<p>I'm not sure if this is the right forum, but it's a quick and simple question. (i think)</p>
<p>On the college essays, i know it's to be expressed in ur voice to show your characteristics and personal qualities, but what's the point of writing about personal experiences/interests?.. What does writing about experiences and interests do in admissions?</p>
<p>Colleges aren't interested in blindly admitting people for their grades and test scores. A lot of schools want to be sure that the applicant is of sound mind and a good candidate for that particular college. They want to get to know you better (and make sure you can write well); it adds personality to the applications and absolutely affects how strongly the admissions committee feels about accepting you.</p>
<p>Okay, but doesn't writing in your own voice show your personality? I might be understanding you wrong. </p>
<p>I guess i should rephrase it. What is the point on all those really personal questions on the application?.. What is the point on asking about your experiences, interests, what person has impacted you, your favorite book, favorite movie, etc etc?</p>
<p>Those questions stem mainly from a break of sorts away from your typical essay. It's a way of being able to write an essay from a personal standpoint, not an academic one. College essays would be far too chaotic if the topic were some sort of debated issue. Consider how many people would throw a fit when they get rejected and blame it on the admissions committee disagreeing with their opinions.</p>
<p>The general idea is that it makes the process as universally fair as possible, and doesn't require extensive research or the necessity of being correct.</p>
<p>Well, most of the times, the admissions officers don't meet the applicant on person so what they see on paper is what they get. </p>
<p>By writing about these personal experiences and stories, you give the officers a better view of you as a person and your interests and what makes you click. They want to know not only if you're academically fitted for the school but also whether you fit personality wise.</p>
<p>Do you mean writing in your voice lets them know if you're fit personality wise? or simply writing about an experience lets them know you fit?</p>
<p>Both. They want to see that you're unique and not just one of the faceless people swimming around in their application pile.</p>
<p>The two kind of go hand-in-hand. In a formal essay setting, a person is much more apt to write differently from their norm than when writing on a personal level. The essay allows to college to become more familiar with the student both on a personal level and in terms of his or her command of English. It gives a broad view, as opposed to asking a student to focus on a specific aspect of writing (mechanics, persuasive arguments, etc.). Since the essay details part of the student's personal life, the college is also allowed the opportunity to determine whether that student is a good match for the community. The content of the college essay is typically either a neutral factor or a positive one; it rarely hurts to write about a certain topic.</p>