<p>Prompt 4: I’ve read and edited a lot of these essays, and a lot of people choose to write about their families, friends, or some other group of people. Firstly, that’s not a “place or environment,” and secondly, there is a tendency to spend all of the essay writing about the people. Moreover, writing about how close you are to a group of people in your hometown doesn’t speak well to your ability to be content around new people, which you will definitely have to do in college.</p>
<p>I’ve also read a lot of essays about random woods, rocks, or parks used to contemplate life and the future. This is not the place to get introspective or poetic; always remember that the goal is to say something about yourself through the essay. Many teenagers have a place to reflect and get away from their hectic lives; say something new. Such an essay can be done well, but I know that admissions officers get many “peaceful place” essays, so stand out if at all possible.</p>