As some of the colleges have begun to open up their applications, we are getting a flavour of the essay questions in the college applications.
As I was drafting my response to some of these questions, I wondered what should be the tone of my essay. If I do some deep thinking and apply a matured thought process, I am quite certain my essays will come out quite deep and profound. However, then it makes me wonder, will that make it look more like an “adult” mindset? And will it completely wash out the mindset of what a typical 17 years old would think. Furthermore, will it make me incompatible with the views of others of my age group (because they might reflect what a typical 17 years old would think).
Just to give you an example; let’s say if I am writing an essay with lots of emphasis on values, life purpose, beliefs etc, does that sound too much like a grown up or is an acceptable line of thinking for a 17 years old?
Please help me understand how much should I be mindful about the tone of my essays, moreso in the context of the maturity level and thought process.
Tone is important. You need to write a first draft & let someone experienced, such as your English teacher or college counselor, review it with your concerns in mind.
Some 17 year olds have a very mature set of priorities. My dd is a very deep and profound thinker. She also has an immature side to her. She has written a few essays, and I have two favorites. In both, she comes across as a very compassionate and caring person, but in one, she sounds whimsically childish and in the other, she sounds mature beyond her years. I feel like BOTH are a little risky because of the extremes, but both were written by her and definitely have her “voice”
Worry about the tone reflecting who you are. That’s what you want to come across in the essay. If that’s more mature, then go with it.