What are college essays supposed to be about?

<p>Ok, before you misinterpret this, I HAVE already submitted all my essays. So I'm done with all my writing and all that crap for college. But I've offered to read plenty of essays, and I still haven't figured it out: what are college essays supposed to be about? What crosses the line between a very thoughtful and original essay and an essay that is just "bad"? I've read other threads, where others have posted their essays, and some people were just commenting how bad it was. I wrote mine on a third-grader I tutored who has anger issues, and how he has changed my views on trust. </p>

<p>So, basically, what criteria must a good essay meet? And how would it stand out in a good way? What direction makes an essay go the wrong way? Hopefully you guys know what I'm talking about...I'm sort of unable to find the right words to convey what I'm trying to ask at the moment...</p>