<p>I'm starting out on my common app essay (quite a bit later than I probably should have) and I'm hoping for a top school. I have near perfect standardized tests and should get some great recs, but my grades are below the average of the schools I'm applying to (though improving) and I've got no special hooks. I'd need a really good essay and ECs to have a shot, but my interests don't fit into any particular niche (I've got ADHD and a compulsion to dabble in everything). I'm planning on writing an essay on how my unique focus on breadth (oxymoron?) makes me great for collaborative learning (I do lots of tutoring and probably would have a lot of community service hours if I was the sort to keep records), applying things from different disciplines, and connecting people. I can think of a lot of parallels to Malcolm Gladwell's book The Tipping Point. My questions are:</p>
<p>1) Should I do this as an answer to the diversity prompt or the prompt about an important book/song/person/etc (with The Tipping Point as the subject)?</p>
<p>2) How should I convey this message and incorporate these ideas without writing my life story or a book review? (I know the basic answer is "how should I know, it's your essay", but some suggestions would be nice)</p>
<p>3) Since this is largely a response to what I know about the admissions process and how it's moving away from generalists, should I be careful not to indicate I know about this in my writing (for example, is it the kiss of death to include the BWRK acronym?)</p>
<p>Of course, if the entire concept of the essay is an atrocity against the written word or a one way ticket to Kabul Community College, please tell me. Nicely.</p>
<p>I'll send the essay to whoever wants a read once it exists.</p>