What's the point of the essay?

<p>I've read a lot of good essays...and most of them a simply just a story about an event that seemed to demonstrate their writing skills. What's the most important thing you should get through when writing the common essay?</p>

<p>Something personal, detailed, honest and revealing so that the AdCom can get a sense of what sort of presence you will bring to the classroom, dorm, and campus generally.</p>