Five Myths About Application Essays
1. You have to write about something no one has ever written about before (unlikely and high-risk).

2. There’s a right answer to every question (there’s only your right answer).

3. It’s a good idea to be funny or clever or wacky (only if you think they are looking for funny, clever, or wacky applicants).

4. You have to do this alone (every writer asks for feedback, especially in high-stakes settings).

5. Your essay can get you in (only if most everything else makes you an interesting candidate).