I wrote a pretty good essay last May, for my English class as practice for the Common App essay. It earned me an A-, which was high praise from that teacher.
But. After rewriting that essay over the summer, I came to a place where I was happy with the writing but not happy with the essay. It wasn't what I wanted to say about me. It said something, a lot actually, just not what I think is most important for someone to know about me.
So I've started over, and my weekends have become these essay islands located between each week's homework flood. I sit down at the dining room table and outline, or jot down random thoughts: what is it that I want readers - strangers who will decide my fate - to know about me if this is ALL they will know? No pressure, right?
I'm trying to think of four or five words that describe me. Some I'm considering: optimistic, determined, independent.
I'm also thinking about whether I want to show (by telling a story that reveals these things about me) or tell (laying out my thoughts and opinions)...
Quotes or no quotes? Funny or serious?
Sometimes I'm tempted to just use the essay I spent so long polishing, but then I think about how I'll feel if I don't get in to the college I'm applying Early Decision to. What if a better essay - a truer essay - would have made the difference?
500 important words.
