<p>Do I absolutely <em>have</em> to showcase some new side of myself? To be more specific, say I'm in band. So I take band as an elective and I will be sending in a recording with my application. I'm not exceptional, but I'm good enough to have won a couple of small awards and such. Would it be overkill to talk about the band room for my "place where I'm content" essay? </p>
<p>I think how well you write the essay, how original and imaginative you are, is more important than the topic itself. You can write a trite, predictable essay or a really great, fun essay with the same topic. I think many students write trite essays because they try to say everything they think the Admins want to hear, instead of having a good time writing and trying to create a fun piece. That said, I trust you have something on your app besides band to show your strengths and interests.</p>
<p>I think that could work provided you are not talking directly about your involvement or accomplishments in band - would assume those are covered - but can find some way to highlight your passion and personality and why that particular place/community fits so well with who you are. I also think it will work well if your ECs extend beyond music (ie you have a number of non-music ECs). </p>
<p>Thanks. It’s something I know and live enough to write about, and write about well, so I was worried it would be a complete no-no. I’ll definitely be emphasizing my personality and place in the community over the activity itself @Poohbah29. @OverseasMama I do have other, more academic ECs (related to my potential major) but I felt this would be a more colorful essay.</p>
<p>As a band parent - I get it! Good luck. </p>