<p>I am writing my common app essay and I was debating on whether or not I should add a funny sentence at the end of the essay. The essay is very serious so I wanted to lighten the mood a little. The sentence is unrelated and would be two lines underneath the essay. Is this a good or bad idea?</p>
<p>If it’s unrelated to your essay, I’d think it’s a bad idea. Why do you feel it’s necessary to lighten the mood? If your essay is on a serious topic, adding a funny sentence will just confuse or even annoy the reader.</p>
<p>I think that putting a comical sentence after a serious paper on a serious topic, for a serious matter isn’t the best idea. My advice would be to refrain from doing so and let the paper speak for its self. If its serious, then its serious.</p>
<p>The best advice we can give is that if it makes sense, put it in and if it sounds like you, put it in. But if it’s funny just for funny’s sake, leave it out. We always tell people to use their own voice in essays. If you’re not funny, don’t try to be funny. It usually doesn’t work and it’s not as genuine.</p>
<p>No need to lighten the mood if the funny part doesn’t really mesh with the rest of the essay. If you want to show the more comical side of yourself, maybe do an optional submission (found on the W&M Supplement to the Common App) that’s much more comedic and light in tone.</p>