<p>I'm looking over the prompts for the MIT EA essays and I struck a pretty good idea on what to write about for the topic on dissapointments and hardships. But what I'm planning to write about is almost definitely not what they would be expecting, yet should fall under the essay topic. It's almost like a loophole. Do you think it would be ok for me to run with it? Or should I shift back and write a sob story of overcomming challenges?</p>
<p>I think you already know the answer. Go for it. You've got a hook.</p>
<p>Thanks for the quick reply. Just wanted to make sure so I don't get penalized for it. =P</p>
<p>On the contrary. I would hope they're looking for originality; they don't want to be told what they want to be told.</p>
<p>Go for it.</p>
<p>If you can make 'em laugh, all the better :)</p>
<p>If you don't mind my asking, what is the topic?</p>
<p>Not gonna say right now, but when I get finished, I'd like some people to critique it.</p>
<p>They basically want to see how you "bounce-back" from tough situations. If your essay captures that, then go with it. If not, you still have time.</p>
<p>What if you haven't had any really major hardships in your life(Not that I want one)?</p>
<p>Every essay about overcoming hardships I read from college essay-writing books is some dramatic sob-story of how a close friend died or had some dreadful disease, or their experiences of overcoming cultural barriers in a foreign country, or how they only won second place in some national genius contest. The only topics I have to write about would be overcoming difficulty in a tough class...or some incredibly trivial events which I could turn into cutesy essays. Will they think you are superficial if you write about something that isn't really "deep" or significant but is technically a difficulty/hardship?</p>
<p>ctgirl, I think the most powerful essays would be on something relatively trivial. That shows you can learn from everything, that you have gained substance as a person despite being sheltered. I would pick something non-school related, though. I'm not one to talk, because I was anorexic for two years and that gave plenty of material for essays. But for the Navy ROTC essay I wrote about sticking to my guns and voting for James Madison while the other girls campaigned for Susan B. Anthony for the AP USH "Great American Potato Head Hall of Fame" inductee (we had a lot of time on our hands after the exam). It turned out all right, because the office called to say my application was very impressive. It's what you take from the experience, not the direness of the experience itself, that will make you stand out.</p>
<p>I sure don't have any hardships that can "beat" loosing a close friend or family member... I... came to the US not knowing anything when I was 4 <em>whine</em>, I... no that's it. But I just finished my essay and I think it's not too bad.</p>
<p>Application says: Please keep to a 500-word limit. Well, I'm over 5 words, and I used lots of contractions. Think that'll pass? It was tough enough cutting down like a 700ish word essay to 500...</p>
<p>Oh, any takers on critiquing my essay (Preferablly someone already in MIT!)? I want you all to be BRUTALLY harsh. Send me an email at yed @ ncssm.edu</p>
<p>ahhh!!!! You are from NCSSM too!!! I'm going to be a rising junior going there. I had no idea so many people from NCSSM frequent here.</p>
<p>Um Sagar, I've talked to you before, on aim too. DaweiNCSSM is me.</p>
<p>Oh... sorry. Well, I hope you get into MIT!</p>
<p>Hmmm, I've come under the illusion that tons of people from NCSSM come here, but maybe its just a few, and I keep forgetting their names. lol.</p>
<p>The only person from NCSSM that I know visits here is the guy who got into RSI. The majority of people at NCSSM aren't huge on college. They'll go to UNC-CH or state and that'll be that.</p>
<p>"or how they only won second place in some national genius contest"</p>
<p>Where did you read that?? It's not my fault, I swear - I couldn't think of a topic so I just reused my Harvard essay (talk about a success in your life =P).</p>
<p>Hey, trivial is good. My MIT essay was about how I dealt with having terrible stage fright but being cast as the lead in all my school's plays and musicals. I mean, it was traumatic, but it's not like I lost a leg while saving orphans and came back to win the Olympics.</p>
<p>And, Durran, 505 words is fine.</p>