Choosing a Common App Topic

College Essays
1

I am equally “excited” to write about any of these topics but if advice could be given I will be very grateful.

  1. How I grew from being extremely shy to someone with a lot more confidence as my love for my extracurriculars required me to be more outgoing in order to be recognized. I hope i’ll be able to convey that I am willing to take on challenges to solve personal problems, especially as it affects things I have a passion for.

  2. I founded a Chinese club at my school and my increased involvement in the Chinese community (volunteering, tutoring) which brought me closer to my family and helped me understand my parents better. Before I used to idolize “American” things but now I managed to form a combined identity and embrace the Chinese part of me.

  3. How oil painting relieves stress and how it ties into my other ECs (writing and math). Hopefully it’ll show that I am a creative person and defies structured thinking for something more freeform.

Edit: grammar

2
  1. sounds the best
3

If you want to construct an essay that will really make a difference at a selective school, then try a different approach. Identify one specific moment where you changed as a person. Describe that moment in a way that allows the reader to really know who you are. Describe how you felt, before, during and after that moment. Use the descriptions to show yourself as someone the reader will want on campus and to have either good character, be likable or both. If you can do all that and still be humble you could be on your way to an essay that leads the reader to really push for your admittance.

4

@CHD2013 I think that actually fits perfectly with the first topic! thank you.