<p>Hello all!
Today, I started finishing up my main SSAT format essay. And it sounds good (I'm a natural writer), but at the same time, my essay isn't as funny or entertaining as I'm sure many are. I've heard that essays should be funny, but intelligent. While I would say my essay offers more "sage wisdom", it's as far from funny as you can be. </p>
<p>I'm writing about how my brother's best friend was killed while studying abroad, and how his death inspired me to do the things he wouldn't be able to do. I started going by "John's Challenge" (A motto I thought of myself) and it's about how I turned my life around and became a better person following my first brush with death this past February. It's the only topic I could think of when I heard about an event changing my life (And in fact, if anyone would be willing to read it and see what they think, I'd forever be in your debt) I'm just worried schools might think "Man, this girl isn't very interesting. In fact, this is morbid and sad, to be honest! Psh, rejection letter to follow!"</p>
<p>Does anyone have any tips on how to make the essay strong?
Thanks!</p>
<p>Here’s my 2¢ as someone who has gone through this process, which does not answer your question, but perhaps provides a couple of years worth of experience. The website is called College Confidential. Similar to many support groups, the Confidential part exists for a reason. You have provided so much specific information since you signed up that I know exactly who you are. Fortunately, I’m not a creepy stalker, and I don’t work for either a prep school or a college. You, however, are looking to go to a prep school, and in a couple of years time, to college, and I’m not sure you want people in the decision making process see all the angst that you have had.</p>
<p>Secondly, you should not post essays here. Some people may appropriate topics and pass off as their own. Fortunately, you did not do that. A better way to do this would be to solicit readers to view your concepts via PM. A number of parents would provide some perspective, having helped their kids through the process.</p>
<p>Anyway, just my thoughts. Good luck.</p>
<p>@skieurope Thanks so much for getting back to me.
Yeah, I would never post my essay in the full on here. I would only send it via PM’s
Thanks for your advice, I really appreciate it. I guess that sometimes, I get so wrapped up that I forget to keep a mask of anonymity.
Thanks! :)</p>
<p>Essays don’t have to be funny, just unboring.</p>
<p>Unboring, hmmm? :-? </p>
<p>I would say that the “John’s Challenge” theme selected is definitely not boring and has real potential to reveal maturity that would be well received.</p>