<p>I really want to get into UNC, but I've some tough walls to overcome. OOS, international maybe? (Current location HK, but I'm US Citizen), so so SAT... But I want to turn it all around with some amazing essays. </p>
<p>I'm just wondering what kind of stuff other successful OOS applicants have written about. I also wonder is it good to be cocky, or to be modest? Do you recommend writing a balls-out essay on a completely stupid topic, but is so retarded that it is sure to catch the eye?</p>
<p>For like any other uni I'm applying to, I'm just sticking it safe, like writing stuff about my international background, experiences etc. But with UNC it feels like they are really cool about stuff. Like it would be okay for me to be more daring and write a more "wow is this guy being serious?" kind of essay. </p>
<p>So yeah I kind of ended up not really asking anything focused, but yeah any answers to anything I've said would be nice, thanks. Any advice is fine, but I really want to hear the opinion of those who are already in UNC, especially those that got in OOS. Interested in what you guys wrote..</p>
<p>Those are definitely some reasonable questions. Here is my advice for writing a personal statement, and it applies to writing for law school or undergrad.</p>
<p>Writing an essay for this type of thing is a unique opportunity because the committee literally wants to know ALL ABOUT YOU! So your thesis, at the end of the day, should answer the question, “Who am I?” That’s a beautiful thing, because every single person in this world is interesting in some way.</p>
<p>At this juncture in your life, what do you care about most, and what’s propelling you forward? What is it that happened to you or that was around you while you were growing up that led you to this? </p>
<p>You could always go the indirect route and write about something that is not you that hopefully is revealing enough that people could make inferences. That’s what I did for undergrad and I did well … but honestly/ironically I think that a clearer essay comes from establishing who You are through Your experiences. So, if you’re going to write an essay about your favorite teacher, make sure that there are enough 'I’s in there so that the camera is on you and the teacher, not through your eyes of the teacher.</p>
<p>This essay is difficult for high schoolers because you’re in a system where your individuality and your individual goals are not a focal point. You’re taking the same courses as your friends and are involved in a lot of similar things, and so it’s hard to initially say, well, I study Biology because I love weird little bugs, and that’s a weird and cool thing about me. So that’s why things have to get more personal. </p>
<p>Ultimately: pick apart the things that you do and the things that you think that are not like everyone else, and try and find a main theme. Try and figure out where that comes from (your parents? your country?), and what you want to do with those things. At the end of writing a successful personal statement, I truly believe that you will have affirmed yourself and figured out more about what you’d like to do in your life or who you’d like to be as a person.</p>
<p>Feel free to PM me your essays. I’m a Carolina Scholar (which is an essay-based award) and was recently admitted to law school.</p>
<p>DS wrote one of those more impersonal essays you mention, in response to UNC’s question #2 (about an obscure person whom you admire, or something like that). I hope that was OK! I think it does say a lot about him – e.g., about his love for history and his fascination with historical figures.</p>
<p>DS actually writes much better when he’s writing about other people (e.g., historical figures) than when he’s writing about himself. I think he feels a little awkward and embarrassed writing about himself. </p>
<p>Throughout the latter part of last year, I had him write practice essays about various topics that interested him – not for college apps but just to get more writing experience. One of these essays (about an obscure 1930s musician) was the one he eventually used for his UNC app. Another one was about the draft-dodging movement during the Vietnam War…I thought it was pretty insightful. He’s currently writing one about how Stan Lee transformed comic books, LOL. I do think these sorts of essays reveal a lot about the writer, even if they’re not first-person-super-personal.</p>
<p>I don’t disagree with you there. My point was that it IS risky to do that, but if you can do it well (which of course everyone thinks they can) then it’s not gonna kill ya. And if you do write about someone you know/have interacted with, to try and inject yourself in the story as often as possible. Not in an obnoxious way, but instead of writing, He said, “blah”, writing, I listened intently as he said, “blah.” Stuff like that.</p>
<p>If you write a creative essay that you’re really genuinely into, chances are it’ll be a strong essay. Just make sure to proof read it rigorously. Every single new draft.</p>