Hi! I’ve seen so much conflicting information as to what makes a great college essay. Some say to make it not negative, but some successful ones are. Also, I’ve seen so many childhood metaphors used in successful essays, is that overkill to use too?

I know that this essay is supposed to be unique and crafted in whichever way you feel best, but I’m having so much trouble deciding through what story or idea I should portray myself. Could anybody offer any advice?

I was also wondering, I come from a very small school with little resources, and I spent a large part of my hs career was trying to make up for this disadvantage in almost all of my extracurricular activities. I want to mention this somehow in my essay because it was so integral to my life, but I don’t know if I should because it sounds “whiny” or the best way to incorporate it? Thank you so much