I have found writing my MBA school admittance essays to be very daunting for one simple reason – it feels like my life and achievements are on trial. It feels as if a large magnifying glass is scrutinizing my very existence and whether or not it’s been worthwhile.

So I’ve been timid about actually writing the essays for fear that my life isn’t up to par. That my accomplishments will pale in comparison to the other guy applying next to me. It’s a suffocating sensation.

Though, what’s a college admission essay anyway? It’s a 600 word attempt at defining 28 years of living, learning, experiencing, growing, evolving, failing and succeeding. I had to realize that not only do 600 words fail to describe me but that I won’t be defined by them either. I am not my essay and my essay is not me.

Rather, my essays are just a sales pitch to get me in. A brochure highlighting certain aspects of my personal and professional life. If someone doesn’t like the brochure, then that in no way diminishes me. They just may not have liked the coloring.