Essays and Adcoms

I am definitely referring to other essays as needed. I wouldn't say, 'I am passionate about providing alternatives to Refund Anticipation Loans to unbanked households (see essay 2)' cause that's annoying and causes a big break. And I haven't explained what the story is with unbanked households who want RALs, so the essay doesn't stand on its own.

But I will do it in order to 1) not seem like a redundant moron and 2) remind readers that there is a larger story in case they read my first essay yesterday and need a bit of a reminder (god, I hope not...that would make me boring...)

So I might say something like, "As I mentioned in the first essay, I took over the tax program after a tumultuous first year." The reader can find out more about the circumstances if they want, or she can keep reading with the understanding that it was tumultuos. Each essay stands on its own, but I have provided a road map for someone who wants more detail.

So yeah, that's just my plan. I can't swear that it works, but there you go.

I mention lots of things in passing that are further highlighted elsewhere.

Right, but do you write in the "bridge" or do you just let the reader figure out that it's discussed in detail somewhere else?

I don't bridge. I let them figure it out. They read the entire app, so if they get curious, they'll see it at some point anyway.

I wouldn't specifically reference another essay, like "see Essay #2". If you write quality essays, then you can assume the reader will know what has been said earlier.

The problem could be if what I am referencing is said in a follow-up essay. This brings me to another question....does the order of the essays matters? Like in MIT...there are four specific situation questions, instead of any grand essay. Does it matter how the essays are submitted? Referenced?

I had one more question ....do the essays have to be a plain text document or formatting / bullets/ hyperlinks are acceptable?

I dont pay (much) attention to what order I mention things in. They could be read in any order. Who knows. Generally I follow the order they appear in.

As for bullets and hyperlinks, I've seen bullets work sometimes, but rarely. Hyperlinks? Never. URLS? Never. Keep in mind that most people are going to be reading printed copies of this stuff. Hundreds of them. Very few if any I think will take the time to look up some url you gave them.

I agree on URLs. The only place you could include URLs is your resume, for eg, when referring to your startup or something like that.

Hope it helps. L.

sounds good.

thanks guys!!