My writing sample is the last thing I have to upload for my Andover application, and I have a few options, but I don’t have a clue what they’re looking for. Also, my teacher hasn’t actually left comments on any of them, just a grade, because school is currently remote. (She also just retired, so I can’t ask her to make comments). I got 100% on all three.
Option 1:
Short story, around 9 pages (1.5 spaced), was a ‘portfolio project’. Story is about a little girl coping with the death of her older brother during WW2, but it’s told from the perspective of her dead brother. Of the three pieces, I think my writing in this is the best, but I am concerned about the length and subject matter.
Option 2:
2 pages. Opinion essay on Cain and Abel story from the Bible. I actually really like this one, because it explores a philosophical argument, but we read ‘the Bible as in literature’ so it’s significantly different from actual scripture, and I’m worried that would make it confusing to someone who hasn’t read this version.
Option 3:
Around 3 pages. This is the most traditional piece of the three I’m choosing from. It was actually written for my Semester 1 final, so it is the most recent. Of the three pieces, it is the worst written, because it was done under time constraints (1 hour). The book its about is The Odyssey, so anyone reading it would be familiar with the text.
If anyone has any advice, or knows what type of writing/essay would be best, I would really appreciate your feedback! Thanks for reading this.
Don’t worry, many applicants are in the same boat.
For option one, you said 9 pages long. That’s a lot. I assume they skim through al graded essays, but I’d recommend this one if you believe it’s the best out of the three.
I think the different perspective of the Bible in option two may seem cool to them.
If I had to choose any of these to submit, it would be one of the first two. If you want to show your best writing, do the first. For the most personal, the second.
My vote is option 2.
Interesting essay idea.
Not fiction (which I seem to have read somewhere that essays are preferred — not necessarily at Andover though).
And 9 pages could really be a turn-off. It might seem as though you are thinking more is always better (even if you aren’t thinking that).
Maybe it would be fine. But why run the risk of turning someone off if you don’t have to? I always say: why give anyone something that they have to get over if you don’t have to?
Thank you @Calliemomofgirls and @prepschool2021 both of your advice was very helpful!
I’m currently leaning heavily towards option 2, and think I am going to go with that. Upon consideration, I don’t want to risk it with the whole 9 pages thing. In terms of length and writing quality I think 2 is the best bet. Only thing I’m apprehensive about is the topic. I’ve heard that it’s best to avoid religion altogether, so does an essay about a Biblical story count as something to avoid?
Also, does anyone know how AOs use the graded writing sample? I’ve heard they compare it with your essay to make sure you actually wrote the application essays yourself. If that’s true, is that the only thing they use it for?
I’m just an applicant, so I’ll leave this to @Calliemomofgirls since she’s more of an expert. I’d still say to go with #2 if it’s your favorite. #college-admissions