Common application question on essays

Applying to College Common and Coalition Application
1

<p>For the Common application short answer response, I was going to write about joining the jazz band in high school. I have been brain storming for a long time on what to write about for the main essay, and the only thing I could think about was to write about jazz and my interest in music as a hobby/extracurricular. This is a custom topic, so what worries me is that it may not be what colleges are looking for. I can explain a lot of me using music, but I feel like talking about music for both the short answer and the main essay might be a bad idea. Further more I am not majoring in music. I am planning to major in chemical engineering, yet I still have a passion for music as a sub-interest. </p>

<p>What do you guys think about it? I just want to know if its a good idea to talk about music for both the main essay and the short essay while choosing a topic and while talking about something that isn't close to my desired major in college.</p>

2

<p>I think you should definitely be careful. If you are already writing about music, I’d advise against doing another similar essay. Also, your fears are well founded in terms of worrying about it not being related to your major. Unless you are planning on using your music to help your university (such as joining a college band), it could make you seem insincere about the major you are choosing.</p>

3

<p>I would advise not to write both essays on music. Go ahead and mention music in both, just don’t make it the central focus in both.</p>