bloodandrust

So i know that some schools really value creativity and quirkiness in their students and it would be a good idea when applying to these schools to be outrageous and humorous and some schools like serious essays, but does anyone know which schools are known for being 'serious' schools and which schools are known for being 'quirky'? (i know berkeley told us not to write quirkily?)
thanks so much guys!

Upsilamba

U Chicago is definitely a quirky/original essay school. Their essay prompts almost force you to be quirky, or at the very least unique and original.

I don't know specifics about any other schools, but it seems like smaller LACs would be more open to quirkiness, while ADCOMs at very large universities that have to go through tons of applications would prefer more serious ones because they take less thought/time to read (not that there's anything wrong with serious essays, but the point is usually more obvious and they seem less open to interpretation).

arclight

dangerous to think about it as which style essay will impress which kind of school

i assure you...

a good "humorous" essay will impress everyone
a not-so-good "serious" essay will impress no-one


is there a difference between good serious and good humorous?

not a stitch.


that's true whether you're applying to giant state schools or tiny, super-competitive ivy-league caliber schools

admissions officers respond to writing that promises exciting intelligence

and that can take the shape and form of ANY style... the writing itself just has to be GREAT ... regardless of the style