<p>You know that there are like 6 common app essay questions. One of the last ones is a question asking about a work of literature, art, what not that has inspired/effected you. Something along those lines (sorry I'm exhausted). How common is this choice? I can imagine most people talk about life experiences and choices they've made, but how common is this particular choice? I know it doesn't matter whether your idea is original or not, but for the sake of argument, lets say I want to stand out to the admissions office. What if I wrote an essay talking about how I was affected by one of the works of literature I read from my experiences in Policy Debate (which includes a lot of philosophical things)? I was thinking of perhaps talking about the Communist Manifesto or The Birth of Tragedy or Anti-Oedipus or Studies in Pessimism. Would this be unique and help me stand out to admissions offices?</p>
<p>You are correct, it doesn’t matter. However, I will humor you for argument’s sake. That choice is a less common choice than “choose your own” or “influential person / experience.” So, if you are concerned over picking a less common topic, than sure, go for the literature one. However, I have to reiterate what I said at first: it doesn’t matter! Write what you’re passionate about, not what you think will stand out!</p>
<p>Best of luck,
- Mike</p>
<p>Remember, after reviewing your transcript, stats and ECs, now they want a look behind the veil. The easiest prompt to use to show the qualities they want to see is #1, the challenge. In writing about something you experienced, transitioned through, or learned from, you can show ability to tackle something, your reactions, resiliance, growth, etc. It can be a simple experience or something more. </p>
<p>This is not an ordinary hs writing assignment. If you can write about a lit topic, the development of your personal philosophy, how it was challeneged and evolved (and/or evolved your outlook,) etc, that could work. “Show not tell” is important.</p>
<p>So if I can pursue this literature topic
and not focus on what the book is about, but focus on how this philosophical book influenced my OWN philosophies, could I succeed in not only showing the admissions office a part of me but also standing out?</p>
<p>Like if I’m going to do this, I’m going to talk about myself and how I was affected. But I’m wondering would I reap any additional benefits in that I stand out?</p>
<p>This is just my opinion, but since admissions people read so many essays every year, it’d be difficult to write something that they’ve never seen before. It’s a cliche, but the most important thing is just to write about what’s important to you. If the book’s philosophies has really influenced you and made a significant impact and your life, then you should by all means go for it. If you’re only choosing the topic to stand out, then I would advise you to choose another topic.</p>
<p>With a few exceptions, the personal statement is rarely about strutting your intellectual stuff. A good one is something of a breather from all the analytical take on your stats and rigor, the detail in the LoRs. Show, not tell: not just telling them how it changed you, but weaving it into a tale they’ll like. </p>
<p>Aurelie is right that they’ve seen it all- or enough. Topic alone doesn’t make you stand out, it’s execution. Writing about the growth of your personal philosophy is tricky for a hs kid. Partly becase you aren’t finished with that growth; some of these come off as superficial or presumptuous.</p>
<p>Can’t you take this idea and fit a piece of it into prompt 1? End with how it inspired you to action or some better engagement?</p>
<p>you guys cleared it out a lot for me. yea i don’t think i want to pursue this topic simply for the sake of trying to stand out haha. thanks a lot guys</p>