<p>Essay Question 2a asks us to speak to an experience that shaped our life. The general guidelines for Question 2 declare that "in addition to your interest in studying math, science and engineering, we are interested in knowing about you as a person". There is one experience in particular that has shaped almost all my life that I really want to write about here. It is about how I discovered my great passion for space, and for astronomy and physics. On the one hand, this is a very important event in my life and definitely shaped me into who I am today, and gave me my dreams and aspirations. On the other hand, it speaks to my motivations as a scientist -- a science side of me comes through again. Should I go with this essay, or do you think it is a better idea to go with something else?</p>
<p>P.S. if I used this essay I would submit a short supplemental essay on Ultimate Frisbee as a supplement to show Caltech what I'd be like in a dorm. So Caltech would see a non math/science side of me.</p>
<p>Your idea is perfect, and pretty much right on target. Even though we want to let people know we are happy to hear about non-science stuff too, if your discovery of your passion for space is one of those big life-changing events, then it's perfect subject matter for the essay. And your short supplemental about ultimate frisbee sounds perfect.</p>
<p>I think you should definitely go with your gut on this one :) -- it's leading you in the right direction.</p>
<p>OK, you're sure? Because some Rickoids at Caltech told me just the opposite, and Caltech is pretty darn high on my list. I'll write another essay if there is even a chance of "no".</p>
<p>Well, I'm guessing your Rickoid friends are mostly frosh, and so haven't worked in admissions yet... anything is possible in theory, but I've been doing this for two years now and in all the cases I've come across, I've never once seen a student penalized or any doubt raised (in summaries, committee discussions, etc.) over writing about science in the second essay too, as long as it answers the question about an experience that's shaped you in a significant way. We don't keep it a secret that the most significant factor in Caltech admissions, outside of strong scores and grades etc., is a real passion to do science, math, and/or engineering. Showing that a lot is not a drawback.</p>
<p>Also, I feel that if your first instinct is to write about your passion for science as the relevant life-shaping experience, you shouldn't adjust that based on the perceived desirability of balance. The essay that the applicant really wants to write is typically by far the best available.</p>
<p>So, yes, I'm sure that it won't hurt you, if your essay about your passion for space is genuine and well-written. If someone thinks I am mistaken about this, tell them to email me ;-)</p>