<p>I want to write my essay in the format of a letter. Is this straying too far from an "essay" or "personal statement?"</p>
<p>No, if it is well written originality is always welcome! I have a friend whose essay was asking the colleges out on a date (i know, weird haha) but she is a good writer and ended up getting accepted to her top choices ( Emerson, Brandeis, etc.)</p>
<p>Well, it depends.</p>
<p>If the format comes across as supporting the overall thrust of the essay, if that format helps make the points you want to make: great! </p>
<p>On the other hand, if the format comes across as arbitrary, as something randomly, superficially chosen in a shallow attempt to make you look different: not so great.</p>