<p>Trying to understand if the essays are supposed to be an exercise in creative writing, similar to some I've read posted on the "Essay" forum, or well written exposes on the applicant's background, hopes, dreams, etc.... In short, many of those I read seemed far too fluffy, with little substance. Just my opinion, of course.</p>
<p>My take on things. Different students will write differently- a proposed English major is likely to approach the essays differently than a proposed physical science major even with similar IQ and grades in HS writing. The personality of the student will come through in how they approach the essays. A quirky physics major could be creative, a disinterested student could be dull. I’m glad schools require essays to show the student as a real person and not just a collection of data. Different schools look for different things. I’ll bet that if the essay hurts a student’s chances it would not have been a good match.</p>
<p>I think it’s a blend. A well written essay contains components of creative writing, as well as conveying the writer’s personality and aspirations for the future. </p>
<p>PM the essay to me if you’d like some honest, compassionate feedback.</p>
<p>Hi!
As a high school student not too long ago, I asked myself the same question. I am currently a sophomore at Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania. Sometimes writing about yourself is one of the hardest things to do, especially if your academic future depends on it. These essays are not an exercise on creative writing (how much vocabulary you possess etc.); it is about being creative when choosing what part of your story you want to share. The story and its lesson are what makes the essay, so have the student choose one that the he/she feels most comfortable telling and finding a common link between it, the college and the prompt. Consequently, this essay will be unique, precise and meaningful. This is the best way to present yourself in a sea of applications and test results. </p>
<p>Happy writing!</p>
<p>^ That is a really great answer to the question.</p>
<p>ExhaustedDad, great name.</p>
<p>I think many students need to stop trying to be so creative and “unique” and write more straightforwardly. I recommend to students that they pretend they are having a conversation or even starting an essay with “Dear” and then name of a person they know (deleting it later of course).</p>
<p>The “essay on a topic of your choice” can certainly benefit from a creative approach, but students are writing creative “fluff” for even the shortest direct questions on the application. Sometimes, the colleges actually want to know the answer to the question.</p>