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 …

[lzbnsr]

Hi, still kind of figuring this website out but I submitted an essay about how I was diagnosed with Celiac disease, and how that made me realize that I needed to take better care of myself and listen to my body more. Although I already submitted it ed, I could change it.
Does this sound like an okay topic? I started the essay with an anecdote about how I found out about my diagnosis while eating a bagel. Then it transitions to the fact that although the diagnosis wasn’t fun, I’m grateful for the realizations I came to because of it. I’ve had a few people read it over for me, and they all say my personality comes across.
One teacher said it “stood out for sure”. Hoping this was not a negative thing!

[Lindagaf]

If you feel good about it and people say your personality comes through, it sounds like a good essay.

[compmom]

I have been reading essays here on CC. If you want me to read it, I can. I will PM you so you can PM me. (My kid has celiac so I understand.)

[compmom]

deleted response to older post