<p>There is a thread about being too risky. What about too much bs? When it too much, too much?</p>
<p>On the other hand, purely true and accurate to yourself - an oft repeated standard of essay advice to adhere to in these pages - might seem pedestrian.</p>
<p>I don't know, humans are pretty interesting creatures, and I think you can make a creative essay while staying true to yourself.</p>
<p>If you're going to make something up, make sure it's a detail that the adcoms won't care about. Don't make up awards or accomplishments for yourself. Because if they find out you lied, you're in trouble. If the detail isn't important (or it's absolutely clear you're exaggerating), then you're fine.</p>
<p>when I said 'bs', I did not mean outright lying - more like saying how <em>great</em> the school is, and how <em>great</em> the applicant is.</p>
<p>after all,</p>
<p>"All the problems of two people don't amount to a hill of beans in this world."</p>
<p>Well, I'd say you can exaggerate a bit, but it would be best not to. If you have to, then make sure you don't lie: for example, don't say you like something you don't like, rather make it seem like you like something more than you do.</p>
<p>As for making yourself sound great, well, isn't that the point? As long as you don't lie (and don't say something that isn't technically a lie, but would imply something that's a lie), you're fine. After all, I don't think you need to list all your imperfections.</p>
<p>thanks for the 'handling' advice.</p>