<p>What exactly is it that colleges look for in an essay? Creativity, writing skill, personality, story-telling capabilities, etc.?</p>
<p>Check here:</p>
<p>[Essays</a>, Admission Information, Undergraduate Admission, U.Va.](<a href=“http://www.virginia.edu/undergradadmission/writingtheessay.html]Essays”>http://www.virginia.edu/undergradadmission/writingtheessay.html)</p>
<p>Essays are a way of showing who you are, that your stats can’t show.</p>
<p>I think it varies from college to college. While I’m sure most colleges will be looking at your ability to write, many are also looking for specific other things, such as experiences, fit, personality, perspective, etc. Some might want the kid who is openly proud of their community service trip to Africa, while others want someone with a more humble approach. Try to find out what they want, but at the same time, write about you, and write in a way that you would be proud of. Good luck!</p>