<p>Hi, im a junior, and i know its early to start thinking about college essays, but i just had my schools college night where they talked about how important it is to make your essay stand out...my dream school is duke (will probably apply ED if i can convince my parents, since theyre kind of against the whole biding aspect), and i was thinking about writing about going on a cruise which was huge since i am REALLY afraid of boats, and how overcoming that fear helped me feel confident about myself which led to a flirting FAIL which was actually really funny in hindsight. would the admissions board appreciate letting my humor/personality shine or should i focus on something more meaningful?
thanks in advance!</p>
<p>Use whatever topic allows for the most personal, detailed, revealing essay. The essay that, ideally, is so you that only you could write it.</p>
<p>It’s never too early to start thinking about college essays :D</p>
<p>Also, I don’t like how everyone says, “Your essay should stand out.” What they mean by this, and don’t say because of the lack of time, is that every student has the potential to make their essay stand out. Why? Because every student is special. I’m not talking about doing anything big - because it is little things that matter.</p>
<p>Your topic does sound interesting, and if you approach it nicely, I’m sure the results would be amazing.</p>
<p>If I were you, I would talk about one particular incident that captured the whole essence of the cruise for you. For example, your whole essay could be centered around the walk from the harbor to the cruise ship; your feelings, others behavior around you and how you interpreted that, the sounds, the smells.</p>
<p>Remember, it is your story. Make it large ;)</p>
<p>^^thank you so much! Thats literally some of the best advice ive gotten with regards to this topic…i really appreciate it!</p>
<p>Tizil7… excellent advice.</p>
<p>ADad… you also give good advice consistently.</p>
<p>I have seen so many contrived essays where the student is desperately trying to stand out, be quirky, impress the adcm. If it shows that way, it isn’t going to win you points. If you are truly a quirky person, it’s one thing, but if you are trying to be quirky when you are not, it 's a whole other.</p>