Good question from a Collegewise parent at my essay seminar this weekend. She asked:
“How can you tell when a college is looking for a serious response to an essay topic versus something more lighthearted?”
First, pay attention to the prompt. A prompt that asks you about a time you failed or made a mistake is looking for more reflection than one that asks you what you do for fun.
But more importantly, what the colleges want is for you to be honest. Rather than injecting deep meaning into an experience where there was none, or turning your answer into a stand-up comedy routine, just answer the question honestly.
Trying to guess what they want to hear is never as effective as just telling the truth and being yourself.