<p>I like to think of college essays like songs. About the same length, should have a title/few-word-theme that aptly summarizes the effort, and should be entertaining, semi-vague, and memorable. And, as in songwriting, you should strive for a balance between “the writer” and “the reader” (a.k.a. don’t sell-out, but don’t write an essay that only you can understand). </p>
<p>Song 1 (‘Broken Man’) would be okay. Song 2 (‘Stone Soul’) would be tight. Song 3 (‘Yo Mama’s Doctor’) would be terrible, albeit potentially worthy of an SNL skit.</p>