<p>I'm working on my application essays, and am having a hard time deciding what I should write about. I have good stats (3.97/4.55; 2260; 790 lit, 780 US; 8 APs, etc.) and a fair amount of community service/extracurriculars/awards I could write about, but I also have some personal/life experience that is more meaningful to me and might make a more powerful essay if its not just too much information...
For example, there was some pretty bad abuse in my family which made me spend a year removed from my home and thus in a different school... Do I need to explain the reason why I did my tenth grade year at a different school from 9, 11, and 12... Is there a delicate way of saying it? Is it appropriate to write a personal statement about overcoming abuse and depression? Or will the admissions staff just think I'm too damaged? Or is it too disrespectful to my family who have done a lot of work to get better? I really need some outside perspective on this. Also, my father has Parkinson's disease, and I've done a lot to take care of him. Is that something I should put in the "any additional circumstances we should consider" or should it be an essay? Should all that stuff go in additional circumstaces? Or not at all? I'm generally a good writer when my thoughts aren't this jumbled.
So, again, I have other stuff I could write about, but I'm afraid it would be a little cookie-cutter, community service changed me, cliche, rather than genuine... But the cons are obvious too. So I'll stop rambling now and hope for some insightful replies.
By the way, my first choice by far is Pomona, and I'm applying ED. If you care to chance me while you're at it, I would not object... Unless of course you tell me I have no chance, in which case keep your opinions to yourself!!</p>
<p>Think about what makes you you. It could be something small or something major. Reflect on your past life experiences and consider writing about a particular one that shares some of your qualities. It could be humorous such as a fun activity with friends or family, it could be serious such as your dad and how he's dealt with Parkinson's and how it's affected you, or it could be about one of your passions and how that developed. You have stats that will make you a strong candidate. Just start putting some words/thoughts on paper and go with whatever ends up inspiring you.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>^ I agree, and you could write about anything that's important to you, as long as you a) show that you were not a victim of circumstances, which would be the 'damaged' issue you were worried about, but instead how you grew through it and b) as long as it's authentic.</p>
<p>There's a lot of leeway in your choice of topic. The standard advice, however, is to avoid the d's - death, divorce and depression - unless you have a unique slant on it.</p>
<p>hasn't pomona's ED deadline already passed...?</p>
<p>Pomona has two ED deadlines, gettinready14.</p>
<p>oh -- i just assumed ED 1, sillyme.</p>