<p>I tried to write my essay numerous times, but I can not get past the introduction. I have absolutely no idea what to write about. My life is just so normal. I did not win anything spectacular. I did not overcome a disaster. I receive mediocre grades. I have weak extra-curriculars.
What should I do?</p>
<p>Tell me a bit about yourself. Also talk to your guidance councilor or English teacher.</p>
<p>Read this book: “On Writing the College Application Essay: The Key to Acceptance and the College of your Choice” by Harry Bauld.</p>
<p>write about what fascinates you, your passion, what you think would change the world if it didn’t exist. mine is photography, yours may be how different and diverse the world is, dont go too crazy, but pick something surprising</p>
<p>I’m in the same boat.
No dead pet. No dying grandparents. No divorced parents. No broken bone. No nothing…</p>
<p>No one has no nothing.</p>
<p>You don’t need a dramatic topic to write a good essay. </p>
<p>There is excellent advice here: [University</a> of Virginia Piece on College Essays | Fredrik deBoer](<a href=“http://fredrikdeboer.com/2012/07/25/university-of-virginia-piece-on-college-essays/]University”>http://fredrikdeboer.com/2012/07/25/university-of-virginia-piece-on-college-essays/)</p>
<p>your essay just needs to say something about you, just take something you love, it might be ping pong or relaxing at the pool, or your favrite resturant. Or you can take some characteristic about you and jsut write about it. The easiest thing to do is to tell a story, just make sure the reader can see something about you.</p>
<p>Is it better to tell a specific story,</p>
<p>or is it okay to sort of generalize?</p>
<p>i.e. “I enjoy relaxing at the pool. It’s a great time to reflect my own life, and that of others.” etc…</p>
<p>It is better to have specific details: to tell a specific story or to connect a few specific vignettes.</p>
<p>[Show</a>, don’t tell](<a href=“http://users.wirefire.com/tritt/tip1.html]Show”>http://users.wirefire.com/tritt/tip1.html)</p>
<p>Your swimming pool example could work if it were supported by specific incidents that fit together in a revealing way.</p>
<p>Write about just that. Say that you haven’t had a defining or changing moment and you are still waiting for that to happen. Elaborate on that. This doesn’t work for everyone. However, if you find a good way to explain this that will work well.</p>
<p>I had the same problem. There’s some great advice on this website: ■■■■■■■■■■■■■ </p>
<p>Basically any “mundane” activity can be a good topic. You can write about a habit of yours and reflect on that. Basic things that really make you,
you. Another good read: 50 successful harvard application essays.</p>