LadyLou

Hi all,

basically i'm a UK student applying to a number of unis in the US (top tier ones- got UK unis as my safeties) and i'm having quite a lot of problems with the essay part of my application, particularly as our 'personal statement' is completely different in the UK.

I would say my main difficulty lies with grasping the correct style, or feel for my essay. At school, writing strong academic essays in subjects such as Economics or History is one of my strong points, and I find it difficult to drop into a more casual tone that seems to be more suited for the US application.

Every essay I have read on the net seems to be very emotive and personal, whilst I not only find myself cringing when I try to write like this, also fail to see any purpose in doing this, as I can easily present myself as someone I am not, and I feel this style of essay really reflects very little on me.

The one essay I have produced so far is very academically orientated. Briefly, it's an analysis of the housing shortage in the UK, with personal opinion thrown in, becuase my back garden in an area they want to construct on. I personally feel, that whilst this essay is not going to have an admissions officer falling from their chair in hysterics, shows my academic side, maturity, and the genuine interest I have in current affairs.

Can anyone offer any advice, or personal opinions. Am I doomed for failure becuase I write an essay that is too academic, and not 'insightful' enough, or do I write something, which would be described as cheesy here, for the sake of pleasing admissions?