<p>I have an essay that asks about an academic or personal achievement that shows my intellect. Well I have undeserved student of the month awards, principals list, nhs, a slogan contest, and went to deca states freshman year. I would bs all of these essays because I didn’t do much to get any of them. I’d like to refrain from the bs and write something like “my academic acheivement is being alive. And make it very deep and philosophical, possibly sarcastic.” But I’d assume they get a million nhs essays right? Would they judge me for deviating from the topic? Normally I would be daring and go for it but this college is by far my top choice and if i don’t get in ill cry. The only other option is to talk about how I hope to be a high scorer in math league this year. Do colleges make these prompts just to read a million of the same essay formulated into what the college wants. Is rebellion/deviation from what the college wants frowned upon? </p>
<p>Part of what they are looking for in these essays is your ability to actually answer the prompt. If you create a muddle of idiomatic expressions and metaphors be sure you are actually addressing the question being asked.</p>
<p>Nonetheless, in the essay they aren’t looking directly as much for content as they are your character. You don’t have to write about a super achievement in your life, but more so you are able to transmit your personality through whatever topic you choose to do.</p>
<p>I’d play this prompt straight if I were you. That doesn’t mean you can’t pick something that seems like a small achievement and talk about how it shows your intellect. They might like that, something that seems minor on the surface, but actually took more intellect than expected.</p>