My first three essays have all been about relatively heavy subject matters, my first being about overcoming depression in a family that doesn’t believe in mental illness, my second being my experience being the son of impoverished immigrants, and the last being about uniting a divided athletic team when I became captain. I was wondering if for my last essay it would be at all acceptable to make it a little more light-hearted. I was thinking about talking about how my greatest talent is making guac. I have another serious essay but I feel as if it is very generic and doesn’t showcase my personality.
I think that would be fine as long as it’s well written.
Making guacamole doesn’t strike me as a great essay topic on its own. There would have to be a deeper significance to the guac or the ritual of making it – i.e. it’s the centerpiece of every family meal, it’s the first thing a parent or grandparent ever taught you to make, there’s something Zen about the ritual that’s calming and familiar, etc. A lighthearted essay that simply says, “My greatest talent is making guacamole and here’s how I do it” with a few funny comments along the way wouldn’t be enough. The essay can be funny, for sure, but it should have a deeper meaning.
Also, I would caution you against writing a lighthearted essay just to balance out three heavier ones. Your first two topics are excellent. The third is okay, but it’s very common so I would hope your version has a unique spin. The fourth shouldn’t be lighthearted just for the sake of it. It should be the best possible topic, period. If your other serious essay is generic, as you say, then don’t go with it. Head back to the drawing board and consider your best stories, the ones that show who you are as a person. The topic can be light, heavy, or somewhere in between – most of all, it should be engaging.
Hope this helps!