<p>Yeah, sorry, that was just my opinion! I personally don't know how your essay will go so follow your instinct.</p>
<p>Olivia: "Yeah, sorry, that was just my opinion!" Sure, thanks for that example! At least now I know what most people write about. :) I don't mind criticism (coz you seem to be getting defensive).</p>
<p>Is there a format for essays? For college applications, there seem to be one. 5 paragraphs with introduction, conclusion, etc.</p>
<p>I think that the one main problem you guys seem to see is that I have to make it more of the "overcoming a difficulty" kind and involve more people that I know in a personal level. (?) </p>
<p>Also for the "what is your personal motto" question, does it have to be an existing quote or can I make one myself? I'm thinking of these answers:
-Never regret something that once made you smile.
-Eat, drink and be merry.
-Carpe Diem.</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>Cate nothing wrong with writing about a roller coaster - as long as you don't make it trite. I think the concern is that you use the roller coaster as a metaphor for the ups and downs of life, which is kind of hackneyed. If you are able to make your answer personal, insightful, original and eloquent you will have a top notch essay, no matter what you write about. As a previous poster has already illustrated even writing about something as trite as being the last person picked for a game can be made original and moving.</p>
<p>To use an unoriginal metaphor - think of the subject matter of your essay as a vessel and the substance as the liquid inside. An exceptional wine is something memorable even if it's served in a Flintstones glass. A crappy wine won't be improved even if its served in a silver chalice. (This is probably not the best metaphor for someone under 21, but it's the best I can do on a Saturday morning after a long week).</p>
<p>Haha yeah; I don't want to be interpreted as telling you what to write; I'm just trying to help. </p>
<p>Yeah those sound great for personal mottos. You could do something deep, funny, etc. I guess they just mean a motto/mantra/quote that gets you up in the morning and what you try to follow in life. Like, if you've ever seen the movie "Rumor Has It" with Jennifer Aniston, the main guy in it (I forget his name) says to her that one man told him two words and it changed his life - Be present. So that's what I picture of when they say your personal motto; soemthing that you put a lot of faith in and try to follow. Yours sound good!</p>
<p>prpdd: Hahaha. I love that metaphor. Thanks for the advice. I will keep on thinking. Something will hit me sometime. ;)</p>
<p>olivia: Yeah, I appreciate the help!!</p>
<p>My favorite quotes are kinda stupid (but it does make sense) and I dunno how people are going to interpret it.</p>
<p>Just as an example. I did "Live every day as if it were your last because someday it will be."</p>
<p>Are you going to be critically judged with your answers? For example, if you say something about forgetting a friend's birthday, are you gonna be associated with irresponsibility?</p>
<p>Does it have to be really really descriptive or can it be a little bit like an opinionated reflection? This is for the "Tell us about a belief..." essay question.</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>