<p>Basically, I'm at a lost as what to write my college essay about.
The only prompt that slightly stood out to me was: "Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there, and why is it meaningful to you?"</p>
<p>My idea was to write about my basement. Im sort of a 'knowledge junkie' i guess - so i often times stay up late on the weekends and sit in my basement trying to learn new things. I watch medical documentaries, TED talks, get lost in wikipedia articles, or watch youtube tutoirals on cool little life tricks.</p>
<p>I'm not sure if this is a lame idea or something that could be a fresh read for the admissions officer. Im kind of drawn to the unconventional nature of it. </p>
<p>I did move to america at the age of 6 when my parents divorced and lived in France for 4 months during my freshman year if those sound like better ideas to you.</p>
<p>The essay is supposed to show admissions offers who you are, and I think that sounds like a good topic to accomplish this.</p>
<p>If this topic brings out a story in you and talks about something you are passionate about or played a big role in your life then you should be good to go.</p>
<p>It’s a fine idea for the Common App essay…go for it!</p>
<p>nothing is a dumb idea if you have the passion and are willing to develop it.</p>
<p>It sounds like it could be good, but you may struggle trying to write an essay from it. Also, it doesn’t help that the physical place you are referring to (your basement) is seemingly independent from the space where you feel content (the internet). I do what you do, but on my laptop in my bedroom. </p>
<p>I think it would be much more compelling, and consistent, if the “place” you write about is the Internet. I’d much rather read about that. If you want some inspiration, perhaps read excerpts from the book “coming of age in second life,” which explores the intersections, divergences, and parallels between the strictly physical social world (bars, churches, bedrooms) and the “virtual” world of a game.</p>
<p>The essay prompt begs you to write about a sports field, or a mountain vista, or a basement. In other words, something that is most likely exclusive to the writer yet overdone in the general sense. Turn it on its head and write about something intimately familiar yet rarely dissected.</p>
<p>Alright thanks for the feedback guys! I think im going to go ahead and use it. I like the abstract take on it by Senior0991and i’ll play around with that idea.</p>
<p>Is there anything i should be wary of or try to avoid while writing this essay? Such as not making myself sound lazy or something?</p>
<p>
You want to frame yourself in a positive light. Just like in an interview. </p>
<p>Be careful, of course. I remember being asked during an interview if I had ever lied. I was like “yeah, of course, I can’t really remember the last time, and I’m not proud of it exactly, but yeah I have.” And the interviewer told me afterwards that my answer revealed more positives about my character than if I had said “no, I never lie” (which some other applicants did say when asked the question). </p>
<p>Or when applying for security clearances, the investigator will be more likely to reject your clearance application if you lie by not disclosing, say, a speeding ticket than if you tell the truth about the time you were arrested for being drunk in public or the period in your life where you did all kinds of drugs. </p>
<p>Long story short, framing yourself in a positive light does not mean simply telling the reader only the very best attributes about yourself. It involves being honest about yourself by recognizing that you are not a “flawless” individual. This doesn’t mean you have to share all your deepest darkest secrets, but at least be cognizant of them when writing.</p>
<p>Other things to watch out for: spelling and grammar; consistency when using abbreviations or alternative words; precision (don’t say “arguably” when you really mean “perhaps”); etc. etc. I’d recommend reading a style book after you have a “final draft” and incorporating the suggestions you deem prudent.</p>