<p>So, I typed up my essay a few nights ago, great. And in all honesty, it was as heartfelt and personal as I could have made it. I have been getting loads of critique and advice from multiple sources though, and all of it is much appreciated of course. But after going through my fifth revision, I feel as if the personal quality of my essay is diminishing. I keep being told “You need to incorporate yourself into the story more” and “the syntax here is funny” and “your thesis is not very clear.” Stuff like that. But every time I follow this advice my essay becomes more and more fake. I want to have a perfect essay, but I do not know how to do it without sacrificing the personal sentiment of the essay. Also, I’m going crazy in all this advice. I do not know how to use all of it and still hold together a smooth flowing essay…</p>
<p>For reference, I’m applying to 3 Ivy Leagues, so I need a REALLY GOOD essay.</p>
<p>Yes, you must be very careful about listening to well-meaning others. </p>
<p>Never make a change that is not fully convincing to you, no matter who is suggesting the change, or what they may say.</p>
<p>It is good to have a reliable outside reader or two. It is risky to turn that into “loads of critique and advice from multiple sources.” </p>
<p>
</p>
<p>The essay cannot be perfect, or even helpful, if it lacks what you call “personal sentiment”. An essay that sounds like five other people might be grammatically correct but it won’t be you.</p>
<p>Remember: Trust thyself. Every heart vibrates to that iron string.</p>
<p>I suggest that you go back to, say, version one or two, and set the essay aside for a while, maybe a few days or a week. Clear your mind of everyone else’s chatter so you can listen to yourself. Then, in the future, only entrust your essays to a very limited number of carefully chosen people.</p>