<p>I'm really confused on what to focus on in my essay. I know most people will say that both are important, but I want to know what I should spend more time developing.</p>
<p>On the one hand, colleges say that they want to hear your VOICE through your essay. So wouldn't this mean they value style more?</p>
<p>On the other hand, people on these boards are always telling others to write about a life-changing experience, or to show their interests through their essays. So doesn't that count as content?</p>
<p>I know I should have good content AND style, but I would really appreciate it if anyone could tell me which one impresses the adcom more. Thanks! :)</p>
<p>I don't think you should think of it as concentrating on one over the other. Style shouldn't take a backseat to content, and vice versa. It sounds like you're thinking about it too much. I'm sorry that I didn't exactly answer your quesiton, but my advice would be to just write from the heart and don't worry about it. You can always have people here or your teachers to revise it and umph it up a little.</p>
<p>Use style as a means to getting the adcom to read all of your content -- the end.</p>
<p>**You get to a certain point where everyone essentially has the same story. Death in the family, relationships, dealing with stress in academics, mental disorder, (insert random quirky trait here), forego your friends for something you really care about, etc. etc.</p>
<p>Of course, if the officials actually TOLD you that, then that would look really bad on their part and discredit the admissions office. So of course they'll say, "it's all about content; we want to know who you are."</p>
<p>But imagine reading 50,000 of those essays. Every year.</p>
<p>What really distinguishes you is your style. And that's what I always advocate to everyone I teach.</p>
<p>Just my .02**</p>