<p>Greetings - I was recently notified that I am a National Merit Semifinalist.</p>
<p>The bad thing is, I have no clue what this essay should be! Should it just be a straight-forward essay about my interests told in my own writing style, or something more formal/open-ended? Any advice is appreciated!</p>
<p>Bump, wondering the same thing. Congratz, btw.</p>
<p>whatever you want</p>
<p>The GC says not to put too much energy into it, just follow the prompt & straight-forward prose is fine. They need to "check off" things on their checklist, don't need to "get to know you" in the same way adcoms do. Ask your GC for more guidance.</p>
<p>thanks. my guidance counselors are retarded and havn't done this in at least 5 years, so I don't really like going to them for help.</p>