Creative vs. Gimmicky Essay

Applying to College Common and Coalition Application
1

<p>Hey, so for my common app I'm having trouble deciding whether I should keep the essay I already wrote or to write a whole new one. The essay I already wrote is "different" from others though. It's sort of like a dialogue story and I'm not sure if it would work. The thing is, I also did sort of describe me in the story, just in a different way. Also, it's sort of like a fantasy genre. Do you think that sort of topic would work? I probably won't send anyone my essay for obvious reasons but I'm just wondering whether I should rewrite it or no. If I rewrite it, I'll try and write another essay that is more like everyone elses. I'm just not sure if the essay I have now will help or hurt me. </p>

<p>btw, I'm applying to schools such as Duke, Penn, UMich, and Berkeley.</p>

<p>Thanks in advance!</p>

<p>Also, how do I tell if it's creative or gimmicky?</p>

2

<p>What do you mean a fantasy genre? I’m pretty sure it’s supposed to be both true and about yourself.</p>

3

<p>Well…it’s just not nonfiction. Like, talking with made-up characters idk. Like, Gods, talking animals and stuff.</p>

4

<p>Sounds kind of confusing lol. It’s supposed to reveal about yourself, not prove your worth as a writer.</p>

5

<p>I wouldn’t recommend writing an essay that’s as physically, mundanely realistic as possible. It doesn’t have to be about something that’s really happened (well, technically, it should really have happened, but it’s not like anyone’s gonna know), but at the very least it shouldn’t have anything that obviously isn’t true. I wouldn’t go any more mystical than using magical creatures or what-have-you as clearly defined metaphors or similes.</p>