<p>As far as essays go this year-- or any year, really-- I hear people saying that: "The weirder, the better." I am witty, clever, yada yada, and will use some wits in the essay. Of course, I am not doing stand-up on paper and will express passions, interests, etc. However, simply, is anything "too much" or "too weird" for UChicago? Everyone seems down-to-earth, and everyone seems to have my mindset (whatever that may be, I just know), but I am doing the Waldo essay (choice #6) and rather not screw chances by picking the wrong prompt. I know that the recommendations, transcript, common app, and "Why UChicago" will help show my left side of my brain, but how much of the right is...right (hoho, not using that one for the essay, though)?</p>
<p>Too, why not throw in another question: I know the EA deadline, but when is the <em>earliest</em> to turn in everything?</p>
<p>Your CC name hints at a great potential to be witty, I would try to get into the mindset you had when making your CC account. As for the prompt, just pick the one that interests you the most and/or you feel like you’ll be able to think out of the box most easily. Most importantly, write in a style that you’re comfortable in. If you’re worried that your essay might come off as “too weird” (though I think we all have a bit of good weird in us, no shame in that), then show it to two or three people whom you trust will provide honest opinions.</p>
<p>PMCM18, thanks, I was needing that reassuring feedback-- and glad you caught onto the name. I was and will definitely hand off my paper to a select few. I feel fine. If they did not want more personal, creative writings, they probably would not have the same type of essay options. Who wants cookie-cutter with tens of thousands of applications anyway? Thanks again, I hope you really enjoy UChicago.</p>
<p>probably not, but keep in mind that these are real people reading your essays, some of whom may roll eyes at trite attempts to fit the university’s mold of a quirky intellectual.</p>
<p>@TheAlrightGatsby, although “alright” is an adjective, it isn’t typically placed before its designated subject if that subject is specific. No one says “He has an alright Honda” or “Tonight the alright Bill Maher is performing.” Did you consider calling yourself “TheMediocreGatsby” or “TheSatisfactoryGatsby”? </p>
<p>might be thinking about this too much, but I couldn’t resist lol.</p>
<p>I don’t agree. If you’re not used to writing in a serious tone, and tend to be comfortable with being witty, then expressing yourself through that is the best way. It’s all about doing what you feel … natural about. I did the Where’s Waldo prompt too, and it sure wasn’t in a “serious” tone! I mean, come on. They don’t ask such a question for a dry answer.</p>