How "risky" is too risky?

mistanervous
Sat, 16 Nov 2013 08:37:58 +0000

Hi all,

I’m writing my first draft of my Common App essay, and I wanted to talk about the way falling in love with my major of choice changed my life. I’m a decently strong writer, but I don’t want to answer the question too “safely” - I don’t want my answer to be simple and boring.

My question is: How “risky” can you get before colleges get sick of you? How much humor can you inject into the essay before it becomes tacky? I know this all depends on writing skill and placement, but what is a good guideline? Is it bad to say things like “I know what you’re thinking.” or “Is he really writing this in a college essay?”

~Thanks