What is a Personal Essay?

College Essays
1

<p>What exactly does a personal essay entail? Is it enough to just give your view on a topic? Or do you have to reveal some deep dark secret that you have? Do you have to open your heart and soul in a meaningful manner (tragic past) or can it be totally random and off-topic (front yards)? </p>

<p>Basically, is it an essay that lets them see my personality through my writing style or is it an essay that tells them what I think my personality is through achievements and such?</p>

<p>The specific essay I’m wondering how to write it Common App’s “Choose your own topic” if that’s any help.</p>

2

<p>There is excellent advice at:</p>

<p>[Essays</a>, Admission Information, Undergraduate Admission, U.Va.](<a href=“http://www.virginia.edu/undergradadmission/writingtheessay.html]Essays”>http://www.virginia.edu/undergradadmission/writingtheessay.html)</p>

3

<p>I’m kind of unsure of the purpose of the personal essay, can you please read mine and give me feedback? I would be eternally grateful.</p>