<p>After writing some of my essays and considering topics for some other of my essays, it seems that three of the long and one of the short essays (and maybe the other, as well) will touch computing in some way or another. I do have other possible topics in mind, but my current topics are what I care about the most. Should I use some of the other topics, to avoid looking too unbalanced? Though the essays won't just focus on computing, but they'd all involve it. Also as lots of applicants are interested in programming and similar stuff, would I look too similar?</p>
<p>If the essays express your “true self” with some tinges of your passion for computing (programming?) then sure! </p>
<p>I think that the way you make your essay is very subjective. Each person has their own style, which makes you different and stand out. Yes of course, many people applying to MIT will be programmers, physicists, mathematicians, and whatnot. I doubt you can avoid “showing” a interest that is unique than all the other people.
But your life story, motivation/inspiration, and creative drive IS unique. That is what the MIT essays are designed for, a facilitation for you to show how unique you are!</p>
<p>Many will say avoid being too ‘nerdy’ in your essay. IN some respects that is true. I would avoid mentioning too many of your academic activities in your essays, as they are already apparent in other parts of your application.</p>
<p>I don’t think that you’d look too similar to other applicants, especially since you’re not being compared to them. If you think that your essays do a good job of communicating who you are as a person, and you’re happy with them, then I wouldn’t worry about rewriting them.</p>