<p>Hello all. I started a thread a while ago, but no one replied, so I'm here again with a second attempt.</p>
<p>I'm currently revising my UC essays.</p>
<p>For prompt #1 (your world and how it affects your life/dreams/aspirations):
I wrote about my mom and how she had limited options in China. She is the main reason for why I am the way I am today, zealous and willing to take advantage of my opportunities. I hope that doesn't sound too generic or common. I also plan on using this for my CommonApp statement (#3 to be exact, about the significant person who has influenced you). I don't know, what do you guys think?</p>
<p>For prompt #2 (an achievement that makes you proud):
I wrote about piano. Again, I realize a lot of people play piano, so I'm worried that it also sounds generic. I related it to society's expectations for instant gratification, and how I'm proud that I'm different, because it took much longer to succeed at it than diet pills work. Again, what do you think?</p>
<p>Also, if anyone has any tips about that short essay on the CommonApp about one extracurricular activity, please help me out!</p>
<p>Just do not make it seem like a sob story of how brutal it was in China. Focus on your life situations and what makes them stand out to yourself.</p>
<p>If the details stand out to yourself then it will stand out to others.</p>
<p>I havent read your essay but try elaborate on how it makes you different, (be sincere it will work out better than trying to be someone your not.)</p>
<p>Perhaps writing about diet pills (if you are) is not a great idea. It makes the essay seem less about yourself and too analytical on the trends/faults in American society.</p>
<p>I was just wondering how piano and diet pills are related to each other. Otherwise, I think you could make piano work for that prompt if you're really passionate about it.</p>
<p>Haha, no I didn't write about diet pills. I was just juxtaposing them, since I've been very metaphorical lately.</p>
<p>lee121, I was born in New Jersey, but my mom is from China. I wrote about how she had very few opportunities and how, in contrast, I have ample choices in my life. I really wanted to show that I'm open-minded and versatile... well that's not the right word, but I mean that I do a lot of different things, and that makes me unique...? AHHAH I hate college.</p>
<p>And thanks, crackednugget for offering to read them. They're very rough right now, so I'm still a little ashamed that I produced them.</p>