Hey guys, so for the short essay that asks
“Please tell us more about your cultural background and identity in the space below” what should I say if I talk about some of the stuff I want to talk about under this essay in my longer essay that asks about “Describe the world you come from; for example, your family, clubs, school, community, city, or town. How has that world shaped your dreams and aspirations?”
Should I not write it (I think this short essay is optional) or just not give away too much? Thanks!
My recommendation would be to write the short essay, but save the most important parts (that really talk about your character) for the more important one in part 2.
For reference, for that optional one I wrote:
My father, whose extended family has been in the United States for four generations, comes from an Italian and Irish background. On the other hand, my mother was adopted from South Korea into an Italian-American family. While this family was very different from her native background, she adapted quickly. Ultimately, her place of origin had little bearing on her development. In a similar way, I feel that such ethnic factors have played minimal role in my own life. Instead, I’ve let my experiences, relationships, and community shape me into who I am, independent of ancestral past.
So this was more factual and a bit vague, and then in the real essay from part 2, I went in depth into how the people around me shaped who I am, telling a narrative from specific examples.
That’s how I approached it anyway, and it worked out (I was accepted early)
Your family background is part of who you are. If MIT is asking for this, why not provide it? You want to give yourself the best chance to get admitted and leaving questions blank isn’t good.
Thanks!