My top choice is UNC-CH and for their essay, I ended up writing a more metaphorical essay (but I explained the metaphor VERY WELL at the end of the first paragraph, wrote my personal narrative thing in the “literal way” without the metaphor, and connected back to the metaphor in my conclusion to connect it back to the beginning…) about insecurities/desire to conform (i’m not going to details as I don’t want to give my essay away) from when I was in middle school (but at the end I did make it end on a positive note as I included how now, I no longer feel that way).
I did not know, however, that metaphorical essays are often frowned upon? I found that out a few hours ago and I already submitted my application… Are metaphorical essays frowned upon because students might not explain the metaphor well, thus making their essay vague? Also, I did not know that writing an essay on struggles with insecurities, a desire to conform, being bullied (did not necessarily write about the last one, but I guess one could assume that bullying was a factor in what I wrote about) was not really a good thing to do.
I am very worried that I messed up! I mean I thought my essay was pretty good–it showed something that I would want to over again and explained why I would pretty well (so I think…)
Did you have an adult review your essay? I’d put this out of your mind. You have other apps to complete, so turn your focus there. You can’t do anything about it. If your other application components are strong, you probably won’t be submarined by a weak essay unless it is incomprehensible. If you need to rework essays for schools going forward, start on that. But get a trusted adult to review and comment on them before submission.
The essay is supposed to show parts of who you are that are otherwise not represented in your application and it sounds like you did that. Does it sound like the absolute most amazing essay that will be the most memorable one of the year–probably not but it also does not sound like it was the worst essay either. I would guess that it’s at least above average and won’t be the factor in you getting in or not.
@intparent I got my AP Lit teacher to review it first and he said it was very creative, interesting, and he really enjoyed reading it. I also got my dad to read it and he said that he really liked it. Also, my twin brother went to Governor’s School (I didn’t make it in for science D:) and one of his really good friends from Governor’s School went for english and I got her to review my paper. She gave me a lot of advice (such as making it less metaphorical and explaining the metaphor clearly, etc) and said that my voice is very strong and that I did a good job. Once I finished editing it to fit what people said about it (while ensuring my voice was still strong), I felt like it was a very solid essay… But I am not so sure now…
Everyone who read it said it was good but I am not so confident about it anymore because I didn’t know metaphorical essays weren’t wanted.
Am I completely ruined even though I clearly explained the metaphor and wrote most of my essay about the literal situation?
By the way, the reason why I am very worried is because while I am in state for UNC-CH, my top ACT composite in one sitting was a 28 (29 superscore), which is barely their 27-3X range…
I don’t think my essay was poorly written at all; I believe that it showed that I can write clearly and smoothly. I am just worried that the subject and the style I wrote it isn’t what they want.
You can’t change it now. But my guess is that if you don’t get in, it will be because your ACT is below their 50% mark and won’t hinge on your essay. I’d suggest having your GC review it before you use it again, though.
@intparent GC didn’t start my rec until /after/ I submitted my application… That’s how long they procrastinate.
Ugh. I am so stressed out now. To think I was very confident about my application before D:
GCs are often late with materials, the colleges know this. Clearly you now aren’t happy with it… stop obsessing and find a new topic for your other schools.
If you don’t get it the culprit will likely be your ACT. Don’t second guess yourself about the essay. Nobody can predict what any give admission officer will like or not like. It is now time to move on and get the rest of your applications done.
Parent here – don’ worry! It sounds like your essay truly reflected you – your voice, your story – and you had it checked by several reliable sources who all said it was strong.
Once things that we can control are out of our control – like writing the essay and then submitting it- - it is prime opportunity for second guessing. Trust yourself, and your reviewers, who enjoyed it. Move on – it may well be, if you are not admitted, it is scores and not the lack of impact of an essay. A strong essay can confirm the strength of an applicant, move the needle a bit positively, or move the needle a bit negatively. It sounds like yours will likely help you on the positive side.
Relax, breathe, and find somethings to focus on that you enjoy. Hang in there, it is a very tense season for seniors.
I know it’s hard to think this way, and as another kid, I really can’t say if you’ll get in or not, but keep in mind that there’s no such thing as ONE perfect school for you. In other words, if you don’t get into UNC Chapel Hill, there will be other schools that you can apply to and that you’ll be very happy at. If you’d give me your GPA, extracurriculars, desired major, and other college specifics, I’d be willing to make a list of more schools for you. Again, you could still get into UNC-CH, but it’s not so healthy to be hellbent on one school.
