Use of humor too risky?

College Essays
1

<p>In reading my EA essays, I've realized that in trying to avoid writing the stereotypical essay that sounds similar to that of any average boring candidate, I've used a lot of humor. In real life, my friends consider me pretty funny, but do I run too much of a risk using it in my essays? What if the admissions officer doesn't find me funny? How does the use of humor compare to a person writing about something like, say, the death of their father when they were young, etc.?</p>

<p>Edit: Also, if the tone of my essays is colloquial and casual, could it hurt me?</p>

2

<p>If you generally use humor, then use it. If you don’t then don’t try to be funny. You want to be you in your essay.</p>

<p>If your essay is well-written, it can be casual and colloquial.</p>

<p>The major issue: does your essay tell the reader something about you that isn’t apparent in the rest of your application, and that you want the reader to know? If you answer yes, then your essay is fine.</p>