<p>So I plan on applying to some top-tier schools and want to write the best essay I could. i have put so much reading and thought into it all, perhaps to my detriment. As a result of all this research, I am so confused as to what these colleges are looking for now!</p>
<p>I read a very plain "I want to do this with my life/I am compassionate" but well written Atticus Finch essay (many of you might know which one im talking about) that was apparently accepted by Harvard. I've talked with a guy on the Dartmouth admissions committee that said DONT write about any specific activities or interests, but rather a small event that shaped you. Reading "Acing the college application" suggested I DO write on an extracurricular/interest that I am passionate about. Reading Harry Baulds book (on writing the college app essay) tells me something more similar to what the dartmouth guy said. My lit teacher (and that example Harvard essay) tells me to be genuine in just describing myself, don't get esoteric or too creative or it wont say much about you.</p>
<p>Hate to break it to you, but no one is right or wrong in this situation because there is no right or wrong way to write a college admissions essay.
You can write a “slice of life” essay about something small that really reflects on who you are as a person OR you can write about something you’re really passionate about. Just make sure the writing is strong and says a lot about you and that you don’t repeat what the rest of your application says. If you’re not sure which kind of essay you want to write (the ones I listed are definitely not the only ones – they’re just examples), pick what’s easier for you to write. If you feel like you’re forcing something in your essay, you probably are.</p>
<p>And what I was worried about was that I understand that everyone’s right, but are they up-to-date? Harry Baulds book is a classic, but maybe the idea of NOT writing about an activity is outdated because colleges want passion in a subject/field now instead of all-around kids? (like back then.)</p>
<p>And the Harvard Atticus Finch essay seemed pretty old too. When I was reading that it felt like a polished version of a state school BS essay that someone whips up in a few hours. It sounded cliche. Maybe I’m wrong?</p>
<p>It basically says to think back on those moments that left strong impressions on you. Choose several and try to visualize yourself back there. Write down everything you can remember about those single moments. Don’t worry about style, spelling, or grammar. Just create a stream of consciousness and record it.</p>
<p>Now examine each of the moments you’ve described, and determine which of these changed you, tested you, made you stronger, or just gives insight into what makes you you. If one of these memories does that, you’ve just discovered your essay topic.</p>
<p>Once you’ve got that, turn those descriptive words into a paragraph which will serve to drop the reader right into that situation. Describe, don’t interpret. And when that is finished, polish that one paragraph.</p>
<p>That paragraph will become the first paragraph of your essay, drawing a reader into your story immediately.</p>