What makes a "good" essay?

[Lindagaf]

@compmom

As a side note there is a trend toward using many adjectives, and I have been told teachers are encouraging students to do this in order to be more descriptive.

I agree and I discussed this in points 1, 2 and 3, here:

Avoid the trap of the “bad” essay

Almost anything CAN make a suitable essay topic. However, the vast majority of students simply are not skillful enough to write about certain topics in a way that avoids conveying negative emotions, and instead, in way that shows positive aspects of a student’s personality. In general, avoid writing about politics, death, traumatic events, abuse, mental health issues, naughty/illegal stuff. There is almost always something better you can write about. You are more than your mental health issue, you are more than your dysfunctional family. Those things can be part of your essay, but the essay should focus on your “selling points,” or, why the AO should want you on campus. (Note: There is a separate question on the Common App in regards to Covid. If you want to write about Covid and its effect on you, is it better to use the 250 words alotted for that?) I have worked with hundreds of students on their essays. Below are summaries of the types of essays that I think are best avoided. All …