<p>well from what ive heard</p>
<p>your essay needs to stand out from the thousands that they read
simple tips are try not to make ur essay sound like "i did this and then i did that, then i won this and then i did that" make it like a story that they will remember, it needs to show them who you are without stating it directly let them see who you are through what youve done not through what you say you are but at the same time dont be too modest. my brother wrote his essay on a really tough rock he climbed and compared that rock climbing to life and how hes had difficulty, made mistakes learnt and come out on top. the optional essay should be different from ur primary one and should focus on something personal maybe a single event or cause that you hold dear...try and show them who you really are and how you think. the best bet is if you can show them how you've prevailed in a particularly tough period of your life</p>