Cliche Essay Topic?

College Essays
1

<p>Would it be cliche to write about my grandfather for the person who had a significant influence on me? I don't exactly have it mapped out yet (because I don't wanna get too caught up in it if it isn't even worth writing about) but we both have preauricular pits above our ears (basically, tiny holes that aren't really that significant as far as I know) and I'm the only grandchild who has them, and then I'd go on to talk about how he studied languages and how he could read seven different languages and how I took Latin because he loved Latin, and now I am considering studying classics and becoming a Latin teacher. He also served in World War II, had his plane shot down and was captured, but I feel like that doesn't have as much of a significance on my life and is very cliche.</p>

<p>Yeah I know it doesn't help that I really don't have a set map for my essay, but is the idea of writing about my grandfather too cliche even without going into all the details? Thank you!</p>

2

<p>Yes and no. Yes, writing about your grandfather is very clich</p>

3

<p>Make sure you’re showcasing yourself. Actually, an admissions officer in an information session I attended once addressed this topic, exactly: </p>

<p>“I had a kid write all about how amazing his grandfather was. How he was in three wars, and did this and this, and that great thing, too. And that’s awesome… If he was applying, we’d probably admit him. But why should we admit you?” </p>

<p>So I think the topic could be a good one, as long as you focus on your relationship with him and how he has influenced/inspired you. Including details of his life is a good idea, but don’t let that be the main focus.</p>

4

<p>Thanks! Definitely a good thing to keep in mind as I write it.</p>