<p>So I was just about to start working on my college admission essays and I was wondering what do you think is too personal? For example should I go with the "Don't write it unless it's something you wouldn't mind being in the newspaper." mindset, or the "It's your life story, you tell it, and own it." Advice?</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/1367133-qualified-applicant-rejected-all-schools.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/1367133-qualified-applicant-rejected-all-schools.html</a> well in this person’s opinion, the more personal the better ! (try looking through it… you can see many opinions)</p>
<p>I think personal is fine up to a point. Think about it as though you’re telling the essay as a story to someone in front of you. If you feel that it might be considered creepy or that they would perceive you as crazy, avoid it.</p>
<p>I heard an adcom at some point say to always, under any circumstances, avoid the four D’s: death, depression, divorce and a fourth that I cannot remember. She said that everyone who tries one of these topics feels that he will be able to get the reader to relate to him on an intimate level, but typically fails miserably. It just ends up creepy.</p>
<p>What is the point of your very personal story? If it’s just a pity party, then you are better off using that space to talk about something else.</p>
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<p>I’ve responded to multiple posters about what I wrote in the OP of that thread to clarify its purpose.</p>
<p>What I wrote in that thread is absolutely not an example of what a college essay should look like — it’s the farthest thing from what a college essay should look like.</p>
<p>I agree with avoiding the 3 D’s! And Bane25, I only posted it because it showed many opinions, which I thought would be helpful for this post! (sorry if m sarcasm came off as a bit rude!)</p>
<p>“How personal is too personal?”
Very well put, I’ve been nagging myself with the same question for the past few days.
From what I’ve been reading, an essay reflecting your insight, passion, etc. through a very concise life experience will be good. Choose an experience that is personal enough to make yourself look like a well-rounded character, yet not to personal as to freak the readers out (like the four D’s would, although I don’t know what the fourth D is).
Making it a little light with a touch of humor also helps.</p>
<p>But you know, I’m your age and haven’t done a lot of research, so don’t take my word for it.</p>