<p>I have done some tutoring online and many of the students who overwrite (including overusing metaphors and misusing big words) did not grow up in an English speaking household. This misuse of language is often mirrored by exaggerated life goals, in a surprising combination of ambition and naivete. I have seen many essays by students with non-English speaking backgrounds who write about how they want to cure cancer or save lives or have some important impact on humanity.</p>
<p>I believe, in those cases, that the writing style and content is partly cultural, and partly, as I said, a naive perspective combined with some awkwardness in language. These essays may at first seem arrogant, but after working with the student for awhile, it becomes apparent that that is not the case.</p>
<p>Paddy, if this description does not fit you, then I stand by my original opinion that some counseling might be in order for you before you head off to college. And even if that description does fit you, counseling might be a good idea. You are young, and anxious, which is natural, but I do think you have some distorted ideas about what life is like and about.</p>