<p>I recently visited Dartmouth, and the admissions officer stated they they look for people who have a specific passion/hook. I started thinking about what I could develop as this passion (I already have lots of EC's and activities I do, so I want to make one type stand out). Anyway, one of my ideas included developing my passion for computers. I started using computers when I was around 4 and have continued using them since. I have made numerous websites (some for pay, some for free), I am a webmaster of my school's website (which during my sophomore year I helped redesign virtually from scratch), I am also webmaster of my town's education foundation website, I also started a business building computers for people. Last year, I took Intro to Computer Programming, then for the second semester designed my own Independent Study in Computer Programming II. This year, I organized and started a year-long independent study in AP Computer Science AB (my school doesn't normally offer this course). I also used my computer and website skills to start my own international business that is still operational. This business aspect can also tie into the fact that I am Co-President of my school's FBLA (Business Club). </p>
<p>My question is could this be developed into my hook/passion? I mean it really is my passion, but can I convey that well to colleges? What is the best way to convey that? I was thinking of writing my essay about this passion, but thought it might be slightly dull. Any suggestions? Thanks!</p>
<p>Your passion is what you're most passionate about. From your post, it looks like you have a passion for computers. That's all that matters. If it's your passion, then act like it is. Don't worry about whether other people will view it as "dull" or illegitimate. Trust me--if you really believe that computers are your passion, then it will come across that way on your application. Be honest...people will know.</p>
<p>Thanks. What I am concerned about though, is that my computer stuff will get missed among the other activities I list on my application (should I eliminate some of my other activies from the application, or will the adcoms figure out that computer related activities are the most prevelant?). Will writing an essay about it tie it all together, or will it seem just like a rehash of what I already listed on my application? I heard it was bad to write your essay about something you already mention on your application. Obviously, my EC section will list the computer activies I have done and my work experience will list the websites I have done for pay.</p>
<p>Yes that's your passion and if it's a hook, that's it. You've done a nice job just in your post in conveying your long-term commitment to computers and computer science.</p>
<p>It sounds to me like that's a good one...you've gone far beyond the typical person who just likes computers. And it might not be too common for a Dartmouth essay (MIT might be another matter).</p>
<p>Edit...we cross posted. Essay topic? Absolutely, especially if you can convey your interest in an interesting well written manner.</p>
<p>Thanks again. Now, I just have to figure out how to convey it in an essay effectively. I also have other ideas, that might be more interesting but aren't necessary about one of my "passions." </p>
<p>Other question: How do the readers take to an unusual/crazy opening to the essay?</p>
<p>Is it okay to write about being the school webmaster for the short answer, yet still talk about the broader picture of my involvement with computers in the essay?</p>
<p>Jotajota, For heaven's sake, you have a deep, long term passion and have used your interests and skills not only to devise a unique academic program for yourself, but for the good of your school and community! When I first read that you wanted to "develop a passion" for applications, it sounded as if you wanted to put together something artificial so you'd look good to colleges. But the fact is, what you have already been doing for years with computers is exactly what the Dartmouth admissions officer was talking about. And you haven't been doing it so you'd have a great college CV; you've been doing it because you're genuinely interested. So yes, absolutely, write about it. You can try various different formats to see what works best, and then run your essays by your GC or English teacher to get some input. Just be sure that the long and short essays aren't repeating each other.</p>
<p>Thanks for the encouragement Nester. I just never really thought about how much I really have done with computers until I started writing down ideas for my application and essays. As you suggest, I will try writing several different formats of my essay and short answer and then see how it works. I will probably use the computer passion for my essay and talk about another EC in the short answer (such as my involvment with the American Cancer Society and the Relay for Life, which could be a sort of mini-passion on its own).</p>
<p>Just to check, most colleges look for a passion, right? So, Dartmouth isn't unique in that requirement?</p>
<p>You've got it, Jotajota. We went to many, many admissions events last year, and virtually all of the (top 20) colleges talked about wanting a well-rounded class as opposed each student having to be well-rounded. I'm trying to remember the exact term for students with a strong, deep interest (angular?), but whatever it was, the colleges were looking for it and you've got it. The fact that you've been using your computer skills to help charitable organizations in a sophisticated way is just great, and it sounds as if you've shown leadership here as well in making websites and serving as webmaster. Now you have to talk about what you've been doing in an intelligent, enthusiastic, well-written way. You don't have to dig around to try to think of something or suddenly come up with something new that sounds good that you have to accomplish in the next two weeks -- you've already got what you need right in front of you. My one word of advice would be not to use the word "passion" outright. It could sound as if you're playing to what you think they want to hear, when the fact is you've been pursuing a long-term interest with...um...gusto since childhood.</p>