Which is better?

College Essays
1

<p>I've written two essays:</p>

<ol>
<li><p>A lighthearted one about the time I did a massive extra credit project and the teacher refused to grade it (429 words) </p></li>
<li><p>A serious one about overcoming a disability (442 words) </p></li>
</ol>

<p>They each have their advantages and disadvantages, and I'm wondering which I should submit as my Common Application essay. I'd like to solicit help without having to e-mail the actual material to anyone. </p>

<p>Advantages of the lighthearted essay:
- It's safe
- It might cheer an admissions officer up
- It follows the anecdotal format that the "how to write a college essay" books recommend
- It demonstrates my scholarly motivation
- It has a clear moral/"Aha!" moment</p>

<p>Disadvantages of the lighthearted essay:
- It's safe
- It may come off as pretentious ("I spent the next few days immersed in 20th century German literature...")
- It may be too superficial
- I don't know what to do with the ending</p>

<p>Advantages of the serious essay:
- I wrote it straight from the heart
- It has richer prose than the lighthearted essay
- It explains the difficulties I've had in school
- It highlights an important EC
- The ending makes it clear that I have triumphed over my difficulties</p>

<p>Disadvantages of the serious essay:
- It's so honest and real that I worry about putting it out into the icy world of college admissions
- At one point, I discuss a suicide attempt (I've heard that this is a no-no)
- It is an autobiography, not an anecdote (another supposed no-no)</p>

2

<p>The serious one sounds more interesting than the other one, especially if it seems more ‘you’. You also don’t seem so sure about the other one’s ending, so why send it?</p>

3

<p>^ I agree. However, since many schools require supplemental essays, I think you can use both essays if appropriate –> Show that you can be both playful (lighthearted :)?) and serious.</p>