To me, the common app is the single most ridiculous essay one can write (the supplements, even Chicago’s eccentric ones, I have no issue with - because THEY MAKE SENSE). It lacks a formally defined ‘correct structure’ yet there appear to be implicit things which top universities wish for you to convey in it. That, to me, is backwards.
If it really was a creative piece showing one unique element of my personality, then sure, I can write a top essay. But, even if they don’t say it (university admissions websites are 99% lies anyway), there are certain personality traits they wish for you to convey, and certain ways of writing seem to be more powerful than others.
Yet every ‘consulting’ service seems to give you a different answer. Hence why I came on here to look for opinions.
Yes, I am applying Ivies, and I think that my grades, ECs, and personality matches a few of the schools (Princeton and Penn notably). Whilst I know some consideration is made for int’l (UK) students who are acquainted with writing slightly more formal and sensical pieces, I still hope to have a “good” common app.