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?
3. should i cite sources like i do in high school essays? or should i just take from my personal experiences and not necessarily refer to other sources?</p>

<p>again,

  1. sure, but don’t get carried away! the admissions want to know about YOU (not about your sad story, role model, etc.)
  2. any topic that best represents YOU
  3. no citations necessary. just be sure to give credit by mentioning the author’s/contributor’s name.</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Yes, it’s called narrative style. This is a really great option that can be captivating if you are a great writer. Often, students use this formet in the beginning of the essay, or in bits and pieces throughout to describe and expierence and then further elobrate on it. </p></li>
<li><p>You won’t get ideas by using someone elses ideas. The best essay truley have to be “real” or else there’s a void in what makes it personal. </p></li>
<li><p>Leave anything academic out of the essay, this includes citations, historic quotes, examples, etc. It has to be personal.</p></li>
</ol>