1. I'm not an expert but I think that the app is read by one person. It is OK to assume that the reader has read prior essays

2. I dont think the essays are to be written formally. Show your personality! I think contractions are fine.

Hi beny,

Ideally an essay is a complete work of writing that doesn't need outside references. In addition, your set of essays should portray consistent branding and themes to be very effective. The essays are read by one person in their entirety in most admissions committees, though there may be exceptions to that rule. That being said, I think every reader has a different approach and you can't guarantee they will read each essay in order or in one sitting.

Contractions are fine. This isn't an entirely formal writing process, although you need to make sure your writing is clear, concise and avoids typos and grammatical mistakes. Of course, content is by far the most important aspect of the essays, and you will not be dinged for a typo or two.

Good luck!

Amy

Thanks for the advice. I realize that each essay has to be able to stand on its own. I was going to talk about starting a non-profit in my "culture shock" essay, and also mention it as background in my "careers goal" essay. The stipulation is that one essay will go into much more detail about the project than the other essay. While the less detailed essay will still make sense by itself, it would be much more understandable having the other essay as background knowledge.

beny,

That sounds fine and typical - generally people will condense information in the career goals info and then dive in depth into different experiences in the topical essays.

Amy