dissonance between common app essay and intended major?

College Essays
1

hi! I’m applying as a computer science major for all of my schools, but I think the best way to get my personality across in my essay is telling a story of my experiences with theater & coming out of my shell.

since this is an artsy topic compared to what most engineering schools might expect, would this hurt my chances at my major? should I stick to something that describes how I’m a problem solver & love technology or something? is it an unfounded worry that I’m afraid they might interpret my essay to mean I’m gonna quit school and become an actress?

2

I think switching topics would be great! The purpose of the essay is to get a broader picture of the applicant. By highlighting your theater experience and coming out of your shell, you reveal something the admissions people might not see.

Just think about it. How many engineering-oriented students are going to write about theater. Not that many! You will stand out.

3

Agree. With one question: what colleges? Theater is actually a great counterpoint for CS or engineering, since it’s both technical and you interact with so many others.