<p>So, I was rejected Yale EA, and I really have no way of knowing what it was, but I hope not the essay. So do you think I should use the same one? It would work. Maybe a more general question is what do you think of this:</p>
<p>I tell about my experience in my first master class piano recital three years ago. It's in a first person, pretty vivid and more like a story than an essay. I am quite nervous to begin with, and end up not playing very well. I sit down feeling stupid, then hear the next performer, who is older, a local college student (my teacher is a prof at a U.). He messes up midway through but manages to come out of it relaxed, and ends beautifully. Leaving the building that night, I realize that only people have the power to create music, and before someone plays it the piano is just wood and hammers, etc., seriously the ending is better than it sounds here.</p>
<p>So I thought, after I wrote that, that it really came from inside and was for real. But is it trying to be to profound? From a critical point of view, do you think it's maybe overdoing it? Maybe I should try to think of something simpler. And what about writing it as a story and not an essay? I've heard that can be very effective, but maybe a more objective tone would work better and would come across as more redeable for the admiss. people. Help!</p>
<p>This essay doesn't fall under one of those DON'TS, but I have a slight feeling that it falls in some category that the admissions officer created. The point is not to put your essay so that it fits under an category like "nature relation" or "Dr. Suess" or "Granparents". Somehthing like that.</p>
<p>It sounds very good. However, it does not sound like an essay that will get you in.</p>
<p>This is because why it may be profound (and do not worry about being profound or not, just make sure you are genuine) the music topic is very common. You may not be able to stand out that much...</p>
<p>My suggestion, though, is not to change the topic, because this one seems like it describes you well and indirectly. If you can, edit it, and make the LANGUAGE & STYLE of the essay (not the content itself) as flowing, sparkling, and <em>original</em> as possible. Don't use cliches; instead, use expressions and words that are imaginative and real.</p>
<p>On the other hand, the essay is worth soooo much less than people think!! You did not get rejected from Yale for your essay!</p>
<p>The essay might not have gotten you rejected, but it is not worth "soooo much less than people think." It is particularly important for Columbia because it is obvious from their other questions that they really want to know you as a person, beyond the numbers.</p>
<p>Bottom line: do well on your essay and take sub's advice. Its a good one. I'd have more than us read the essay though. Try two adults and a parent. Change what all three agree on. Don't change the style. It's yours. </p>
<p>And on another note, make sure to do well on the "why columbia" short essay.</p>