<p>I'm thinking about writing my common app essay about having to move before my freshman year. I only moved about 10 minutes away, but it meant that I had to change high schools. I want to talk about how I was a super ambitious 14 year old who had a clear picture of what I wanted to accomplish, and how I felt like all those plans were ruined because of moving. Then I'd talk about how starting over helped me try new things and step out of my comfort zone. What do you guys think? I'm scared it'll be too boring and insignificant, but it's the only idea I have right now. </p>
<p>It’s cliche but it’ll be what you make it. A really good writer could probably draft a compelling essay out of it. A decent writer would sound somewhat trite and the success would depend upon the school. A poor writer would end up with a very weak essay and minimally creative attempt. So, it depends on your personal voice and how it would show through. Personally, I would try and think a bit harder and pick something else, but with some confidence and eloquence, you could make it work. </p>
<p>Agreed with @Pikidikitiki, it’s cliche but could work. My fears/comments:
- talking about how ambitious you were as a 14 year old may give the reader the idea that you are pretentious. It depends what kind of ambitions you had. Don’t say you wanted straight A’s and good SAT scores. Do talk about ambition in terms of your passion, e.g. if you’re into politics how you wanted to join student government and debate.
- Talking about stepping out of your comfort zone is incredibly cliche but you can make up for that through your writing. I read this essay where a guy talked about how he had been in the same city for too long and he compared himself to a plant and how a plant needs to change pots once it has outgrown its old one and has no place to move. Use a metaphor or creative explanation to make something that is cliche not cliche.
- Be careful of how you write the part about how you felt everything was ruined. Again, this can sound pretentious. You know those CCers who complain about getting 2320 on their SAT? You could sound like them. Make sure you explain a substantial reason for why you felt like your life was ruined, because otherwise you will sound like you’re being over dramatic. Instead of just complaining that a 2320 is not a 2400, talk about how you had gotten 2400 multiple times on your practice tests and you walked out feeling as though you had gotten everything right. I hope you understand this metaphor because I’m really proud of it.
- Remember to stay creative. Even though the idea of it is cliche, the story is unique to you. Nobody else went through the exact same situation you did and nobody else felt what you did. Show this to the readers.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice! That was super helpful</p>