<p>Please read before saying that there's an obvious answer for this.</p>
<p>In all of my essays (excluding my EC short answer), I'm writing about topics such as my culture and my family/friends - basically, those whom I care deeply about. However, I notice that a lot of CCers here include their academic and artistic passions (i.e. "my love of philosophy/history/music"), especially when they apply to ivies and the like. Would NOT talking about a love of a particular academic/artistic/athletic area be disadvantageous? I do like a lot of my subjects, and I appreciate music and all, but I feel as though my family and friends are what really define me. I'm just afraid that not showing an academic passion would be interpreted by adcoms as little potential for academically engaging in the college.</p>
<p>No, you don’t need to write about an academic passion. In fact, unless it’s really something that defines a student, I don’t think it’s advantageous. Your grades, positive and well-written letters of rec from your teachers, as well as your test scores will provide evidence of your academic ability and intellectual curiosity. Use your essays to show aspects of yourself that might not be evident from looking at the rest of your application.</p>
<p>These days, a well balanced person with character and compassion is a great asset to any college. Don’t feel you have to be something you’re not. I would say to be careful that your essays reflect who you are, and not so much your “family and friends,” although there are artful ways of talking about those you care about in an essay that is actually about yourself. You can show who you are while talking about others.</p>
<p>My kids were both successful with their selective college admissions. My D wrote about her over-the-top imagination for her main essay in a light and fairly humorous way, and my son wrote about his love of the outdoors. Their teachers talked about their academic strengths and potential in their recommendations far more convincingly than either of my kids could have done. It would have sounded kind of phony coming from them, as their interests and passions go beyond the classroom.</p>
<p>Write original and engaging essays that make the reader want to know you as a person.
If music/ science/ literature isn’t what lights your fire, you won’t be able to write a convincing essay about it, or even a very interesting one. You have something special that makes you you. Find a creative way to show that in an essay, and you’ll be set.</p>
<p>Personally, I think that writing about academics can be somewhat dangerous, because if it isn’t pulled off properly, you could very well be perceived as a grind…</p>