<p>Do I need to really spell things out, or is it expected that the person reading the essay will read between the lines? I'm a little worried that my essay isn't what's required. I'm an International so I don't have anyone to give advice on this! Also, should I mention why I want to study the subject I plan to study?</p>
<p>We should talk. First you shouldn’t make you r essay a riddle or anything.you can mention those but what the college s really want to know is why they should have you at their college what are you going to bring to their campus. Omg pm we could like critique each other rs essays okay any who lol </p>
<p>Sent from my SPH-M820-BST using CC App</p>
<p>I get that, I just mean do I have to say “I am X, Y and Z” or can I expect them to read between the lines?
Sorry, I know I’m certainly not qualified to critique anyone’s essay, so that wouldn’t be a fair swap. I am sure there are threads for that though.</p>
<p>No one can help? Should I post this somewhere else…?</p>
<p>umm i dunno really. i would be straight forward</p>
<p>You aren’t being too clear. What specifically are you not sure should be included?</p>
<p>They aren’t going to spend anytime “reading between the lines”, but they will know everything that you put on your app, so don’t bother repeating yourself.</p>
<p>You can send your essay to people and they’ll tell you what your doing wrong or right, you don’t have to give advice back. Send it my way if you like</p>
<p>Basically the essay is supposed to paint a picture of who you are</p>
<p>I get that. I mean, do I have to say “I think ______ makes me diverse” or can I just talk about ______ and assume they realise that’s what makes me diverse?
Do I have to say things straight out, or do I show them that through the topic I’m discussing?</p>
<p>^ The latter.</p>
<p>The guiding principle of a college essay is to show, not to tell. Your essay seems contrived and artificial (and also insults the reader) if you have to tell them why you’re writing about a topic.</p>
<p>While making your essay so cryptic that the admissions officer has to spend time poring over it (while having 1000 other essays on his/her desk too) is not a good move…spelling things out so bluntly that it appears as if you’re spoon-feeding the reader (or worse - being patronizing) won’t do you any favors either.</p>
<p>You have to strike a balance. Write about the issue at hand and present your point clearly…but realize that the person reading it is an old pro and s/he will be able to reach the conclusions you want him to.</p>
<p>Out of the two approaches you posted, go for the latter.</p>
<p>Thank you guys so much, perfect advice! : )</p>