Hi! I am almost finished all of my applications for four boarding high schools. I am working on the last essay for Cate School in Carpinteria, CA. The prompt is:
In 1950, during his final commencement address as Headmaster, Curtis Cate reflected upon his forty years of service to the School with the following statement:
“Finally, we leave behind the spirit of this place, all compounded of beauty and virtue, of quiet study and vigorous play and hard work, of little disappointments and great satisfactions, of youth and growing and attaining. But part of the spirit of the place goes with us.”
Though his quotation is now more than sixty years old, the message behind Mr. Cate’s words still holds true. For many students, faculty, alumni and parents, the Mesa evokes profound emotions and memories. Describe a location that you know which strikes in you strong feelings or recollections. It can be a place that you know well or a place that you have seen only briefly. Do your best to describe the spirit of your place. Use your creativity and imagination to take us there and allow us to understand why it is so meaningful to you.
From what I understand, it is better to be concise and simple than poetic, but this prompt specifically says, “Use your creativity and imagination to take us there.” I love creative writing, and (not to sound conceited) I pride myself on my ability. My style is descriptive, somewhat flowery, though I don’t force large, SAT-type words into pieces to make it appear more advanced. I know how show-offish that can sound, and I’m sure these institutions would not take me as seriously
Anyway, my question is- would it be ok for me to write this piece in a more poetic style? It would be my authentic voice, not as if I’d swallowed a thesaurus.
Thank you so much!
P.S. I’m not sure if this is the right section to post this in- I’m new to CC