<p>For my Common App essay, I'm planning to write about a programming assignment for my algorithms class. However, the topic is rather complicated. How much knowledge should I assume, and how can I avoid sounding condescending when explaining the algorithm?</p>
<p>(There is a reason for this specific topic; actually, there are lots of reasons. It's not just about my algorithms class.)</p>
<p>Are you a transfer student or a HS senior? What prompt are you answering? I don’t think you should assume any knowledge of programming on the part of the reader and not talk about technical details at all, you are going to have to use general language. You avoid sounding condescending by not being condescending–that would really be the kiss of death in an admission essay.</p>
<p>Explain it some, but don’t explain it so that it becomes long-winded and boring. The word limit should help with that.</p>
<p>@BrownParent: I’m currently a HS Junior. It’s prompt #2, about experiencing failure.</p>
<p>Yeah, well keep in mind the big picture here. It’s a personal essay for college admissions. Not a technical write up. I guess your challenge will be to con very the thorny issue without actually getting technical. Of course the people reading your essay will be intelligent college educated people. </p>