<p>Hello, I'm applying to Harvard EA and I recently wrote my common app essay rough draft. I showed it to another member here and she advised me to sound less literary and more conversational.</p>
<p>I want to make my essay sound as if I'm talking to the reader, but I don't want to sound too un-intellectual, if that makes sense. I want to use more to-be verbs and avoid trying to write an impressive English class essay, but it's so hard to do after being taught not to write like that. Do you get what I'm saying? Any advice?</p>
<p>I know exactly what you’re saying about the to-be verb deal…I had the same issue when writing my college essays. I’d suggest reading your essay out loud, as if you’re in an interview and someone says “tell me a story that shows me who you are.” If you would feel awkward saying any part of it out loud in an interview, change that part.</p>
<p>Also consider asking a favorite English teacher you’ve had to spend some time with you and your essay.</p>
<p>Don’t force it. Don’t try to sound smart. That will turn the AdCom off faster than you can spell “pretentious.” Speak from the heart about what matters to you. If you speak in your own voice and have something heartfelt to say, you’ll do fine.</p>
<p>I think it’s more important to focus on WHO you’re talking to. Everyone has several voices. </p>
<p>Pretend like the adcom is a normal person who wants you to succeed. You aren’t talking to your best friend or your mom, but you aren’t giving a speech to a crowd either.</p>
<p>Start off with “Dear” and use a name of someone you would like to address the essay to. I do this when I write donor letters at work and it helps my letters sound personal. When you are done, of course, delete the “Dear so and so” part.</p>