<p>my first question is if my common app essay is too taboo and overdone for schools like Harvard, Yale, WashU, Northwestern, etc.---
I plan to write on the influence prompt about my mother (I know, overdone already). Anyway, she does a ton in our community, she started a huge concert series, raised funds for breast cancer research, opened her own store, etc. I plan to explain some of the positive traits that she has embodied and how this commitment to service has rubbed off on me. Intermittently, I will come back to my own HS experiences and show how I have used these traits in a positive manner. Ultimately, I want to show that I have a lot of service beyond my application, in essence much of my youth was wrapped in service. The message I want to convey is that we do not commit ourselves to making changes because we have to to build our resumes, but because we can. WIll that work if I write it well?</p>
<p>Secondly, how can you write an essay say for Northwestern's prompt....</p>
<p>What are the unique qualities of Northwestern — and of the specific undergraduate school to which you are applying — that make you want to attend the University? In what ways do you hope to take advantage of the qualities you have identified?</p>
<p>well. It seems like everyone would say the same thing. Does anyone have examples of successful essays for this type of prompt.</p>
<p>-I'd say do write the mother essay, at least write it and have people look at it. if it's really bad then they'll say. I don't think that topic is SO overdone that there is nothing left to it. it seems like you have a plan to make it interesting and unique, which is necessary no matter what you choose.</p>
<p>-for Northwestern, where is a possibility that might be creative. do news searches and try to find things that professors, students, and alumni are doing. use the specific undergraduate school. then, write what you would usually write about what is so great, but then add in these little facts and anecdotes and relate them to yourself and the school all at once. you don't necessarily have to use really obvious people, and you could choose those who are involved in current events right now.</p>
<p>^that's just one idea. other include comparing it to your image of the traditional, cookie cutter College U and showing how NW is better. or imaging yourself going through a day of classes there and pointing out what is good. or giving a campus tour (with a map) and showing what is good...you could be peeking in the windows and seeing people or things...</p>
<p>these ideas I guess would take some quality writing so you can sell them, but they would be interesting while still answering the essay completely.</p>
<p>I didn't apply there so I don't have an essay to show though.</p>
<p>I can't really help for your first question.</p>
<p>The obvious response to your second question would be do some research. Why are you applying to NU anyway? I'm assuming that they ask this question to gauge your knowledge of what you know about NU and what you think you'll add. Just be honest about what you're interested about pursuing at the University and it should work.</p>