<p>The best essay my daughter submitted, IMO, and the one that earned the most merit aid made me cry. She was just alive in it, and it was about being part of our family. It wasn't funny, it listed no accomplishments, it was very real and from the heart. I cried because it was so genuine, and I think the merit committee felt her come through the paper. The prompt was something banal and begging for a list of accomplishments, something like "What makes you unique among our applicants?" She listed not one achievement or honor; she focused on no golden moment of recognition. It was simple, direct and very narrative. I was terrified. I knew that I loved it, but I was worried that it didn't sell her enough. Looking at it again, I realize that it subconciously sold character rather than consciously selling achievements.</p>