Narrative recreates the experience. Narrative consistently excels in applying principles of plotting, dialog, and climax. Essay has hardly any lapses in conventions of formatting, grammar, and mechanics. Thesis idea is present but may be mechanical or present an obvious insight. Narrative describes experience.
Narrative incorporates, with varying success, principles of plotting, dialog, and climax.
Essay contains many specific details, but they might not always contribute to the narrative and thematic development. Essay acknowledges a connection between the narrative experience and some element of the college curriculum, but the author might not have fully developed the connection. Essay generally follows conventions of formatting, grammar, and mechanics but may have a few lapses. Thesis idea may be absent or inappropriate to the essay. Essay contains few specific details or contains many details that detract from the narrative or thematic development.