college essay PLEASE PLEASE HELP

Colleges and Universities A-Z Rice University
1

<p>i know in the college essay you are supposed to present who you really are and what you are really passionate about etc.
however, i also know you are trying to stand out. </p>

<p>i am considering writing about my dad having cancer for as long as i can remember, and the ups and downs from all his medicine, and how i don't really know who he is because of all the medicine, but how he has still taught me so much about being an honest, good person who gives even when they have nothing to give (ex. how he once bought a box of expensive blueberries for a kid working at a farmers market stand in NYC because he was once a farm boy etc.) i think i could write really meaningfully about this and it would definitely stand out but more importantly be completely genuine and not just saying it to stand out. </p>

<p>HOWEVER, my dad's sickness and the huge struggles of my childhood don't define who i am or who i want to be. i am really passionate about art, and experiencing life, etc. </p>

<p>i am also considering writing about riding the subway and how i learn so much, for ex. one day a crazy man started talking to me and my friend about the Vietnam war, and i learned how to take a bullet out of someone.
i also sponsored my own trip to south africa last summer, and i think writing about this would show just how adventurous and independent i really am. </p>

<p>so basically, i was wondering if writing about my father would seem too superficial and like i'm making excuses for my not so great grades, or if it would help me at all if that makes sense... </p>

<p>any thoughts would be greatly greatly appreciated!!</p>

2

<p>I don’t have any real knowledge, but you could always tie the subjects together.</p>

<p>ex. my dad’s situation has show me that I need to make the most of the moment so I sponsored my own trip to south africa.</p>

<p>I actually just started thinking about the application too! Maybe we can both end up at Rice together.</p>

3

<p>Personally, I stuck to writing about my personal passions and future endeavors. In my opinion(and keep in mind this is solely my opinion), you should write to convey your personality. Your experience with your father sounds like it would be an interesting read, but like you said, it doesn’t explain who you are, which is the topic you need to address in the essay.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

4

<p>I like the idea of sponsoring your trip to South Africa. Maybe it’s because I envy your determination and courage to do it. I think it will make your standout as it is not something anybody would/able to do.</p>

5

<p>The trip to South Africa one is a cool idea, but at the same time you are taking a risk because Rice adcoms will read a plethora of essays about generic service trips–you would have to make sure yours comes off as unique.</p>

<p>Same thing goes for your dad having cancer, unfortunately. As much as that may have defined your life, it still is a bit risky.</p>

<p>I personally would write about the subway adventures. You’d be able to tell a great story, convey a quirky, everyday, slice-of-life style aspect of yourself, and analyze how your experience with the Vietnam vet connects with you and who you are. I could see that shaping up to be an outstanding and memorable essay.</p>