<p>How informal can it be? Can you use words such as "you" that you should not use in an English paper? Can you make jokes in it?</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>i would say to try to avoid using 2nd person, simply because it usually weakens your essay, and you’re not really speaking directly to them. i would say that subtle jokes would probably be ok, but i think that wit or humorous sarcasm could be more effective in portraying yourself as intelligent. i doubt that a stand-up comedy text would go over well, but then again, maybe they would be intrigued by its uniqueness.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t recommend using “you” because the admissions folks want to learn about the applicant, not about themselves when they read application essays. </p>
<p>As for jokes, certainly use humor and write a more narrative essay that lacks the formality of an academic paper if that is the style you are most comfortable using and you believe it would convey the most about you. Do also beware that your sense of humor might be different from that of the admissions people.</p>
<p>Oh, I was going to use “you” to give the reader a question to ponder (like “Now, you may wonder why I…?”)</p>
<p>Okay. I see what you are trying to do and how that might work. Even so, what if the admission person is having a bad day, or reads your essay when he/she is tired and immediately thinks, “No, I’m not wondering that at all.”</p>
<p>It’s your essay, and you should definitely write it in such a way that it makes you happy and proud to send to colleges. If the overall tone is very personable and convincing, using “you” might be just fine. Keep in mind, many of us only read things that refer to us (“you”) when the author actually knows something about us or is trying to sell us something.</p>
<p>Well, there’s nothing wrong with rhetorical questions, but addressing the reader in a certain way can backfire on you, especially if the person reading isn’t in a good mood. </p>
<p>Have someone read over your essay before you finalize it to see what kind of effect it has on them.</p>
<p>@Mrs Weasley</p>
<p>Haha. Please. Don’t over-analyze admissions. </p>
<p>“Even so, what if the admission person is having a bad day, or reads your essay when he/she is tired and immediately thinks, “No, I’m not wondering that at all.””</p>
<p>Contrary to what everyone else has said, I think that most of those don’t use “you” “I” etc… rules are completely pointless. The last thing an adcom wants to see is some generic/programmatic essay that follows all the rules but lacks creativity… if you feel that you can write a sophisticated essay and still use 2nd person go right ahead. As fas as comedy goes, do what comes natural…don’t try to be funny, but if as you’re writing a joke seems appropriate then use it… humans will be grading your essay, not angry robots.</p>
<p>Those kinds of rules exist because 9 times out of 10, using second person weakens your writing. If you’re the exception, who can use second person in a sophisticated way, then go for it. Just make sure that you have proofreaders (including at least one of your English teachers)ensure that it’s working.</p>
<p>Don’t underestimate admissions either:
“(just remember how many applications admissions officers need to read); I am advocating essays with a sharp focus that allows for detail. Detail is what differentiates one essay from another, one applicant from another.”
(from [Essays</a>, Admission Information, Undergraduate Admission, U.Va.](<a href=“http://www.virginia.edu/undergradadmission/writingtheessay.html]Essays”>http://www.virginia.edu/undergradadmission/writingtheessay.html))</p>
<p>Mrs Weasley is spot on. “You might be wondering…” sounds like an infomercial. They’re probably only wondering about when they’re going to be able to take a break from reading crappy essays like yours.</p>
<p>ChoklitRain, I am truly offended. You will be reported for that.</p>
<p>idk, ChoklitRain may be being facetious. The Daily Beast did an interesting piece a while back about “the arbitrary nature of admissions” and “why attending a good high school can hurt your chances, the perils of too many recommendations, and why white girls from Jersey barely have a chance.” (from [Dirty</a> Secrets of College Admissions - The Daily Beast](<a href=“http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-01-09/dirty-secrets-of-college-admissions/full/]Dirty”>The Daily Beast: The Latest in Politics, Media & Entertainment News)). You can decide for yourself about its veracity.</p>
<p>I posted the following in another thread, but wanted to add it hear in case it might be helpful and encouraging:</p>
<p>You might find the following tips and link helpful:
"# Write about yourself.</p>
<h1>Use your own voice.</h1>
<h1>Focus on one aspect of yourself.</h1>
<h1>Be genuine.</h1>
<h1>Consider a mundane topic.</h1>
<h1>Don’t rely on “how to” books.</h1>
<h1>Share your opinions, but avoid anything too risky or controversial.</h1>
<h1>Tell a good story.</h1>
<h1>Don’t repeat what is already in your application.</h1>
<h1>Finally, don’t forget about the supplements. The supplement questions are very important."</h1>
<p>(all from <a href=“http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/23/tip-sheet-essay/[/url]”>http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/23/tip-sheet-essay/</a>)</p>
<p>Check out the website for a couple of schools that most interest you and see if they have any information about their impression of the admissions essay. I’ve seen interesting stuff from Duke, UVA, Boston College, DePauw, Carleton College and others.</p>