Inconsistent Tone Across Essays

For most of my applications, I have two or more essays: one for the common app, and one or more for the supplement. However, the mood/tone that I write with changes across some of them. For example, for one college, I went for a more humorous and casual approach about one of my hobbies for the common app essay. For the supplement, I wrote a more reflective and serious essay about helping my dad study for his naturalization test and reflecting on the progress that he and I have made ever since my parents’ divorce and the role it has played in my development.

Is this a good or a bad thing? On one hand, I think it shows that I’m multifaceted, but on the other, couldn’t admissions officers see me as inconsistent or be unable to identify who I am as a person?

It sounds like the tone is right for the subject at hand in each essay. I would think overall it’s a good thing that each essay reveals a different slice of your life.

Some kids overinterpret “passion” to mean “one trick pony,” which is not what schools want to see.