Is it acknowledging the cliche in my essay ok? Like I introduce it by explaining the struggle my immigrant parents went through (cliche I know) and end the intro by breaking the 4th wall saying, you can skim through this essay if you want because its a boring cliche, but nothing will diminish the accomplishments my parents made… blah blah blah.
Also, this is for UofI engineering.
On that topic, should I take the small 100-400 word supplements as seriously as my large essays? Like do I need to get it revised by 3 people etc. or can I just type something meaningful up in an hour and submit it.
I think acknowledging the cliche COULD work, but what I am more concerned about is if your essay will end up being more about your parents than you…
Also, you should take all of your college app seriously, including the short supplements. They all add up to the sum you present to the admissions commitee.
Why would you want to tell the reader your essay is boring and cliched? If you can’t write an interesting essay that is a fresh take on your parents’ experience pick a different topic. There are no cliched topics only cliched treatments.
Why would you write on a topic you know is a cliche? And agree with others, your parents’ struggles and experiences as immigrants doesn’t sound like a strong topic.
NO. Nooooo. Do not break the 4th wall. It’s not cute; it’s off-putting. I’d say if you legit have experienced hardships and/or being the child of immigrants has left an indelible mark on your personality/outlook, that it’s not cliche, just real. The key is to be genuine and interesting. Always make sure it’s about you and not a rehash or laundry list of your parents’ experiences.
Yes, you should be as thoughtful on supplements as with your main essay. In fact, special care should be given to how your supplements will work in concert with your main essay. Will writing about your parents being immigrants expand upon the view you’re giving in your main essay? Is it a rehash? Does it add nothing? Always consider this when choosing what to write about in supplements.