I want to major in computer science, and I have a great passion for computers, but I have an even greater passion for music. For the common app essay, I’m uncertain on which topic to write on: computers or music. I want to write about my passion in music, as I have (what I think) a great topic that really allows me to be fully genuine and expressive in my writing. However, I’m worried that because I’m talking about music like I’m 100% passionate about it (and not really talking about comp sci), the college admission officers are going to be confused on why I’m deciding to major in comp sci rather than music (especially given that my activities tend to lean more towards the music side rather than the comp sci side). I could also write a decent essay on comp sci, but I feel as though without writing about music, my application just feels incomplete; I’m not really doing anything that really stands out compared to the applicants that are 100% passionate about comp sci, and it’s harder to express my feelings about comp sci. Is it fine to write a Common App essay entirely on music and not really talk about comp sci if comp sci is what I want my major to be?
Yes - it’s absolutely fine. There is no mandate to write your personal statement about your major. Its purpose is to show who you are as a person. Any topic that accomplishes that purpose is a good topic. (FWIW, both of my non-music-major kids wrote their personal statements about their experiences as musicians.) Your passion for music is something you’ll contribute to your college community. They already know what major you’re applying to and see the credentials supporting that interest; an essay about music adds dimension. No worries - go for it.
I would hope there is more to you as a person than your major. Your essay idea caught my attention and makes me curious about you as a person. Music is amazing but how many people can make a living at it? It shows me you are smart to choose another major but interesting enough to be more than just a computer geek. Go for it!
Yes as stated. Actually computer science /engineering and music are actually closely linked. Northwestern, Michigan etc have close links from your major to computer science /engineering. At Michigan they put the engineering kids with the music, dance etc kids on north campus. Lots of kids in your field actually minor in music.
Music is actually very mathematical and so is your major… Oops just gave you a link to tie it together but really… show your passion and write an essay that shows your uniqueness and that is interesting. That is the key.
