<p>It’s hard to answer your first question. You shouldn’t be trying to “WOW” admissions officers. You should be honest and genuine. That will produce a much better essay.</p>
<p>Overused examples include family death, excessive praise for a certain family member, talking a lot about how much you changed after so and so program…</p>
<p>I mean, there are lots of exceptions. If the essay’s good, you can certainly talk about these things. I recommend that you get a book on writing the college essay.</p>