College Essays - What does your suburban, well brought up, problem free, applicant write about?

[Anonymous]

As a former admissions officer I want to add two things-

If you speak of volunteer work you better be sure it is something that sets you apart. Maybe finding an organization or something really profound happening on one of your trips otherwise they are a dime a dozen and generate lots of yawns on weary admissions officers

Remember the objective is that you want the readers to know something about you. Your essay could be why you like peanut butter but as long as we are getting to know something about you, and why that is what counts. It can be something really mundane. Make it neat, comprehensible, remember we expect a paper written by a 17 or 18 year old not a polished press bound writing sample edited by a 45 year old professional. And we can sniff those out a mile a way!

Authenticity carries you far in this process. Choose ONE person who opinion you respect and whose editing skills you trust, show them the essay, make necessary changes and trust you have done the best job possible. Over thinking the essay is a waste of mental energy. You are a 17 year old student not a seasoned professional writer. Trust your inner voice. Good luck to all!

[Anonymous]

PP Right on the money!