<p>When comparing essays between applicants, which is the most important to focus on?</p>
<p>Is it personal voice, character, good essay writing, a powerful topic, etc.?</p>
<p>I would say that the most important thing is to really just show Penn who you are. I know that sounds so simple, but too many people get carried away with writing about all of their accomplishments and high school activities that when you finish reading their essay it’s like, “Okay…I know about the 50 things that you did in high school, but I have no idea WHO YOU ARE AS A PERSON.” </p>
<p>Treat the essay like you are trying to convey as much as you can about yourself to the admissions officer in 650 words. All of your accomplishments, grades, and activities are in your application already. The essay exists so that you can tell them about yourself and fill in all the blanks that aren’t in other parts of your app.</p>