@Jon234: What do you suggest for one’s first paragraph if not to set out the theme of one’s essay ?
P.S. So I just reread two very well written common app essays. While neither essay formally set a statement of the theme, both used their initial paragraph to introduce the theme in a subtle manner.
In short, I hope that we agree that the first paragraph of an essay should tie into the theme in an introductory fashion. Otherwise it may confuse the reader.
My belief is that writing should be clear & concise. Best way to accomplish clarity is through a logical progression.