I can tell you from experience, "long, drawn out" essays on an application to University of CA (any campus) will not get you admitted.
They admit the efficient of far above-average grades and character and/or the efficient at stereotypes.
They DO have quotos of types of humans, so they focus on fulfilling general types first and then fill in around those, in my experience.
At least, they did when I attended.
A good essay doesn't need to be long or drawn out, but it SHOULD demonstrate a firm grasp of the English language, attention to detail, and the ability to organize one's thoughts. All of these skills are important in college and in most career paths that require a college degree.
Succumbing to political correctness only serves to reward pupils who lack either the intellect or the work ethic needed to succeed, at the expense of those who do not. The real world is (mostly) a meritocracy; why isn't higher education the same way?