<p>Okay I'm going to explain this without getting too complicated or revealing details. For my college essay I have been toying around with an idea. Basically to take an everyday, in and of itself non-exciting task and use as a window in my thoughts (metaphor-ish?) and then wrap it up with some general thought or something i've realized/learned, through this seemingly boring activity. </p>
<p>So that probably just came out as very confusing. My biggest concern would be that the admissions person would be like "what?", but I'd like to think they'd get it. Plus I suppose it could be perceived as boring, but I think they are ways I could keep it interesting.</p>
<p>So basically, too out there? Not out there enough?</p>
<p>Every essay-writing guidebook says you need to stand out, but then adivses you against being different. It's ludicrous. Write about something that means something to YOU. It will come out more sincere, and more successful. If you can fit that into a window of "nothing", that sounds great to me. It will take skill and present you as someone who put some effort into this essay.</p>
<p>There's nothing worse than an average essay. It's your ticket to the trash can. Even a really bad essay is better because maybe you'll hang around their office, on a bulletin board or something.</p>
<p>Ok, <em>hoping you know Seinfeld enough to get it</em>
But in all seriousness, it's not that bad an idea actually. But yes, the two problems you pointed out need to be seriously considered. Have a lot of your friends and teachers read it and make sure it makes sense to them.</p>
<p>If you do it with flair and insight, it could be an outstanding essay. </p>
<p>I've read a lot of essays -- college ones, graduate school ones, scholarship ones, taught college students how to write personal essays, and some of their essays won national awards.</p>
<p>It's a myth that to stand out an essay has to be about something bizarre or tragic. The best essays have the elements of excellent writing and show insight into something about the human condition. When it comes to personal essays for scholarships and colleges, demonstrating insight into the human condition means illuminating your own character and perspective.</p>