How do I tell my friends that their essay ideas suck?

College Essays
1

<p>My friends and I were talking the other night and we all through out our common app essay ideas. </p>

<p>One of my friends is writing about how Michael Wilbon has inspired him and because of him he is going to try to become a sports journalist. </p>

<p>My other friend is writing about how his grades in high school aren't great but in college he will be able to take classes in only things he's interested in, so the grades should improve.</p>

<p>I think both ideas are pretty bad. </p>

<p>Should I try to tell them, or just let it be. </p>

<p>Are the ideas really as bad as i think they are?</p>

2

<p>You should just let both essays play out. The first one, I don’t think is too great either but if he can write it in a good, creative way, it could end up being a good essay. The second one, you have to tell him that putting himself in a bad light (saying that hes not a good student now) is a not a great idea. Hes basically saying he will only try in the stuff he likes to do. Just tell him that its not a good idea with reasoning behind it and I think that he will know your just trying to help and get your point.</p>

3

<p>thanks, i just think the Wilbon with someone in your intended field is so overdone</p>

4

<p>Personally, I’d give your feedback, and if they take it then fine. If not, leave them be, and see how things turn out.</p>

5

<p>thanks for the input</p>

6

<p>“those essay topics suck”</p>

7

<p>Definitely say something to guy #2, for guy #1 you may want to see how the essay turns out.</p>

8

<p>If both are applying to the same colleges as you, don’t say anything. These days, people need all the help they can get ;). </p>

<p>Anyways, 1 has potential. 2 is problematic. Sirensong is right on. 1’s could be a fantastic essay, so don’t stifle the idea just yet. You can hint at #2. Say something like, “You’re basically implying that you aren’t interested in all your learning, and when you aren’t interested you don’t try as hard as you ideally should.” 2 has a potential train of thought though, which is to write about passions. Maybe instead of focusing on the negatives, focus on the positives (got good grades and learned a ton in these areas that I’m really interested in…).</p>

<p>Good luck! Try to avoid being entirely blunt. Writing is personal.</p>

9

<p>lol, you’re right. those ideas really suck. not associating you with them, but what’s your essay idea?</p>

10

<p>Herman: I Pm’ed you my essay topic.</p>

11

<p>any other ideas?</p>

12

<p>bump…</p>

13

<p>oh boy… no comment</p>

14

<p>Valkarie: By that you mean???</p>

15

<p>Tell them bluntly. If I was the second guy, I would really want you to tell me.</p>

16

<p>There are a lot of overdone essay topics to be wary of (look in a book like “100 college essays…”: Making that important winning kick…My greatest influence is my mother/father/grandmother…</p>

<p>I suggest you should be honest with your buddies. But also remember it’s not just the topic that’s so important, but how it’s written.</p>

17

<p>thanks guys, anyone else</p>

18

<p>If their essays suck, then let them know they aren’t so good. It only helps to be honest in this case.</p>

<p>I’m not sure if it’s the best ideas to brainstorm college essay ideas with your friends in this competitive world…</p>

19

<p>If you’re a true friend, then you wouldn’t be afraid of hurting their feelings and telling them that their essay ideas are horrible.</p>

20

<p>thanks guys.</p>

<p>Yang: none of us are looking at any of the same schools.</p>