Option#6. Topic of your choice.

College Essays
1

<p>So I want to apply to some schools which are quite famous for they're selectivity and high rejection rates (you know, Ivys and such). I am planning to apply early to a few schools, so it's evident I don't have much time left to write my essay.</p>

<p>Now to the point: I was wondering how bad it would be to write an essay that is in no way structured like the regular format of intro, 3 body paragraphs, and conclusion. It would be an essay that could easily be seen as unique and stands out, but could also be categorized as one of those "Don't get cute/most outrageous essays ever" type of "essay". It wouldn't be as outrageous as just sending in a picture or a full-fledged poem as the essay, but it might be close. In essence, it'll be a story and I'm the narrator; paragraphs are present but single lines dominate...maybe it will be like stream-of-consciousness writing. It will show who I am and express my thoughts; it will reveal my world.</p>

<p>How does that sound? Would that really hurt my chances? Do you think they would reject me right on the spot for supposedly "not following directions / can't even write a formal essay"? Do you think I should do it? I understand it would be a huge gamble nonetheless, but I feel that if I wrote it like any other essay, even if it has the right amount of passion, I just won't stand out as much. Do you think it would simply be safer to go with a properly written essay and just lose the creativity? Any alternative ideas?</p>

<p>My average, SAT scores, and course rigor are like on or near the general cut-offs for these top colleges, so I guess my essay(s) will be a big part in the decision making, as will my teacher recs and ECs.</p>

<p>Share your thoughts, comments, answers, or whatever that grinds your gears. Anything and everything is sincerely appreciated. Thanks.</p>

<p>P.S. Would using contractions in the essay be okay? And does it matter if my SAT essay was horribly written (Was sick, couldn't think in 20 minutes, and had a weird prompt...though my score for the writing section was still above 700) -- should that factor into my decision making regarding the question at hand? If a school has a supplement, do you write the common app essay AND their own essay(s) too? Any other questions I should be asking?</p>

2

<p>I'm not sure about college adcoms, but I'm in university right now and the first thing my English professor told me was to never write another standard 5 paragraph essay. He said that high schools were way behind on that and academic writings no longer needed to follow the format.</p>

3

<p>Should I send such a risky essay to top colleges? Would they think I'm too obnoxious?</p>

4

<p>depends on your personality--are you willing to take such a risk?</p>

5

<p>Am I willing to take such a risk? Yes, as long as it doesn't harm my application to a great extent, and instead, provides me with the possibility of a higher chance of admittance. Whether my risky essay, and any risky essay for that matter, can do that, I'm asking you guys. </p>

<p>(Just a side note: I'm using "risky essay" in terms of quirky structure, poetic language, and the like; I am not referring to risky topics)</p>

<p>Thanks for all the previous posts. Would any others like to comment or can answer some of my questions?</p>

6

<p>From what I've heard, if you can pull it off it should be fine.</p>