think Columbia has only that one essay. I think you would be wise to attach an essay about why you want to go to Columbia, if that has not already become a requirement. There were four essays for Transfer applicants, and I submitted an extra one and still got in.</p>
<p>I did read Freakish's essay and it was long and crafty (in the style of non-sequiturs), but still followed some general rules: it jumped off the page, and it wasn't formal and annoying. It was very risky, and I think it's something that has been attempted before, his was just well-crafted. If something like that comes natural to you, then do it, but only if it's natural. Don't go out of your element for the Personal Statement, that's not what it's supposed to be.</p>
<p>I really appreciate all the advice, especially Layla's. thanks guys</p>