<p>I know the college essay has two purposes - to create a "self-portrait" and to get a look at your writing skills. Which purpose is more important?</p>
<p>I've written a few essays for possible submission to my ED school. Some of my essays are traditional, in that they focus on one experience, person, etc. and they are written with three to four paragraphs. They probably show my skills in essay structure as far as writing goes.
Other essays of mine purely serve the purpose of creating a self-portrait. While it is still in paragraph format, there is not one <em>true</em> focus, unless you count focusing on myself! They are more essays that showcase things about me in a more random, almost list-like format. They don't show my skills in essay structure, though they do show my vocabulary, usage, ability to show the reader something without using loads of adjectives, etc.</p>
<p>(I wish I could explain more, but I'm trying to make sure no one steals my ideas!)</p>
<p>Which do you think is better? My traditional, focused</p>
<p>Either way, I'm not posting a five paragraph essay about the big game, my parents divorce, or any other typical topic, so at least I have originality working for me.</p>
<p>hmm… it sounds very sick and avant-garde, but I’m not completely sure what you mean by list-like. If you want to PM me I would love to read and give you feedback but overall I think a non-traditional approach will work out great (in the assumption that you pulled it off) since the admission people would read thousands of essays written in similar format</p>
<p>Don’t stress adcoms with your own personal version of cutting edge. It takes massive talent, tempered by time and lots of feedback, to succeed at this.
On the other hand, don’t bore them with an unnecessarily rigid piece.<br>
After reading 50-100 essays, what adcoms love is a really good tale that shows you nicely and reveals some turning point, lesson or inspiration. They want to like you, make their notes, and move on.</p>
<p>It should show a portrait of who you are----well, an aspect of who you are anyway, since there’s no way you’ll be able to tell everything about yourself in 500 words-----while also being very pleasant to read.</p>
<p>Thanks guys for the feedback! I completely understand lookingfoward said about adcoms wanting to read a good essay after reading tens and tens of essays in the same sitting. My problem is I’m applying to NYU Tisch, and part of my portfolio already includes a “dramatic essay” that tells a story, reveals a turning point etc. I would like my common app essay to be different… I’ll take into consideration what you guys said. Thanks for the help!</p>