Tips from parents on how to write a successful essay.

[xiggi]

<p>So what is the deal? Those essays were posted by Connecticut College, with the title Essays that worked.<br>

Here is an excerpt: </p>

<p>The admission staff at Connecticut College compiled the following collection of outstanding essays -sic- to help you approach your own personal statement with confidence and excitement. Through the range of responses these students took, you will see that the essay - as a sample of writing and a reflection of your interests and values - can take many forms. Whilethere is not any “right” or “wrong” topic, some approaches offer a bit more creativity and fluency than others. The samples we have selected reflect this idea. </p>

<p>Each of these essayists was offered admission to Connecticut College, and each matriculated at the College. The writing samples they submitted often played an important role in obtaining the coveted “fat letter” on April 1.

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<p>Oh well, since then the two quoted essays have been removed, but others are still adorning the ConnCollege website.</p>

<p>Now you can judge for yourself. As far as I am concerned, my reaction to the “Follow the Leader” essay was … pluzzzzhe, pass me the Pepto-Bismol. I could not imagine having a classmate telling ME a story and using those words: </p>

<p>“The portage had become a battle, and the ominously darkening sky raised the potential for casualties. Gritting my teeth with gumption, I refused to stop; I would march on until I could no longer stand.”</p>

<p>One conclusion: it is important to know your audience. In this case, what pleases ConnCollege is quite different from other schools. If you like the style, chances are that they’ll like you. However, this reflects the quirkiness of the school, not the quality of the essays!</p>