Hey guys! Below is my essay for the Middlebury optional supplement. I am honestly not sure whether it is stupid or funny. Take a gander:
Please feel free to briefly share with us anything you would like us to know that is not otherwise covered in the Common Application (250 word max) -- my word count=213
How do you wake up Lady Gaga?
Don't know? Poker Face.
Here's another one: What is an existentialist's favorite type of music?
Heavy meta.
They say puns are the lowest form of humor. Which is true - indeed, they're the very foundation of humor, and one of the few that don't necessarily have to be at someone's expense. Not only are puns amusing, but their usage displays a fine mastery of language and a quick wit.
Not to toot my own horn, but I am an expert punster. Most weekends, you would find me furiously browsing online forums and guest blogs, analyzing the results of past editions of the World Punoff Championships, watching recorded episodes of 'The Simpsons' in slow motion, or re-reading the collected works of Shakespeare and James Joyce, trying to find every pun I can, glean every insight into the minds of master punsters. I have always sought to draw inspiration from wherever I can, and selflessly kiss my creations out into the world to benefit all mankind. And I must be succeeding. Why else would my best puns be met by ridicule, painful groans, and threats of physical violence? Could there be starker signs of unappreciated genius?
Thus, I must persevere. After all, not everyone can have my level of fauxpertise.
Honestly, I believe that this short answer will work. It showcases something you enjoy, you have a good balance between showing and telling, and it doesn't seem forced or faked. However, I can't help but question your closing sentence. Maybe it's just me, but I can't quite see what purpose it serves. Other than that, I don't see any grammatical issues, so, good job.
I hope I was helpful.
LOL! We just critiqued each other's essays!
My gander says this is funny!
It is short, sweet, and somewhat silly but nonetheless entertaining and does a good job of answering the prompt. I also like how you provided a window into your daily life with the "most weekends..." segment.
I actually like the last sentence, what better way to end an essay about puns than with a pun? One comment might be to take out one of the puns in the beginning. One pun is sufficient in getting your point across (maybe keep whichever one you think is more "lowly"). Also maybe take out a few of the contractions? It might just be me but contractions always seemed the tiniest bit awkward in essay writing and you seem to be doing okay on the word count. Just a suggestion!
Overall I think it does a great job of portraying a bit of your personality that may not have been revealed otherwise, so good job and good luck!
Your writing ability is truly phenomenal. It is so simple yet will definitely to stand out among others! Plus you showcase your humor very well without sounding corny or like you tried too hard. I honestly don't feel that there is anything wrong with this, it's really great just the way it is. But I do agree with helloimyellow, just change those few contraction ("here's to here is, "they're" to they are) and you'll be good to go.
Good luck getting in! :)
Thanks guys! That means a lot, especially for a non-native speaker. i will get rid of the submissions and submit this :)
Haha I like this essay it provides a light hearted approach to the normally daunting admissions process. Good job!
I like your essay but i think you must improve more on ending your sentences and combining some short sentence. in all it is a good essay.
guys please check out my why hamilton essay which i posted yesterday. i badly need your help.
I especially love the humour and your style of writing. I think the last pun is the perfect touch and the best way to end your essay on a comical note. I am note sure about the second pun at the beginning of the essay, but you might want to ask for other opinions to be sure. I think it's a really good essay. Good job!
Thanks for the encouraging comments iPreo!
