Essay format

Applying to College
1

<p>Hey all. I've been trying to find a book at the library about essay writing with no luck. The few books I found with a good essay section did not address a few points that I was curious about.</p>

<p>Most colleges have the "personal statement", which I view as the classic college essay we are told to write, using personal anecdotes, showing your voice and personality, etc. However, many colleges also have other essays. Most notable are the ones that ask you to describe an EC of importance, academic areas of interest, or a "why college x" essay. What types of tones do these essays take? It seems to me that these essays would be more general and explanatory, whereas the personal statement would be more of a personal story.
Am I right in assuming this? I don't want to turn in an EC essay explaining my EC in general and why I like it if they expect one with an anecdote about an EC. These essays just aren't addressed in the books I read, so I'm wanting to hear other thoughts about this.</p>

<p>Any advice would be much appreciated!</p>

2

<p>I used my EC essay as a way to convey all my "formal" creds...i.e. leadership, service, etc. I guess it helps that I had leadership status (Prez) in my EC, which happened to be a service organization, but it worked out really well. Don't just be like "I like doing __ because it helps the community" and leave it at that because it sounds like you put no effort into it.</p>

<p>I would say that the purpose of ALL the essays is to give them your voice, character, personality, etc., unless it's an essay with a direct correct answer (i.e. "figure out this math problem," i don't know). Let them know who you are</p>