<p>For the "write about how someone/thing has influenced you" prompt, does it really have to be true or do they just want to see how well you can put two words together?</p>
<p>Well, most admission offices have read it all, both in truth and lies. You have to be truthful, but not too truthful to where they can start to look down on you. You really have to be careful about what you choose to share, how you share it, and your use of words.
It also depends on who is reading the essays, and where you are applying to.</p>
<p>At some schools they primarily want to get to know you, to learn about you; the app should “fit” together, tell a consistent story. Therefore, lying is probably not such a good idea.</p>
<p>My argument was truthful so I suppose I should concede.</p>
<p>It onviously should be true since the essay is a way for the university to get to know you and see how well you’d fit into the enviorment, but, let’s face it, sometimes the truth isn’t as interesting, so a few “adjustments” are not a bad idea.</p>
<p>You NEED to admit some flaws in yourself within the essay. Therefore I don’t recommend lieing to make yourself seem flawless.</p>