<p>I'm curious how tacky it would be to mention your parents as the greatest source of influence. They are both immigrants from an Iron Curtain country, and have instilled a belief in hard work and responsibility that stemmed from their Communist experiences.</p>
<p>I could definitely write about it at length and with passion, but somehow, I think top tier schools are looking more for scientific researchers, authors, etc.</p>
<p>as long as it’s legitimately insightful and not something that you clearly don’t feel sincere about, colleges will like it. bonus points if it’s rare. i’d say the only downside to parents is that many people will write about their parents because they’re the first people that come to mind…but hey, it’s about how you spin it more so than who you write about.</p>
<p>No, top tier schools are not specifically looking for scientific researchers, authors, etc., whoever they are.</p>
<p>Write with plenty of passion – but be judicious about the length.</p>
<p>hold up, where in the common app did it require you to write about who influences you the most?</p>
<p>It’s not a requirement - it’s just one of the six essay options. And I may decide on this particular option, but I’m just wondering if there’s any stigma associated with writing about parents.</p>
<p>no stigma whatsoever with writing about parents… it’s good. plenty of the “50 successful harvard essays” were about the influence of the applicants’ parents.</p>
<p>Sounds like a great topic. Remember to be sure the essay lets the reader learn more about YOU.</p>