<p>On the common application, I was planning on writing my essay about how sticking with a sport that i initially sucked at has in turn made me have focus and determination to succeed in the sport (and how this has effected my outlook on life, changed my habits at school, and made me a better person).</p>
<p>Is this a cliched topic? I don't want to write a trite essay, but I am also really passionate about my sport. Since I am applying to Ivy League Schools, I need my essay to serve as an opportunity for me to stand out. What are ways that I could mold this topic into something less typical, and make my topic truly unique?</p>
<p>I agree that it does sound a bit cliche, however why don’t you try writing it and perhaps your writing style and originality can lend something to offset the cliche? This essay would also hold a bit more water if you’re a recruited athlete. </p>
<p>If you’re not initially happy with this topic, then you can also write multiple first drafts of varying topics and then decide which one you’re happiest with and stick with that one.</p>
<p>It’s not a bit cliche, it’s in the top most cliche essays next to how afternoons baking with grandma inspired you and the death of a pet. CHOOSE SOMETHING DIFFERENT! I’m sure you have amazing writing skills and could pull this off but it’s been done before. The last thing you want is for an admissions officer to read the first few sentences, shove you in the “cliche” catergory, and sigh through reading the rest of your piece. Think of something TOTALLY different from this topic.</p>
<p>Isnt the essay supposed to serve as an insight into what makes you stand out as an applicant?The problem is I am very passionate about my sport, and I really want the admissions officers know that I am a truly all rounded student. Wouldn’t an essay about sports be the best way to show this?</p>
<p>Also, my point (IMO) is slightly different from the common sports essay. Wouldn’t writing about how a sport has given you tools to succeed in life instead of the commonly used “I overcame my weakness” make this a less trite essays. I have lots of great metaphors and examples to prove my essays point. Wouldn’t that make it stand out as a unique essay?</p>
<p>I love sports. I agree that they are great things to write about. “When the great scorer comes to mark by your name, he marks not whether you won or lost, but how you played the game” -Grantland Rice. With sports comes passion, intensity, devotion, practice, concentration, adversity, etc. These words are apt to describe life as well. I’ve noticed that the gym rats in basketball are also generally more devoted to all aspects of life (relationships, studies, etc.). Coincidence? </p>
<p>Given this, yes you are writing a cliche topic. But so are many other students, so don’t despair. One way to make it interesting would be instead of the forward narrative (where you improve) you reverse your narrative. You can get as creative with this as you want, provided you don’t make it like Memento or something. Another way would be to offer something different in your story. Did any of your flaws remain, or reemerge, or whatever? Also maybe include a joke about how this is so cliche (like “This story is original enough to be next summer’s big Hollywood blockbuster starring Nicholas Cage and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer”). Anyways haha bad joke but you hopefully get the idea.</p>
<p>Also when writing listen to your favorite score from a sports movie. That will be sure to pump up your creative juices (that’s what she said ;)).</p>