is there a propper essay format?

<p>hey, so i'm about to start writing all of my college essays (yay?). and i was wondering:
1. is it ok to write my essay in more of a story format? i mean, still an essay, but more... relaxed?
2. what are some good topics to write about? / what are you writing about? / any good ideas?</p>

<ol>
<li>sure, but don’t get carried away! the admissions want to know about YOU (not about your sad story, role model, etc.)</li>
<li>any topic that best represents YOU</li>
</ol>