<p>I''m applying to college in the fall, and I'm starting my essays. Out of the many I've read, whether in books or elsewhere, the vast majority tend to be personal experiences, something real that happened to the applicant. Does this always have to be the case?</p>
<p>bumppppppppp</p>
<p>It obviously doesn't have to be case. A generally well written essay is one of their two main concerns with the other of how much of your personality is painted on the piece of paper. But no, it's not mandatory to use a personal experience though I would personally recommend this, but if you feel that you can write a well written essay that shows who you are then go for it.</p>
<p>Depends on question but they're generally personal experiences because you're personal experiences help show the admission councilers who you are as a person. They want something not shown elsewhere in your app, what better than a personal story where u can show ur values.</p>
<p>why, what else were you thinking of writing about besides a personal experience?</p>
<p>It's hard to explain, but in simple terms, a fictional story told in the present tense.</p>
<p>Avoid fiction. This is an essay, not a story - you want to tell the committee something about you, not just your writing skills.</p>
<p>You also have to affirm that everything in your application, including your essay, is true. Fiction doesn't qualify.</p>
<p>Would it be okay to write about your view on a philosophical idea rather than a specific experience?</p>
<p>i also have the same problem. It seems like i have nothing interesting to show off. I would rather write a 10 page research paper about someone's life.</p>
<p>A view on a philosophical idea is fine. </p>
<p>"Interesting to show off" is not necessary. Write about something mundane that says something about you - something you like (which may or may not be an EC), something you don't like (purple pants? KFC?), something that makes you smile, something that makes you mad. </p>
<p>If you just met someone who you want to impress, who you want to like you, what is it that you'd want them to know about you? Figure that out first, start writing - it can be stream of consciousness if you like - and the topic for a coherent essay should emerge.</p>
<p>do not try to write as though you were in english class - in fact, use very simple words, and only bust out the vocab when it fits perfectly where you need it. don't use the word 'and' too much, and try to have about 70% of your sentences have an "I" in them</p>
<p>I'd recommend avoiding at all cost the "big philosophical ideas." </p>
<p>Also, a note about mundane conclusions like: "Finally, from my fascinating summer experience, I've learned the the true values of diversity, respect, and critical thinking..." --- Perfect recipe to DISASTER. You are not trying to "tell" or "prove" some grand, noble ideas even great philosophers like Aristotle and Plato have a hard time comprehending. As a matter of fact, your job is to "show" a few very intimate things about YOURSELF, or someone who has profoundly influenced/changed a part of your personality.</p>
<p>Search on google, and you'd find a sample essay called "The White Sole." I recommend all to read and learn from the style and content of this top-quality essay. See what you can get out of it.</p>
<p>It's more a fictional account of myself in a certain situation.</p>
<p>To repeat: DO NOT USE A FICTIONAL ACCOUNT. If you were not in that situation, do not write about it. Period. You must certify that everything you've written is TRUE. Surely you have been in other situations that can be used to illustrate whatever point it is that you want to make.</p>
<p>Whats the exact site where we can read white sole?</p>
<p>Another thing, I want to write about my experience in a dorm and pulling pranks and what not, nothing too crazy or illegal, but would adcoms frown at that sort of stuff?</p>
<p>I have the same question... where would you find the White Sole essay? I tried looking on google and found nothing. I'm interested to read it.</p>