<p>For Amherst, put your heart and soul into the essays, and don’t be afraid to be personal within them. Let them meet you through your essay, even if it’s responding to their complicated Supplemental Essay. Dont fake trying to sound “impressive”; rather, seek a natural and authentic tone. It’s okay to hit on a personal example, too, if it illustrates a point within the context of the essay. (In writing about the topic of Community, for example, my son’s essay included mention of his dog, brother, sister, just regular stuff..but worked into his thesis about Community). </p>
<p>Be yourself in your essay because they really want to get to know you, and it’s their only direct vehicle (no interviews at Amherst). I’m sure this is good advice for all essays, but Amherst in particular. They have few seats to offer, and are accustomed to applicants with great stats and sports. So let your writer’s voice shine through; open up a bit. Give them a window to see your personality, your personal approach to your studies, anything that tells them the PERSON they’d be admitting.</p>
<p>All essays matter for an LAC, but I’d suggest you set aside a bit of extra time on Amherst essays.</p>
<p>All of your schools would provide a wonderful education.</p>