<p>So when I originally read the prompts to the Common App, I had one topic in mind - my experience with the piano. I've been playing piano for most of my life, and it was probably one of the two extracurriculars that really changed my life (I know that sounds horribly cliche). But I was reading somewhere that you shouldn't write a common app essay on something that already has a prominent place on your application. Is this true? In this case, since I have a lot of accomplishments with the piano and also with voice (my alternate topic), should I try to stay clear of these topics? The problem is, everything that I'm passionate about already has a prominent place in my application. What do I do??</p>
<p>You don’t HAVE to stay away from it, but I personally would recommend not doing it. The point of the essay is to show something about yourself that adcoms can’t know just by reading your stats/transcript/recs. They’re going to see your dedication to the piano in your activities.</p>
<p>You don’t necessarily have to write about something you’re passionate about - you can write about an experience you’ve had, or something about yourself. Last year, I wrote about how, despite the fact that I’m majorly afraid of germs, I tried to fix/clean a vacuum. This year (I’m applying to colleges again because I loved it so much the first time) I’m most likely going to write about my obnoxious laugh. Take a look at some search results for “mundane common app essay” - you’ll be surprised what some people write about - but they work.</p>
<p>All that being said, there are no firm rules about this, so if you write a great essay about piano that you love and you think shows a lot about yourself, by all means use it. :)</p>
<p>Thank you for the advice! Anyone else?</p>
<p>If your essay focuses on how important piano/music is to you - then indeed I would recommend staying away from the topic since that will come through in the EC section. However, as the post above suggests, the essay should show a side of you that doesn’t come out. So if there is some element of your passion/involvement with music that perhaps is not covered, then by all means use it. Also consider that music might not be the core topic - but somehow integrated into the topic. So for example, let’s say you had a unique relationship with a grandparent and always played for them. Or had a charity you were involved with and used music to help raise funds. </p>
<p>The essays can be challenging to write since the best ones are not about the most obvious parts of the student. </p>
<p>Good luck. </p>
<p>Yup, have to agree with the other posters. Not the best choice as you originally presented it (“one of the two extracurriculars that really changed my life…”). </p>
<p>well yes I am planning to change my topic but I did acknowledge that my word choice was cliche… that’s obviously not what I’m going to write on the actual essay lol. but thanks for the input :)</p>