<p>I'm applying to JHU for early decision and I began working on the "money in your pocket" essay. </p>
<p>It sounds great, the only problem is that its basically about how I would spend the day in my art room and work on my art the entire day.</p>
<p>And I'm afraid that its going to make me sound like a "I want to do nothing but art," person to the Admissions people- to which they could respond with something like "well, Hopkins would not be a good place for you because you like art too much, go to an art school." (even though I want to be a virologist). </p>
<p>I'm also worried that its making me sound like a whiny person who's complaining about too much school work, because I mention that I can't work on my artwork as much as I'd like since I have other more important priorities. </p>
<p>So should I stick with my art thing, because its more me- or should I switch it to something else because it has less of a possibility for negative interpretation?</p>
<p>I imagine (although I don't know) that many of these essays are about spending the day in ways that fit a person's passion or fulfill a fantasy or impossible dream. So if someone who loves music wanted to spend the day with their rock idol or Beethoven, do you think JHU would say "you like music too much, go to Juilliard or why didn't you apply to our Peabody Institute?" Of if they wished to spend the day with Jesus or Moses or Mohammed, do you think they would say "you should go to seminary or rabbinical school?"
I'm guessing not. </p>
<p>If you think your essay sounds too whiny and complaining - well, you can fix that by editing and checking your tone.</p>
<p>There may be other topics you could consider, but I don't think you should abandon one which really is "you" in favor of one you think is what an admissions reader wants to hear.</p>
<p>Actually, it's a good topic -- you should choose a specific example, and that is what you've done ( I think ). But there should be more to your art -- what are the qualities that art brings out in you? Art can have many interpretations to it, and there comes out the many qualities of you. These qualities, should not be stated, but shown in an indirect manner, somewhere between the lines. (i.e. you shouldn't say: "Art encourages me to be confident", and instead, show that in a different manner. This is your choice. ) Remember that spending the money is a very minor detail.</p>
<p>On another hand, if you excel in art, you might want to consider the alternate form of handing it in -- remember that the essay can be in any medium. People have done videotapes/artbooks...and if you like that stuff, perhaps you can do one too. A visual aspect, which is very related to art, may send the message much more clearly.</p>