<p>This is something of a CommonApp question, but I'm only asking in the context of a columbia application. for the choice where you pick a fictional character that has inspired you, do you think columbia would view a character from a japanese anime show as too frivolous? or do you think they wouldn't mind?</p>
<p>i think that’d make you essay stand out. especially if you can really pull it off without making it obvious that you’re desperately trying to be different than everyone else and can keep it serious.</p>
<p>i chose that essay prompt too. and there’s a fine line between writing a character analysis and something that doesn’t even make sense. just make sure you blend it all together with elements about yourself and the character and how you relate.</p>
<p>if the character has inspired you in a meaningful way, then why not?</p>
<p>wombat kind of hits it on the head - if you pull it off, you’re unique.</p>
<p>but i’d say 99% of people can’t pull off that essay, and that matters a lot for a school like columbia. for the most part the problem with that prompt is that most folks are as wombat notes not good at making the fictional seem real, the real fictional, and interweaving that narrative in a way that is smart, fun and creative. </p>
<p>merely saying - i want to be like this character because he has X values is not really sufficient; nor is it to use unnecessary amount of qualifiers “i know that it sounds crazy to like someone who is just a cartoon.” you have to appear to genuinely take inspiration from the character and be able to get your reader to empathize with that character as they come to empathize (and therefore like) you.</p>
<p>i would definitely work close with someone in developing the idea and hoping that you make it work. it is easy to fall on your head with the topic. and being admitted to a school like columbia at times an alienating or uninteresting essay is enough to be moved to the other pile.</p>