<p>Yeah, I know it's late. I was just going to use my UC essay, but I decided it'd be better to start fresh.</p>
<p>I realized... I don't really know how you're supposed to approach the CA essay. I've heard so many different things. One classmate who spoke to a prof. college counselor said that they want it "as personalized as possible" with every skill/accomplishment/detail possible included without making it a resume. Others have said that you should really just focus on one anecdote and that it's more a showcase of writing ability than anything else.</p>
<p>I've also heard different things about writing about hardship. Many organizations for low-income students say it's essential that these students write about their situations so that need-blind colleges will know that they've had "resource limitations" (i.e. haven't had the whole world at their fingertips, like some students do). Others say that writing about hardship is really a no-go...</p>
<p>Anyone have any insight on the 'right' approach to take with this essay? Hardship or no hardship? Anecdote or spattering of details? Content or style?</p>