I figured that writing an essay would be a simple thing - however, it’s ridiculously hard. Apparently students writing essays for colleges may expend dozens of hours with college counselors, teachers, and colleagues to develop a well balanced and primped essay. The slightest air of cockiness that breaks these essays can arise from the slightest nuances of self-praise or wording. It came to my attention that writing college essays would become one of the hardest things I would ever do.
I began by trying to follow one of the topics the Common App provided me with, and I came to understand myself under a new light. College essays presented me with an opportunity to analyze the way I think and act more critically. I explored many aspects of my personality and instincts, and came to understood them. I involved my family, friends, and colleagues to help me understand myself. These essays were reflections of my past and their respective impacts. I looked for answers in why I act, and things such as my inspiration in life which I found to be my father. He provided me with care, guidance and support that no one else could have given and I am grateful for his shared morals and kindness. This was my first and best essay in one concise sentence. I understood why it was my father who was my greatest influence – he understood my capabilities and my habits, my favorite color and my greatest fear, ergo he knows me as much as or better than I do. But it was lacking… how can I stand out with such a cliché essay no matter how heartwarming and true?
Over several revisions, I created what I believed to be a “final draft” of the essay. However, I realized that the reason college essays were perceived as difficult to write was due to the sheer volume of students applying. A typical topic such as writing about my father being an influence to me was too cliché in the view of my readers. Cliché topics such as family and environment aren’t unique at all. \Not to say they couldn’t be interesting, or important, but the over usage of these topics drains their worth – despite being the only thing some students have to say. We are limited to writing as our medium and opportunities are preemptively crushed through this bleak medium.  The average writers are unable to personify their essays while the elite and rich meticulously write their essay to gather any interests of the reader and create good impressions. Obviously, the voices of each student couldn’t possibly be expressed properly through an essay, let alone one of 500 words. The personal statement not only aided my analysis but generated dissatisfaction with the bias of it all.
Honestly, I don’t believe that my writing is poor and that I am perfectly capable of writing a cliché essay with a unique spin to hook the reader but that wouldn’t feel right. My strongest feelings aren’t for menial events in the past but problems concerning me now. I thank the personal statement for allowing me to learn about myself in greater depth. I found a greater appreciation for my surroundings and how I act. The countless times going back to the drawing board are valuable reflections I enjoyed. And compared to those students writing for hours on end – ha! I wrote this in an hour, thank you.