The application essay is definetely one of the prime factors for application at the most selective schools. However, I wonder which types of essays will get you in over others. Let’s say you are an academic monster (1600 3x800, 4.0), and you write an extremely intellectual essay. Would it be better for you to write a funny essay instead? To show that there is another side to your personality?
Many people say that you SHOULD try to write a unique and interesting essay, but when it comes down to it, would the adcoms select a person with a very funny and unique essay or a flawless, well-constructed piece of literary art?
<p>I doubt that they have ever seen a flawless,well-constructed piece of literary art, so this might be so unique it could be a clincher. However, the chances of submitting such a work are nil, so I'd go with the funny unique.</p>
<p>good call
now for another question, what do you guys think is better, an essay on an extenuating circumstance, or a unique and funny one.
i know the "triumph over adversity" essays are a bit cliche, but i feel as if i write my current one about a sport, it will make me sound like someone who has had some opportunities in his life, instead of portraying who i really am, a very poor kid who has to babysit his younger siblings everyday after school.
any suggestions?</p>
<p>I think it's best to write about something you are passonate and excited about, so your essay will be interesting to read. You can always slip in ("a very poor kid who has to babysit his younger siblings everyday after school") asides about other things while you tell your main story. Or mention the other things in the additional information section.</p>
<p>Humor is by far the toughest type of writing to write effectively. Unless you know you're good, keep it simple, and don't push your limits on the college essay. You can fake intelligence, but you can't fake wit.</p>
<p>Write what you think people will actually want to read. Make it interesting; if you can pull off a humorous essay, by all means do it -- but make sure it's actually funny. </p>
<p>Just don't write a boring one, no matter how well-constructed it may seem. No one will want to read it.</p>