<p>Of the feedback I’ve received on my essays, one person told me that my Yale Common App essay lacked a clear theme or focus. The essay’s a creative writing piece about childhood and talks about experiences and culture. I hoped that through my descriptions, I’d be able to convey some of my personality traits. However, she felt that it might work better if I spell out HOW exactly how my childhood shaped me, instead of having the reader read between the lines. I’m not sure if I want to do that, because it amounts to telling, not showing. </p>
<p>So my question to all of you - is it better for essays to spell out in black and white (will the adcom pick up on subtle things?) or can they imply? </p>
<p>That isn’t a black or white question It depends to what extent you stretch the reader’s comprehension; they’re reading thousands of these things and won’t pore over it like we do. The essay should definitely have a point, and it should be clearly evident without saying “this experience shaped my childhood because…” That’s dull. May I read the essay? I can make a better call if I see it.</p>
<p>the yale admissions officer who just gave us an info session told us very, very clearly that the essay must be personal, with a distinct voice and sense of who the person is. it should sound like you, give insight into you. i think these people are intelligent enough not to have to be given these things. in fact she told us point blank, that she understands and recognizes subtleties.</p>
<p>The best way to find out if YOU come out of the essay is to let someone who doesn’t know you give you their objective opinion. You don’t have to spell everything out in black and white but you don’t want to be too subtle either!
The people who read my son’s essays all said the same things…“wow, his personality really came through” - isn’t that the response you want?</p>
<p>I would be happy to read your essay and give you my opinion if you are still looking for more…</p>
<p>Agreed. The essay should be subtle so that you’re not hitting the reader over the head with the message and boring them to tears. However, your personality and thoughts should be able to be seen through your writing, whatever the topic.</p>
<p>As they say, your essay should be “show” not “tell”. You should show who you are by writing an interesting story about yourself. Do not tell the adcom members about yourself, show them what you are like and let them surmise who you are from your essay. Make them want to know you better. Tell them a story about yourself and let them analyze what you learned or what type of person you are. Do not explain to them…they get it.</p>
<p>Your essay serves two purposes. It tells something important about you and gives the reader some sense of who you are, and it is also a display of your skill at formal writing.</p>
<p>In the latter function, it’s great to be subtle and sophisticated and to tell a good story. But if there is some important factual thing that you want the adcoms to know about you, TELL THEM. They’ve got thousands of apps to read. Don’t count on them having the time or inclination to ponder your tome for hidden meanings and subtle conclusions.</p>
<p>I definitely agree with smomb! Your essay will stand out more if it is an experience to read rather than a dry explanation/reflection. Keep your descriptions! Immerse the reader in what makes you special. Let the readers feel what you feel, know what you know, and hang on to your every word. Make the admissions commitee want to meet you because you show them how interesting and passionate you are. At least, this is what I did…hopefully it works! Good luck! I hope we both get in!</p>
It depends to what extent you stretch the reader’s comprehension; they’re reading thousands of these things and won’t pore over it like we do. The essay should definitely have a point, and it should be clearly evident without saying “this experience shaped my childhood because…” That’s dull. May I read the essay? I can make a better call if I see it.</p>