<p>Well, I have narrowed it down to two ideas. I could either write about my involvement in the writing community (in high school I submitted to my school's award winning literary magazine, I write poetry and prose, my grandpa is a poet and my uncle is a published author, I've won writing contests, joined my school's student writing council, etc.) or the fact that I was a child shaped by Disney movies (they influenced me to be independent and strong, to follow my dreams, to remain young at heart, to stay positive in the face of troubles and to take matters into my own hands and become a leader).</p>
<p>Now, while both ideas have merit, I worry how either of them would be perceived. I don't want to appear to be putting on an "academic front" with the writing essay and I don't want to be seen as immature or like I'm not taking the essay seriously if I write about Disney. Both would speak to who I am as a person, but which aspect of my personality would be best to go with? The Disney essay would set me apart, but I have more concrete examples to use in the writing essay.</p>
<p>I am not seeing how Disney sets you apart. The above is a basic summary of Disney’s approach and lots of kids could write an essay along these lines. The relative lack of concrete examples is also very important to consider.</p>
<p>Few, though, are actually involved in a writing community in the personal, concrete, family-connected way that you describe. Details about writing-oriented interactions with your uncle and grandfather could be enlightening about you and quite unusual.</p>
<p>With regard to the “academic front”: If you don’t want to give an impression of a “front”, then don’t present yourself in that manner. Speak more about your connection with the community you describe.</p>
<p>I think it’s hard to have an original topic. Even seemingly outlandish ones like what personal characteristics would help you during a zombie apocalypse. I think the effectivity comes from the specific lens you use to approach said topic. People could do the “big game” and one person discuss the generic determination and they were the saving grace of their team while another person uses self-deprecation humor to undercut a parallel they make with a societal issue they feel strongly about. </p>
<p>Personally, and I’m absolutely no admissions officer, and you seem like you’re capable of writing both, I would prefer to read about Disney.</p>
<p>Why do you need to pick and choose? Write on both topics. Compare them and enlighten us! But do keep the essay short and fun. A little humor goes a long way.</p>
<p>I think the Disney one doesn’t really set you apart, as someone else said…you, like most in our generation, watched Disney movies and learned about love/friendship/etc…Don’t get me wrong, I <em>love</em> Disney as much as the next person, but it doesn’t seem like you have anything unique to say there…the other one sounds pretty interesting, and you don’t have to present it as totally academic if you don’t want to!</p>