<p>I know they dont want you to write an SAT essay, but theres so many other ways of writing. Do they want an essay where you tell them about yourself, an academic essay or a Montaigne-style essai? What kind of humor is appreciated? Is there supposed to be a deep hidden meaning or should it all be totally obvious?...etc.</p>
<p>its totally up to you! make it unique</p>
<p>Write the type of essay /you/ would write. Some are straightforward, others write artistically - this is about your style and who you are. They aren't looking for a mold you should try to fill.</p>
<p>The purpose of the essay is to give the readers a chance to find out something about you (a character trait, an important event in your life, or a disappointment or accomplishment) that cannot otherwise be gleaned from other parts of the application. So, write it that way. DO NOT reiterate something already mentioned elsewhere in a list or short essay, if at all possible! Pick a topic that is limited in scope, and describe events or facts rather than write in generalities or platitudes. MIT, by reputation, likes to hear when/where/how you handled something adverse (knocked down and got back up, or failed); don't sing your own praises. It IS OK to write more than one essay with a similar topic, though, as long as each shows a different point or side of you.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>thanks neuron, awesomest answer ever</p>