<p>God damn. lol</p>
<p>I thought mine was pretty good, it pales in comparison to some of these topics. :(</p>
<p>Okay. I also wrote the trouser’s ones, and I know it’s bad because they mentioned it in the prompt, but I wrote about losing this group of friends. Sounds cliched, and I don’t want to delve into it, but I <em>think</em> I executed it well. </p>
<p>Why Chicago? Mainly talked about the Core and the expression “where fun comes to die.” And Chicago, the city.</p>
<p>Favorite Things: Wrote about the Style section of the Washington Post (live in DC suburbs), Entertainment Weekly, and the New Yorker. </p>
<p>So, nothing was some philosophical text to rival Plato or Aristotle, but hopefully it showcased my personality well enough–and that personality was one that would be welcomed at UofC…I can only hope at this point!</p>
<p>For the optional essay, i said that i’m a fan of these folks…[Alexandrov</a> Ensemble - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia](<a href=“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandrov_Ensemble]Alexandrov”>Alexandrov Ensemble - Wikipedia)</p>
<p>did i just screw myself over?</p>
<p>OKAY. EVERYONE: The topic IS important. But more important is the content within the topic, and the style, and the voice, and the meaning you impart. Just because you didn’t writing about the meaning of life or quantum physics does NOT mean it can’t be good. (And this is not saying that mine are good, just a general rule). Don’t freak out.</p>
<p>I talked about shoplifting when I was a kid in my “caught” essay. Might of been a bad idea, I don’t know.</p>
<p>For my “why Chicago” essay I wrote about my creepy crush on their library. Chicago likes its library, right? A bit late now for me to think of that, eh?</p>
<p>If I get in, I am so going to spend my time in their law library. :)</p>
<p>I could live in the library… <em>dreamy sigh</em></p>
<p>Common App - I wrote a framed narrative about my experience in investing, and learning how to ride the motorcycle I bought with the accrued capital. </p>
<p>Chicago Prompt - I wrote about my own topic, a generic one about “sacrifice”. </p>
<p>Why UChicago - One paragraph response, as generic as it gets. ( it was only supposed to be a paragraph or two right?)</p>
<p>I think I went overboard with the Why Chicago piece. Mine was a full-length essay. But personally I felt that it wasnt written in a manner that made it cumbersome and a bore to read. But perhaps my adcom felt otherwise.</p>
<p>Common App - about getting the newspaper and turned it into a reflection on why I still subscribe to print media</p>
<p>Chicago prompt - picked “something you outgrew” and wrote about being afraid of the dark at age 16, no joke</p>
<p>Why Chicago - a few paragraphs, focused on scavenger hunt and used it as an example of some things I liked about uchicago in microcosm</p>
<p>I tried to keep all of my essays honest and readable (and IMO funny in places) without sacrificing my personality. I’m happy with the way they turned out, even though they certain sound a whole lot dumber than the stuff you guys wrote :)</p>
<p>Kind of getting worried that I didn’t do the “Favorite Things” essay, since I didn’t think it would add too much to my application (“I like all types of music! Clearly, I like all academic subjects!”) :|</p>
<p>Yeah, I agree with most people. For example, my topics were probably creative enough, but I couldn’t express them well when it came down to it. The topic really isn’t what matters, as much as the actual explanation and analysis.</p>
<p>For example, I know plato and aristotle better than I know…just most other philosophical texts because I’ve read a TON of their works for school/debate. So, why wouldn’t I use them if I found the need? In the same way, if you know about soccer, or scrabble, or water-polo-ing, just use it if it makes sense. My essay was on law, so I couldn’t use the Joy of Cooking, for instance. But, if my essay was on how I love cooking for others and trying new things out, persay, then I would use Joy of Cooking. Use what makes sense. I probably won’t get in…but I can surely make that judgement. =D</p>
<p>Common App: Wrote about an experience I had over the summer working with the homeless of Orlando. How they changed some of my perceptions and opened my eyes to quite a lot. </p>
<p>Supplement: Trousers Essay. Wrote about how I used to use the philosophy “if they can do it” and how I’ve realized it’s not always true. I need to be my own person and do my own best. Regardless of others. </p>
<p>Why chicago: wrote about how I wanted a school passionate about learning and discovery for the love of it, not as a means to obtain a degree. Also discussed wanting to be part of an academically enthused student body. And hinted at it’s strong programs in every field as well as it’s location in Chicago. </p>
<p>Favorites: wrote about my favorite band: the mars Volta and why they were so appealing to me. I also talks about favorite authors. </p>
<p>I thought all my essays were solid. Nothing extremely out there, but I think they’re very personal and telling of myself, which was my goal. Hopefully UoC agrees.</p>
<p>Is there one song you would recommend as a must hear by the Mars Volta?</p>
<p>I’ve never listened to them before.</p>
<p>Sorry to get off topic xD</p>
<p>Wow. That’s a difficult question. I talked about how diverse it was and never the same. It’s hard to pick a song to represent them as a artist, but a good one to start with would be “Roulette Dares (This is the haunt.)” give them time. They’re an acquired taste.</p>
<p>Haha, but as applicants to Chicago, we’ve had our share of acquired tastes. The university in itself is well, for most, an acquired taste. Anyway, I haven’t listened to them either, but Ill start with that song you mentioned. Thanks!</p>