<p>Okay, I need to have this essay written in about ten hours, assuming I don't sleep (well I guess either way). I'm just confused about one thing-</p>
<p>The way that the packet words the essay prompt, it makes it sound much more like brag-about-your-achievements and less like let-us-know-you-and-give-us-anecdotes. Is the national merit essay different from college application essays in this respect? Are you discouraged from just writing about one topic? Is it supposed to be less creative-writing and more resume?
Thanks.</p>
<p>It seems to me like all of the things they ask you couldn't possibly fit into a cohesive, 500 word essay. Usually you try to find a common thread that connects each paragraph in your intro/conclusion, but I don't see how that kind of thing would be possible with this prompt. Right now, it looks like the best I could do would be to make several unconnected paragraphs about a few of the things they ask about-- for example my plans, goals, and interests.</p>
<p>Remember, the list of your achievements is already on this page, why repeat it? My son used his cultural heritage as a way to unify his goals/characteristics/interests etc.</p>
<p>i'm editing an essay i wrote for governor's school for it... outlining goals, and a little bit of bragging (they also had a format that limited the number of awards/ECs/etc one could list resume-style)</p>