No matter what the essay questions, share a part of your soul in the story.  Avoid writing factual essays such as "I volunteered in a nursing home as a junior for 10 hours a week and it was very meaningful because I got to help people in need."  Instead tell about a relationship you developed with a patient and how you grew as a result of this relationship.  

    Colleges ask for an essay because it helps them understand you as an individual, apart from grades and test scores.  It is an opportunity to show the admissions committee who you are, what's important to you and why.  Unfortunately, not all students take full advantage of this.  Admissions officials want essays that are fresh and original; essays that reflect you interests, ideas, and style; essays that indicate your ability to organize your thoughts and present them in coherent, grammatical form.  They don't want to read strained attempts at the perfect essay, the essay you think they want to read.  Because the people who read your application have no preconceptions about you, the essay is their chance to get to know you.  Let them in.  Take chances.  Be spontaneous and truthful.  The essay should whet their appetite.  You want to evoke a response.

Writing Help:

The best place to start is with a Medina High School teacher who can help you decide on a topic, organize your thoughts and proof read your essay.  DO NOT SEND AN ESSAY WITHOUT HAVING IT PROOFED!  

    There are several internet sites that will also help you to get started, but remember to ultimately have one of your teachers proof the essay in the end.