<p>Is it too risky to write about Holden Caulfield for Common App essay question 4: "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"?
I'm sending the Common App to Northeastern, SUNY Binghamton, Harvard, Boston ULoyola, and Columbia.</p>
<p>Why would it be too risky? It might be a bit cliche, but as long as it reveals who you are and the writing’s brilliant, I don’t see why not.</p>
<p>I just don’t want to bore admissions people with yet another essay about Holden Caulifield and cause them to put it right in the rejection pile.</p>
<p>Although the essay could be considered a cliche, it all depends on how you spin it. If you truly believe your perspective is unique from thousands of essays on the novel than go ahead…</p>
<p>But dreaded practicality states that if it is commonly used and interpreted there is usually not much unique or diff perspective one can give.</p>
<p>But it is up to you!</p>