Autobiographical: Be careful of the obvious "How my trip to France taught me independence."But if reflective (travel, significant personal struggle, or family experience) can be a very impressive subject.

Social/Political: Ought to be tied to previous student interests. An essay on devotion to environmentalism as an abstract idea carries little weight.

Intellectual interests: Response to works of a particular author, research in certain areas, places where the student has outgrown and reached beyond his/her curriculum.

Style:

Good writing is writing that is easily understood.

Avoid the overuse of adjectives, adverbs, big words (don't abuse the thesaurus), the word "However" and exclamation points!!!!

Buy and read Elements of Style by William Struck, Jr. and E. B. White. You'll use if forever.

Have on good writer critique your essay and another proofread it.

Stick to the recommended length (see below)

Topic:

Don't repeat information from other parts of your application

Avoid generalities

Maintain proper tone

Write about something you care about

Avoid the following topics:

Your relationship with your girlfriend or boyfriend

Your religious beliefs and/or political views

Drugs, sex, alcohol

The importance of college education, or anything which mirrors the college's brochure ("I'd like to go to a college that emphasizes the individuality of each student in a unique atmosphere of diversity.")

Obvious topics such as abortion or the decline of 90210

The trip you took abroad last summer

Anything that is not personal in some way

LENGTH: More than two-thirds of page, and usually less than four pages to ensure being read carefully.

FORMAT: Neat, readable, typed or word-processed. Physically prepared by you (not dad's/mom's secretary, even as typed--it raises doubts about editorial overlays.)

STYLE: Good writing is writing that is easily understood.

Avoid the overuse of adjectives, adverbs, big words (don't abuse the thesaurus), the word "However" and exclamation points!!!!!!!

Buy and read Elements of Style by William Strunk, Jr. and E.B. White. You'll use it forever.

Have one good writer critique your essay and another proofread it. 5. Stick to the recommended length.

FOR WEAK WRITERS/POOR SCORERS: Take real care; start summer before senior year; rewrite frequently. Send one to three extra writing samples: in and out-of-class work, with teachers' comments.

HOW WEIGHTED BY COLLEGE: Often as confirmer of decision if other credentials clear. Essay can be a powerful "tipper" in close cases, especially with very strong or very poor essays.

Warning: Faculty admissions readers pay careful attention to essays. As eventual consumers, they are vociferous complainers about admitting students with dull or error riddled essays.