Help! Narrowing in on Essay Topic

Colleges and Universities A-Z Columbia University
1

<p>I suppose my “biggest” problem is having too much material to write about.
Each event and each characteristic, I think, are essential.
Therefore, what do y’all, as outsiders, consider to be the most interesting/ useful for the Columbia essay?
I guess I’ll make a brief list of things:</p>

<p>Parents escaped communism before the Soviet Union dismantled (1991) by moving to the US.
Thus, I grew up in adversity
This I feel is the most important: I am a musician.
I compose operas, plays, etc ( I have composed since age 10; I have played the piano since age 4. ( and if it helps I have perfect pitch in 3 different ways??)
I write about politics; I am currently working on a book.
I am on a Gap Year (to develop as a musician and writer)
I am, what the government considers, from a low- income family. Really low, mind you.
I’m the first to go to College</p>

<p>Thanks in Advance for your help!</p>

2

<p>I'd say write about something you're really passionate about, or something you love doing. Because anyone could be born into your situation or environment. It's what you do that makes you different.</p>

3

<p>i think you can maybe mention in passing the part about growing up in adversity and being first in your family to go to college but what you should write ABOUT is the music/writing/gap year. I would also suggest focusing more on the music than the book writing....i can't really imagine a book on politics by a ~19 year old being very successful...it might sound a bit hubristic honestly.</p>

4

<p>thank you Shraf and la monera!</p>