<p>For my essay, I'd like to write about my passion for film soundtracks. However, I really don't have any music-related activities besides band and pit orchestra. Should I pursue this topic?</p>
<p>Thanks,</p>
<p>Band and pit orchestra are better than nothing. Was there anything else you had in mind or are you just not very confident about this subject?</p>
<p>You can certainly use that topic. It would be very unusual to have organized ECs that relate specifically to “film soundtracks”. Your musical talent is adequately shown by your band memberships. </p>
<p>One important reason for having the essay as part of the application is that it allows you to show parts of yourself that don’t fit neatly on a resume. A passion for film soundtracks would be an excellent example of doing just that. It sounds like a terrific topic to me!</p>
<p>Band and pit are fine.</p>
<p>Activities that are more hobbies/passions aren’t really listed.</p>
<p>Just be sure your passion for soundtracks is somehow relevant to them reviewing your app for that college. Depending on the college, they can be trying to glean something about your thinking and college-ready attributes, not your personal prefs.</p>
<p>Do you think it would be a good idea to use this essay for engineering and chemistry schools?</p>
<p>Depends on the tier. No idea what prompt, but how is liking soundtracks relevant? </p>
<p>It would be for schools like Northwestern, Michigan and Cornell, in response to the single defining experience prompt on the Common App. I just think writing about something I find interesting could be relevant to and reflective of my personality, which is what those schools are looking for in an essay, right?</p>