Are Harry Potter Essays Bad?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Virginia
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<p>Hello all. You have probably all been starting applications recently like I have. I was looking at the UVA supplement (Essays</a>, Undergraduate Admission, U.Va.) and it says that you write two essays one on whichever school you're applying to and then a second essay. I have heard Admission Deans say they get so tired of reading essays about Harry Potter. Every info session I went to the speaker (usually an admission dean) said "oh as long as it's not about Harry Potter" or "as long as the book doesn't end in Deathly Hallows or Prisoner of Azkaban." </p>

<p>For the question "what is your favorite word and why?" I wanted to use Hogwarts or some other Harry Potter word but I feel like the Admission Dean will get annoyed with my paper. The thing is Harry Potter means a lot to me, probably more than the average person. Not just because it was my childhood but because it saved my life. I would have probably committed suicide without it a few years ago. And I REALLY want to write about it but not if the readers don't want to read about it.</p>

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<p>It’s not about what you write about, it’s about how you write it. Send me your essay when you’re done if you’d like.</p>

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<p>Yes, it’s bad. Don’t do it.</p>

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<p>If you truly want to stand out, choose a different word. You never know if you’re going to get that ready who says “no, not another HP essay”. Or use the word you want but apply it to you…don’t describe what it means to “Harry”.</p>

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<p>I feel like no one could really write a good Harry potter essay. Do you really think HogWarts is your favorite word? I’m flummoxed as to how and why that could be your favorite word…</p>

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<p>Sarah Palin might “refudiate<favorite word=”“>” that point.</favorite></p>

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<p>if hogwarts is indeed your favorite word, then you’ve got to go out of the way to make your essay flawless. and i don’t mean embellishing it with words and language, i mean make sure the admission deans can squash around in your skin and feel how you feel. also, i would find a wors that’s a little bit less redundant. i am sure that all the essays probably written about harry potter have already been done: you’ve got the imagination essay, the epiphany essay, the sacrifice essay, the friendship essay, the loyalty essay, and a combination of all those essays put together. but, if you are sure you can pull it off, then hats off to you!</p>

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<p>I’ve been reading Harry Potter essays for a decade. </p>

<p>When I see Harry Potter, 1984, Ayn Rand, or Fahrenheit 451 in the first line of an essay, my eyes glaze over. I think it’s really hard to be original and fresh when writing about something that’s been covered from every possible angle for years. I used to enjoy Fahrenheit 451…but I donated my copy about six years ago.</p>

<p>I bet you can tell your story without making your essay about Harry Potter.</p>

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<p>I would choose a different word. Depite the fact that you seem to have a personal connection to it, not only is “hogwarts” or any other Harry Potter term hackneyed, they don’t scream maturity either. Find a word that is original, it doesn’t necessarily have to be you’re “favorite.”</p>

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<p>I think that unless you are JK Rowling, or one of the actual actors, I’d keep anything HP off my application. ;)</p>

<p>In all seriousness, it is a big risk because you need to be able to do it well if you choose to go that route. Don’t be overconfident and think “This is awesome!”…have MANY people read and critique it…and not just those who will tell you what you think you want to hear either.</p>

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<p>This is a side thought. Some people take offense to witchcraft, wizards and magic.</p>

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<p>Don’t write about Harry Potter… It’s been done so many times. And your favorite word doesn’t have to be a word that you think will impress the deans. The book I wrote about was a book I read in 6th grade (The Cay) and my favorite word was random. Nothing fancy, really.</p>

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<p>Truthiness is a good word, I must say.</p>

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<p>Yes, they’re bad.</p>

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<p>I hope the OP got the point especially after Dean J commented.</p>

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<p>I’m surprised Ayn Rand is that popular! OP, please don’t write about Harry Potter. If you really want to stand out, you’d have more luck with the Teletubbies and/or other characters from your childhood.</p>

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<p>I would also add do not gush over how TJ is your favorite president…</p>

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<p>Haha yes definitely stay away from TJ in your essay unless you are a master historian or a descendant of the Jeffersons themselves.</p>

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<p>^I met someone at UVa who was…</p>

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<p>Yeah, after reading especially Dean J’s response I don’t think I will write about Harry Potter. All of your answers helped me as well. If there was a UVA interview I would probably talk about it slightly but I’ll think of a different word or try a different question. Thanks for all of your responses! (:</p>