Hi, my parents were born in Sri Lanka (South of India) and I was born in AMerica. Should I do an essay about my experiences about that. Should I write about having a really long and complex name?
Being from an immigrant family or having a long name by itself is not unique or distinguishing. So an essay that is in essence a biography or explanation of your name is unlikely to be effective. However, if you have interesting anecdotes of how being an immigrant or having a long complex name shaped you in a way that makes you a desirable candidate, that could become a good essay.
Yea I can make up something like how before I was shy and then I accepted myself and grew confident in my name.
I wrote an essay similar to this… it sounds like a common topic but with the right spin on it it can be definitely unique to you
One of the best college essays I read was by an Asian American female applicant who wrote about her experiences of living as a short person. It was wonderfully funny and perceptive that probably got her accepted by all colleges. I wish I had written it, but I could not have because I am not short.
The essay can be about practically anything, but what distinguishes a successful one is the authenticity of voice and perspective of an individual.
I love the idea of writing about having a long last name. That might be very funny and humanize you. Maybe 10 years ago, the Times did a contest where they asked people to write about their odd names…this might inspire you! https://tierneylab.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/03/10/ii-the-best-weird-name-story-contest/
Google “Hacking the College Essay 2017” and read it.
Write the Essay No One Else Could Write
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