<p>I need fellow prospective MiddKids' advice. I know it seems extraordinarily last-minute (and thats essentially because it is).. but I applied ED elsewhere, got deferred, and am left in a scramble.</p>
<p>two things:
OneI, uh, sent in a research paper as my writing sample...GRANTED, it was only 6 pages (shoot).. granted, it was the only true analytical essay we've written thus far in AP English (I hardly consider my teacher a teacher)..and granted I didnt read the bit about not sending a RP till the damage was done.
I think it was one of the best papers I written though--Salinger has always been my favorite author, so I choose to write about the autobiographical undertone of his fiction, the presence of/his belief in Zen Buddhism, and linked the two together with the "What is the sound of one hand clapping" zen koan. Do you think the fact that I sent in a research paper will severly hurt my chances? I need reassurance/reality checks from you guys are warmly encouraged.</p>
<pre><code> Secondly... I am quite stumped as to what I should write about for the values essay. I can't think of any intriguing, unconventional topics, and don't have a whole lot of time. I guess what I'm asking is if anyone could share the general idea they chose to go with, or perhaps give some suggestions?
</code></pre>
<p>Please disregard the spaz-arina tendencies of this post. Damn admissions seems to have the effect on the best of us. </p>
<p>I sent in my history essay as my writing sample. I think your choice was an okay one. </p>
<p>I wrote (am writing :p) my values essay on something mentioned in my "Additional Information" column on the Common App, further expanding on it.</p>
<p>Second, no, it doesn't matter that you sent in a research paper in place of an analytical piece. What they're doing with that is using it to clear up any discrepancies between your transcript and your test scores. I didn't send in anything analytical when I applied either, it was just a piece I really liked. It actually wasn't written for a class, I had originally wrote it to send in for my common app. essay, but it was way too long, so I just had a teacher grade it as an assignment, and I wrote a different common app essay. If I can do that, you can send in a research paper. Plus I work in admissions as my work-study job now so I can tell you in complete confidence from both viewpoints. It's okay :)</p>
<p>As far as the essay, it's easier than you think. I would say you need to actually identify your values before you do anything. The admissions reps are trying to get a feel for who you are and why you are different from other applicants, so maybe look over your list and choose one that you think is different from other people's. Think of how you've stood up for this particular value- a time when you didn't would make a good essay as well- and how it made you stronger. Try to make it something memorable.... my essay was about how I found a nearly starved kitten in a field and my sister and I nursed it back to health. My friend wrote hers on when she was on a team run during soccer practice and she ran into a fire hydrant when someone yelled her name and she looked away. She connected that experience to perseverence and dedication (honestly, I don't remember how perseverence and dedication played into that, but I'm sure that essay wasn't easily forgotten!) It doesn't have to be life-changing or anything, just simple and unique.</p>
<p>Chill out, don't worry. Middlebury Admissions is not out to get you. :)</p>