<p>i'm answering the first common app prompt about the background story. however, unfortunately it's being graded in my senior writing class. she emphasized having a thesis, but i don't really think one would fit since it's a story and i'm telling it. also, i've exhausted the word limit and if i added a thesis i would have to write an entirely different intro. i like my essay now, but i'm scared of getting a bad grade because of not having a thesis. </p>
<p>are essays telling your background story supposed to have a thesis?</p>
<p>Rather get into college than worry about senior English grade. Do what you think is right or add thesis for class and take it out when you submit it on common application. I dont think your teacher is going to count words</p>
<p>My S has the same thing with his English class - had to turn it in today. His thesis sounds okay with the rest of the essay so he will keep it in. If yours seems awkward with it included then I would go with your first instinct and leave it out so it doesn’t wreck the flow of the rest of your essay for the Common App.</p>
<p>Your teacher is doing it wrong. But if you’re that worried about your grade, then give the teacher a version with the thesis statement, and remove that thesis statement when submitting your essay to colleges.</p>