I don’t think any of the schools I’m applying to weight essays that heavily
However, I still want to write something good. Not to sound mean, but I’m basically a privileged white kid that’s never really overcome anything or challenged an idea etc. All I can think to write about is how I failed my driver’s test and how it showed me we can never truly prepare for things(I know, very cheesy). How did you come up with ideas when you have nothing to write about.
The challenge you overcame doesn’t have to have the weightiness of solving world hunger. It just has to be related in an engaging manner.
For rich kids, some humility & light humor in the essay couldn’t hurt.
@GMTplus7 thank you
Don’t read the prompts. Brainstorm s list of things that are interesting or unusual about you. Great essays can turn in small things. What would make a college want you on campus? What is unique about you? Generate some ideas, then figure out how to fit them into a prompt.
@intparent thanks. I really like the idea! However, I feel like there is nothing unique about me
I have seen great essays on games people made up with their friends, a literary character someone secretly tried to emulate, someone whose perception of what was happening around them was transformed by an EC, and someone who had a difficult relationship with a teacher in a class but realized that being challenged actually made the class worthwhile. Don’t think in sweeping terms (and I think the Common App prompts are atrocious, by the way – I pity admissions officers who have to slog through those essays!).
Here is a great strategy for brainstorming: Come up with three (positive) adjectives that describe you best (ex, artistic, empathetic, creative, adventurous, athletic, friendly, observant…). If you have a difficult time with this, think “what adjectives would my parents use to describe me?” and “What adjectives would my friends use?” - the goal is to come up with your “Core Qualities.” These are qualities that you would want a college to know about you. (You do not need to include all of your “core qualities” in your essay- one or two will do). Next, for each adjective, jot down a time when or an example of each. Ex, I was really adventurous when I went scuba diving. or - I was really creative when I designed the billboard in the school’s anti bullying campaign. or - I was really empathetic when I befriended the new kid in school…you get the idea. This is your “story.” Remember that when telling your story that you both show and tell. Tell a part of the story and then reflect back onto what you learned, thought or felt at the time. At the end of the essay, your goal is to have the reader say “I like this kid, he/she sounds really interesting. I want him/her to come to my school!”
Your story doesn’t have to be some amazing accomplishment. In fact, mundane, everyday topics often make the best stories. It just needs to give the reader some insight into who you are. Have fun with it and be sure to edit and re read often. Read it out loud and see if it sounds natural…good luck!