Hi, I am currently a senior applying to colleges. For months I have been stuck on what I should write about for my common app essay. I think I just finally thought of an idea that may work. Something about me is that I have a passion for thrifting. I love spending my weekends digging through clothes at thrift stores and picking out new outfits. I’ve used this passion to start a social media account where I post pictures of clothes I’ve thrifted and sell them to people. I’ve had a lot of success doing this because thrifted clothes are one of a kind pieces that can’t be found at normal retail stores, and therefore are sometimes in high demand. I don’t do it for the money, in fact I usually just donate the money that I get (minus the fee it costs to ship the clothes). I just really think that every item of clothing sitting in a goodwill could be a treasure to someone else, and I love knowing that these pieces that were unwanted by someone else are going to someone who really wants them. I’m also really into the idea that thrifting is good for the environment, since re-wearing reduces pollution and waste, and second hand clothes are less likely to end up in landfills. I also like how thrifted clothes are more unique than something you would find at the mall or a large department store, and how every piece of clothing in a thrift store probably has some story behind it. I’ve also spent lots of time volunteering for goodwill, and even had a job at a local thrift store in my area. Basically, thrifting is my passion. Is this topic too weird? Do you think it’s good enough for top schools?
Something I wanted to add: the reason behind the social media account is that it raises awareness for thrift stores. Not many people think about buying “used” clothes until they see that you could actually find some pretty cool things. Also, a lot of people don’t have the patience/energy to search through an entire thrift store to find what they might like, so this is an easier way for them to find things.
It’s not too weird. And I think there is a nice thread in there about how you see potential in things others see as worthless. Something many colleges say they value is diversity of thought.
I think there is a lot of potential here – it demonstrates independence of spirit, commitment, organization, empathy and also is a nice metaphor for education, about finding the value of the hidden. Focus on how you can “show” rather than “tell” – perhaps an anecdote about a particular piece, that leads into your story.
I find this interesting but I will also add there is nothing wrong with being an entrepreneur and making money. I find it interesting that you can sell this stuff. Good margins here for a business!
I like it! Go for it. Make it as specific as you can.
@mom2twogirls @Midwestmomofboys @empireapple @PetraMC Thanks for the feedback everyone! Is there anyone who would be willing to read over it for me when I finish writing it?
Sure, I will.
I’ll read it over & offer a brief critique.
I’d be happy to read/edit it as well.
Yes, great idea for an essay. Be sure to put it in your activities section too.
I love it! Sounds like a great idea and something that helps identify more of who you are as a person.
I like it! Not a well-worn topic (pun intended).
Great topic for you and will be interesting to read, I say go for it
I love your essay idea! And I would assume it would be such a nice change of pace for the readers.
i love it. ok ill admit, i’m a thrifter too. id say connect it to issues in the wider world and you’re golden. that could be environmentalism, the legacy of being a child of the financial crisis, expressing individuality while reducing your carbon footprint etc.
i might add one more thing - i have learned about so many people and so many things by what they discard AND met incredible characters who are fellow thrifters.
I like this essay topic and I think for many schools it will be well-accepted, but if you are applying to schools that look for creativity in their essays or if you really need your essay to stand out, I think you could use it as a springboard for something more unique. I wonder if you might link the concept of forming something new from something cast off as a metaphor and perhaps link it to an aspect of our society, cuture, or even your personality. This may sound a bit “out there” but getting the absolute most you can from your essays can really make a difference.
I think it could be a great topic. Also depends on the school a little, but I think you should write it.
Try to keep it reasonably self-reflective and try to make connections between what you do, and how it reflects your values, interests and/or goals
Sounds look a good topic—I would be happy to read it over (as soon as I can PM!).