<p>For my personal statement, I wrote up two stories. One is really funny and relaxing one that tell me generally what my personality is and how I believe that better education can shape everyone's life positively :)) . One is sad and tragic talking about how my dad cheated on my mom and divorced, and how I overcame this hardship and how it shaped my future into a stronger and more positive way. :((
Which one is better to use? </p>
<p>ABstudent, I really think that whichever essay YOU feel is the most powerful will be the true winner. If you cannot decide, maybe share the two essays with your parents, a good friend, or an English teacher to see which one is “better.” I currently do not have your two essays in front of me so I really cannot decide by just the topics, but personally, I find more sad and tragic stories to be so much more moving. However, I’m not your admissions officer… Whichever has a great clincher and excellent hook, I would choose that one. Whichever has an excellent body filled with imagery, and other figurative language, I would choose that. Whichever essay gives YOU the chills or warms your heart, choose it. </p>
<p>If I am an admissions person, I can see how the joyful person is going to add more to my campus. BUT, I don’t know if your topic sounds very strong. Your beliefs about a good education, even if expressed in a funny way, seems like a way to “tell” vs. “show” something about yourself. And you really want to SHOW in your essay. Platitudes, beliefs, generalities will not get you admitted. Specific stories and how they shaped you or show something about you are a lot stronger. But gloom and doom aren’t most ad com’s favorite reading material when they have to read 100 essays in a day.</p>
<p>@intparent I mentioned 2 experiences in my life in my essay that has changed my worldview/ my beliefs. Do you think that is okay?</p>