Trying to decide...which essay to use

I have a predicament here.

As part of the National Merit semifinalist application I was required to submit an essay. My school has a team of counselors who helps with the application and essay proof reading.

The NM essay took me one day to write. I had my counselor read it and he said it’s fine except a few minor edits. He said not to spend too much time on it as he thinks I will sure make finalist and it’s my college essay that’s really important.

I then spent two weeks writing college essay and when I was ready for proof reading, my counselor said it’s OK…BUT my NM essay was much better. He showed it to a colleague and had him read both and he also concluded that my NM essay was better. Their recommendation was to submit the NM essay instead.

I have since been editing and tweaking my NM essay, but I think (so do my parents) the essay on the back burner is more “me”, I don’t know. I am kind of half hearted on my effort now.

Should I trust myself or my counselor’s recommendation? And may be I should turn this into an essay LOL.

I would read a diverse group of people pieces of each essay, and then have them decide which one left a greater emotional impact on them. Depending how involved your school counselor is in the process, their opinion may not be as valuable as you think. (Our counselor is totally clueless about the college app process) Also, do either of the essays appeal to diversity on campus? That may be another deciding factor.