Any Tips for the Influence Essay?

College Essays
1

<p>I've been mulling this thing over for at least a month now, and I don't feel like I've made much progress. I've written a couple of drafts on a couple of subjects, but neither of them really worked. I feel like I may be overthinking this, searching for some cataclysmic influence that almost nobody has, but I'm kind of stumped. And early action looms!</p>

<p>The first answer is obviously my parents or family, but from what I can tell that's generally considered cliche and a bad idea. But past that, I can't come up with anyone about whom I can write without feeling fake. People have influenced me, yes, but outside of my family, probably only in small ways. And one of the prompts asks me to write about why "that person is important to [me]." I don't really feel like I cherish anyone outside of my family.</p>

<p>So basically, if someone could point me to a helpful site [like UVa's little guide] or offer a bit of advice...it would be appreciated.</p>

2

<p>it is almost impossible to write about something no one else will write about or written before. thousands of students apply to colleges every year so multiply that by the number of years the college admission officer has been working, means tens of thousands of essays and topics.</p>

<p>Write about something that means a lot to you. Bring the Admission offer into your world. Show them how you think, how you approach a problem, how your mind works. Picking a cliche topic is not a problem as long as you make it your own. You only have one family, so talk about your family. Remember, what you want to do is show you are more than just numbers, grades, and a rank. An essay is a great way for the admissions officer to know you a little bit. Answer the prompt, and bring him in.</p>