<p>Hi Everyone,</p>
<p>I was wondering if there was any consensus as to whether a more personal tone or a more analytical tone is better for the extended essay. I'm writing on the History prompt, and I have taken a more ideological stance that showcases my knowledge and love for history than any personal details or stories. On the other hand, my common app essay, Why UChicago? essay and favorites essay are very personal. </p>
<p>I would love to hear any thoughts from past or current applicants.</p>
<p>Thank you.</p>
<p>Current applicant here. I took a non-personal tone for my history essay as well, for the exact same reasons as you did. I think it’s fine, Good luck.</p>
<p>I honestly think it’s whatever you want it to be. If your essay works, it works. You know best out of anyone how you want it to sound.</p>
<p>OP, seeing your diction in the first post (“analytical”), I think you may be thinking about what I said on another thread about this topic, and I guess I gave a distorted impression. When I said that it’s better not to be too analytical, I meant that your voice and opinions should show clearly in your essay rather than just being a list of impartial arguments. It’s great to make logical arguments in your paper supporting your assertion, but remember that the adcoms care more about the person behind the essay than the actual essay itself. If you choose to create a series of logical arguments about your assertion, that’s fine, but your “personality” should show through. Personal shouldn’t necessarily mean anecdotes and such (though those work too) as much as shedding light on who you are as a person. If showcasing your ideology does that, than more power to you (I wrote an ideological essay too). But at the end, I’d suggest wrapping it up by saying why you care/what the result of your arguments means for you, and that is the real personal touch. Anyone can write about their viewpoint; explaining why your viewpoint is important to who you are is a much tougher challenge. And why you care is part of what makes you interesting. :)</p>
<p>An off topic question: can we still submit our applications on November 8th?</p>
<p>As a fellow 2014 applicant, the best advice that I can offer is to be yourself, and use your own voice. If you are not someone who would use a personal tone, don’t use it. Being yourself, and writing your essay as yourself, is the best possible way to proceed.</p>
<p>Thank you all for your help! I just submitted my essay a few minutes ago and I’m very happy with it. :)</p>
<p>angelaxia: Refer to the UChicago post elsewhere which states that EA applications can be submitted through November 8, 11:59 pm (local time).</p>