<p>I've been struggling with which route to go for my essays. I've seen super successful light-hearted essays telling a pretty average story in an interesting, witty, and humorous way with a nice little message or lesson at the end. I was thinking of talking about my interest in fashion and what it's taught me about appearance. I've always found these types the most compelling to read.
But I'm also drawn to going a little deeper, telling about a struggle in my life. I was thinking of a time when my friend was becoming self-destructive and so I sought help and lost her as a friend, but since then she has been on the right track. Or my struggle with my dad wanting me to be an athlete like him. These can be interesting if they're not overdone, and can usually reveal more about someone's character.</p>
<p>I guess to some level it depends on your personality. What is your opinion on the essays? Hit 'em with a laugh and a smile, or hit 'em in the heart?</p>
<p>It should show personal strengths and attributes the colleges are looking for. This not an ordinary hs writing assignment, topic of your choice. Show the character traits relevant to your college experience, that the adcoms need to see. It is what is compelling to THEM. Does fashion and your interest in your appearance, eg, matter for your admissions review? Think about this.</p>
<p>Writing what you think an admissions reader would want to see sounds like a great way to get lost in the mass of average essays lookingforward… Write something unique, catchy, and unforgettable!</p>
<p>But I am a reader, not a hs kid. One needs to show the qualities the adcoms want in their class- not your favorite color, why you think best after midnight or etc. It’s your college app.</p>
<p>Unique and catchy? IF it is relevant. Think about it. You’d be surprised what many kids think is unique or special. No one said dry and dull.</p>
<p>I agree: the objective of the essay is to make the readers think that you’re a person they want to see on their campus next fall (and that once you get there, you’ll be successful).</p>
<p>How do you do that? Well, a friend of mine who used to work in admissions at a top 50 university used to offer this advice: “Be yourself. If you’re funny, be funny. But if you’re not…don’t try!”</p>
<p>If lighthearted works for you, and that’s who you are, go that route. Just don’t forget the real reason why you’re writing that essay in the first place.</p>