Essay Time!

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Virginia
1

<p>Hello fellas,</p>

<p>Well the time has finally come. I've completed my common app essay and am having an incredibly hard time deciding if it's "me". I've spoken to many people about the essay and some say it is fantastic and others say scrap it. I'm really stuck in a pickle. I personally love the essay and think it is the best I can do. My essay is very unique - to the point where it is causing some to be confused. I'm not sure if it is so different that I might be taking a risk.</p>

<p>If anyone here would be willing to read the essay I would be incredibly grateful. </p>

<p>Thanks,
UVAorBust</p>

<p>P.S. The title of the essay is "Train Ride to Maturity" and relates much to the experience I've had on the UVA forum.</p>

2

<p>What’s up.
I can read it if you want :)</p>

3

<p>I will edit for content and grammar.</p>

4

<p>Sent to both, Thanks :)</p>

5

<p>I would love to read it</p>

6

<p>I’d be happy to read it.</p>

7

<p>Sent it out. Thank you everyone who has read it thus far. I mean I asked my councelor to read it on Tuesday, no response… Classic private school.</p>

8

<p>I’d be happy to look at it and I can offer a woman’s perspective.</p>

9

<p>^Beware of a one-poster.</p>

10

<p>Yes, I’m new here (since August), and I can see that could raise some concern. But we’re all first posters some time and I’m just offering to help.</p>

11

<p>You should start off with posting to garner some credibility :slight_smile:
I’m not saying that you’re a liar/thief/whatever, I’m just giving you advice.</p>

12

<p>Agreed Euro. I didn’t send it. I like to send the essay to people who have either helped me or whom I have helped.</p>

13

<p>Thanks for the constructive suggestion.</p>

14

<p>UVAorBust,
I understand your need to be cautious. Not having read it I would still offer a few thoughts: if you read it out loud and it doesn’t sound like you, you might want to re-work it. On the other hand, most good writing isn’t done by committee, so paying too much attention to other’s thoughts could kill a great piece. And lastly, don’t forget that the essay is only one piece of the overall decision, so a good essay is unlikely to make up for a shoddy HS record and a mediocre essay likely won’t kill an otherwise solid application. And watch those typos “councelor.” Good luck and best wishes.</p>

15

<p>I would be FASCINATED to read it!</p>

16

<p>Just to clarify, Northstarmom has been here since 2004 and is a regular. Northcarmom is the new user.</p>

<p>How confusing!</p>

17

<p>I was thinking the exact same thing Dean J. I’m a little dazed on why Northstartmom isn’t a super moderator on this site. I believe she has close to 15k posts and is incredibly helpful. </p>

<p>Also, if you wouldn’t mind me asking, can I ask two questions?</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Do Adcoms actually read the essays in their entirety? If an Adcom were to skim my essay, they would get the wrong meaning and message.</p></li>
<li><p>Is it alright to write my conclusion in italics? I want the essay to stand out from the first 5 paragraphs but are italics overdoing it?</p></li>
</ol>

18

<p>Yes to both.</p>

19

<p>Thank you for the fast response Dean J. </p>

<p>YEA! Done with my main essay. Now time to perfect supplements and such!</p>

20

<p>UVAorBust- Might I offer you a suggestion? Let the essay sit for a week or two and then re-read it. Sometimes a “fresh” look on it can make a big difference in how you deliver what you want to say. Something that may sound “awesome” now may seem less awesome, or even clear, after a week or two.</p>

<p>It’s really helpful when writing anything (provided that you have the time), and especially so when writing for applications - something I’m trying to do as I re-apply to new grad schools. :(</p>