<p>For Stanford and Tufts, they both have an essay prompt to write about an intellectual topic (Stanford’s is something like “all students have intellectual vitality, tell us about an idea/experience you find intellectually engaging”, while Tufts is “What makes you tick?”). Both are max 250 words. I’ve been having trouble making my essay personal - when my parents read it they told me it sounded passionate but read like a textbook. Does anyone have any advice? I would be glad to PM my essay over also.</p>