Hello!
I’m a rising senior working on my Common App essay. I wrote an essay that I feel shows who I am and addresses important parts of my personality, but the topic is on something I don’t like (contrasting with things that I do like and how my dislike has led to my growth and development of my passions). Is it bad that I’m focusing on something negative? Thanks!
Did you read the tips at the top of this forum? Do that… I think you want to be careful with this topic. You want to give them reasons to want you on campus.
What is the thing that you dislike… this can heavily depend on the topic.
Not knowing the exact topic or how it is written makes it impossible to opine. Just keep in mind that the purpose of the essay should be to give some information/story about yourself that is not elsewhere on the application AND that will make the admissions officers want to have you on their campus. Read your essay over and see if it accomplishes both of those things. If in doubt ask an English teacher you trust to read it over in the fall.
You previously asked about Ivies. The essay isn’t a bio or a tell-all, not meant to be some complicated analysis or even explanaton. It’s a chance to show them the traits they want to see. (Show, not just tell.)You know what those are? If not, stop and try to learn that.
Some counterpoint is fine. But a carefully written line or two will do it. It’s not like a hs essay where you have to throw in a thesis statement, balance, show proofs or defend.