<p>Heya CC forumgoers- long-time lurker has something to ask. Most of us are probably familiar with the Common App's essay prompts, but regardless, here's the specific one in question. For reference and all.</p>
<p>Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence.</p>
<p>I'd like to ask whether or not, regarding the fictional character qualification, using a character from a video game instantly devalues the merit of the essay on the basis of an alleged lack of literary merit (because first, admitting to playing video games seriously, and then admitting to playing for story and plot can be considered anathema in some circles). Similar question applies to those characters existing in pulp fiction, or graphic novels, or, heaven forbid, TV series. Or anything not known as a Work of Literature (tm).</p>
<p>Would it be safer to stick to proclaiming that Heathcliff and Catherine were live-changing influences that students should aspire to emulate (well, maybe not!)?</p>
<p>(Edit: Goodness, I didn't mean that to turn out sounding so... condescending or bitter towards literature. I enjoy reading just as much as the next person- just, not exactly willing to write about how any of those particular characters did(n't) strike a particular chord in me as far as what college essays are hoping to expose. I'll have to remember to curb down the sarcasm.)</p>
<p>i used reinhard von lohengramm who is an anime and novel character…</p>
<p>ps. that was on my questbridge application…</p>
<p>i did “Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.” for common app</p>
<p>My opinion would be that choosing a video game character would not hurt you too much, but it might hold you to a higher standard - all dat Black Ops better not have gone to your head.
It might make you stick out, if you do it well - this could bolster a mediocre application that would be otherwise perfectly average.</p>
<p>Thanks for your opinions- sadly, my brother has not obtained a copy of Black Ops yet! C’est la vie.</p>
<p>FF7’s Cloud? Dare I ask why? I’m coming up with the progression of Tomato in the Mirror-> discovering identity development, and the fact that the series is mainstream enough, though I think Luke from TotA is also a good competitor in the Heroic BSOD/who the heck am I games.</p>
<p>Sticking out’s probably a good idea and in fact was one of the things I was banking on, since I’m applying to a fair amount of selective colleges (reach schools, but still) in which my SAT score might be the only thing remotely noteworthy about me, and even then it’s only a 2300 single sitting, or 2310 individual top scores. Losing what small chance I did have at one school for better chances at another is a gamble I’m willing to take when they’re all fairly low to begin with.</p>
<p>And if anyone else has opinions to give, I’d still genuinely like to hear them.</p>
<p>I think it all depends on the quality of the essay. I would be careful not to be cliche. I can see it working if you really analyize it the way you would literature, at least part of the essay. I don’t know the reputation of gamers as quality students or not, so may be a bit risky but give a try and see if you English teacher likes it. It is never a waste of time to write it, through the writing process you might find an interesting angle or a whole new essay to come out of it.</p>
<p>Haha I just love FF7.
Tomato should be fine if you can write it well - but send it only to major reaches (ie. Harvard, Yale, etc) in my opinion.</p>