I’m writing an essay for UChicago that answers “where is Waldo really?” I answer the question in a very thorough and creative response and definitely feel that my voice is in the essay and I have some funny references etc. However, it is in no way explicitly about me. It does not say “and Waldo represents my inner self that I am looking for. Blah blah blah, here is my biography and memorable events and challenges.” Is that what they expect or want? Should I change it?
I actually answered the exact same prompt.
I feel like the abstract nature of the prompt enables you to display your personality a bit without writing about yourself. That’s also to be said just by selecting that essay prompt over the other ones. For example, you’d expect someone interested in chemistry to take on the ph level essay.
Also, Chicago has another essay saying why you want to go to the school and yet another (optional) supplement for you to list some of your favorite things, so I think they will have plenty of opportunities to get to know who you are.
Agree, it doesn’t have to be about you as long as it is showing how you think, your creativity. What you wrote about Waldo represents my inner self wouldn’t at all be appropriate so I don’t really get how you think that is what they want to hear.
Great that’s what I kind of thought!