Complexity

Colleges & Universities A-Z Cornell University
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<p>I'm conflicted with one of my application essays. My AP english teacher taught us to use complex sentences in our writing (semicolons, etc..not writing a whole essay with one sentence type). But with my college essay, my dad says he read online that it should be in simple, short sentences. What do I do? I feel like if I write in short sentences, it will sound too simple.</p>

2

<p>If you use too much complexity, they will see that and will see that you are over-doing it.</p>

<p>If you lose too little, they may think you do not know how to write with anything other than short sentences.</p>

<p>Of course you should not write with one sentence throughout the entire essay, but also do not have several hundred sentences in one page. Let it flow, semicolons will come as they need. If there are only a few semicolons in the entire paper, then let it be; make it as natural as possible.</p>

3

<p>Ok. Also, I’m trying to explain a hard work ethic. How do I explain it without sounding like a braggart?</p>

4

<p>jmfateh is right. Don’t use overblown language or phrases or SAT words. Be natural.</p>

<p>"How do I explain it without sounding like a braggart? " Don’t explain. Show through anecdotes.</p>

5

<p>Also some advice from the Yale website:
[Advice</a> on Putting Together Your Application | Yale College Admissions](<a href=“Advice on Putting Together Your Application | Yale College Undergraduate Admissions”>Advice on Putting Together Your Application | Yale College Undergraduate Admissions)</p>

<p>“When you write your essays and “short takes” for the Common Application and Yale’s supplement, write about something that matters to you. Use your own voice. Do not worry about making a special effort to include impressive vocabulary words or overly complex sentences. If you sound like yourself and discuss something you care about, your essay will be more effective.”</p>

<p>I think it’s sound advice for Cornell apps</p>

6

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<p>… perhaps use an example of a time when you didn’t really want to persevere but did through hard work & what you learned from it.</p>