<p>Over this summer (the summer before my senior year), I have been writing essays to try and make a good college essay for the common app. When I was reviewing the 5-6 I have written so far, I realized that they are mostly "statement" essays (essays where I explain a facet of my personality or a belief of mine), and the 2 that tell "stories" (I tell a story about something that happened to me and try to make it interesting and tell something about me). I've been told colleges like the second kind more, and that I'm better at the first kind. Which is better?</p>
<p>Personally, I think stories carry more weight. They are more genuine that what you refer to as statements here. They dont flagrantly blurt out ‘I’ve grown’; they show that growth within the lines of a narrative. And this has a more profound and lasting effect on the reader. Anytime, anyday, the story types would do better. I’d advise you use those.</p>
<p>I’m also a rising senior, and I’ve been struggling with the same issue. I personally wrote an essay that is not a story (comparing myself/my personality to sushi) and is surely a statement. It’s different, creative, and out-of-the-box. But I’ve gotten mixed reviews on it. Some argue that I just “tell” and not “show”, whereas my friend who happens to be a guidance counselor loved it and says its ready to submit to colleges. The point is that no matter what type of essay you write, you’re going to get mixed reviews. You have to write an essay that you love, are passionate about, and believe conveys who you are as a person. In whatever fashion you do so is up to you. I love my sushi essay and refuse to change it. If that means taking a chance with an admissions officer, so be it. Why? Because the essay is ME. If they don’t like it, at least they reject me for me. There are plenty of other universities that will gladly accept me. You have to be you. If you’re not in your essay, it won’t come out the way it should. You’re trying to show college admissions officers who you are and what you’re about, aside from your transcripts and scores. If for you that’s through a statement, then I say go for it. Of course, you should always review your essay with your guidance counselor before sending…but never write anything that isn’t YOU. That’s my redundant point. Hope you got the message.</p>