<p>I have an idea on a "person who influenced you" essay for the common app. I've heard lots of ppl say that you should generally stray away from this topic because it sometimes ends up being more about the other person than you, but I think my idea takes care of that.</p>
<p>Would you like to hear my idea?</p>
<p>need replies!</p>
<p>I think that’s an incredibly interesting idea (though I think most of the life of an essay comes from its execution rather than the idea itself). The concern, as you articulated, with essays discussing other people is that they tend to center around those people and offer few insights into the writer. After all, adcoms aren’t deciding whether to accept your mom or your best friend or this girl. But what your essay manages to do is discuss someone else in relation to yourself. By describing her, you’ll be describing you. </p>
<p>Done well, this essay has real potential.</p>
<p>thankssss :)</p>