Essay tense?

College Essays
1

I showed my Common App essay to my English teacher, and she suggested that I write in the present tense to “put the reader into the scene.” I had originally written it in the past tense.

Is writing in the present tense okay in college essays, especially if one is writing about a topic that happened in the past? I feel like it gives the piece a “cinematic” feel.

What tense did you guys use?

2

I think writing in the present tense about a past event is hard to pull off. Yes, it can be dramatic. “I’m in third grade. It’s time for our first math test that will receive a letter grade.” But you run the risk of mixing up tenses. That said, I’d listen to your teacher. She’s read the essay; I haven’t. I’d see if she’s willing to look at a rewrite.