As you know, this year, instead of writing two essays of < 500 words each, you must now write FOUR essays of < 350 words each.
The prompts are interesting, and coming up with ideas is easy. What makes it hard is the 350-word limit.
Back when there were two 500-word essays, my English teacher suggested that applicants actually write it like a standard four-paragraph essay: Hook, Thesis, two body paragraphs (topic sentence, support, transition), and after that, a conclusion (restating the thesis, a dazzling take-away).
What about with these new personal insights? I find it incredibly hard if I were to include a hook, topic sentences, transitions, and conclusion. Would you recommend, instead, having a defining “thesis” at the beginning, then answering the rest as if it were a job interview question (but with more formal language)?