<p>A couple of questions about the essay (which I have two days to finish). Basically, my essay deals which themes that are vaguely existential. I don’t mean that just to make me sound smarter, it actually is influenced by guys like Camus and Sartre, and it has to do with experiencing as much of my life as possible in the time I have to live it. So mortality comes up, and some of the people who’ve read it think that the people who work at admissions will be afraid I’ll either kill myself or a member of the faculty or student body. I disagree, because I know I’m not suicidal, but I don’t want to take any chances. Also, on the topic, how do they feel about a more colloquial tone to the writing? Thanks for any help.</p>
<p>I don’t think there should be a problem. If anything, the adcoms will be impressed by your understanding of hard-to-grasp philosophical topic. I know this isn’t the same thing at all, but on my SAT essay on Oct 1, I wrote about existentialism (and cited Camus’ “The Myth Of Sisyphus” and many of Sartre’s teachings) and I got a 12. Of course, SAT essays and college essays are looked at very differently, but hopefully this quells some of your fears.</p>
<p>And in response to your second question, I used a less than formal tone in my common app essay and even in one of my Georgetown essays. If you normally speak very formally, write formally. If you don’t, don’t. The essays are meant to reflect you, so go ahead!</p>
<p>Okay, cool. Thanks. I was just a bit nervous it would freak them, or something.</p>