<p>I'm looking to use the following prompt from the Common Application: 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. </p>
<p>I've had several ideas about what I want to write my essay on, but I'm having an immense amount of trouble deciding on which topic to use. I'm very interested in writing about Christopher McCandless, the subject of the book Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer, as I feel a very strong connection to him. However, when I try and verbally express my connection to him, or get it down on paper, I find I have a very hard time explaining it and I can't really relate it to any narrative in my life, as I've obviously never ventured out into the Alaskan wilderness on my own. I have other topic ideas, such as favorite books or a favorite TV show, that I find I'm able to write about in a much easier manner, but I'm really afraid of colleges looking down on the fact I wrote about a book or a TV show instead of some unique historical or fictional figure. I mean, it probably looks better to write about McCandless than say, The X-Files, doesn't it?</p>
<p>Overall, I'm having a hard time balancing out having a more unique, interesting subject that is harder for me to write about and express my feelings on vs. writing about something that's not quite as sophisticated but being able to write more freely about it. Can someone give me some advice or thoughts on this?</p>
<p>Incredibly helpful advice - thanks a lot. I have all my non-Common App school applications completed, all my supplements completed, the only thing I have left to do is write this one essay. Any actually helpful feedback or advice?</p>
<p>Send it over Augusta</p>
<p>Oh wait do you have anything written?</p>
<p>Honestly it’s not that big of a deal that you waited this long, it’s not a research paper, it’s 500 words max, 250 min. </p>
<p>Concentrate and write for 45 minutes, walk away for 10. Repeat. Proofread. Your essay will be fine. As long as you are sincere, your essay will reflect you and it’ll be great. I’d be happy to help you.</p>
<p>Thanks so much, Olivia and college1. I don’t yet have anything written for this essay. I think my biggest problem at this point is not knowing what topic to use. Should I go from something more deep and interesting, like Chris McCandles, despite not feeling like I’m able to communicate very well why I feel a connection to it or go with something a little less sophisticated, like my favorite show The X-Files, and be able to more properly orchestrate why I feel a connection to it. I also don’t particularly have a great narrative for some of my essay topics, so I’m wondering if it’s necessary to have one…</p>
<p>I would go for the deeper topic. Try it. You never know until you write it and you might realize you are able to communicate your connection to it. As for narratives, it really depends on the writer. I don’t know how you write, but some writers are better than others. I’ve seen some really good ones, as well as some not so good ones. To make a long story short though, take risks. It’s a college essay so give your chance to show who you are.</p>