So I’ve been stuck for months on what to write for the common app essay. At the end of junior year, students were required to submit an essay draft and my teacher loved mine. However, I’m really uncertain about it, especially now that my first app is due in less than a month and I can’t think of any other ideas.
I was planning on writing about my hair. I have extremely curly/frizzy red hair and after my best and only friend moved away in elementary school, I became extremely shy and began always tying my hair back. I grew increasingly introverted until HS when my new friends convinced me to stop wearing my hair in a ponytail and after that, I became more outgoing and confident.
I have no idea if this is considered cliche or dumb, but it’s really meaningful to me. I used to be SUPER self-conscious of my hair so finally embracing it was a big deal to me, my family, and friends.
Like most essays, it depends on how it’s written. It sounds like it could be good-the way I think about it is you were tying your hair to fit some sort of mold, and when you started wearing it down you decided to let loose and be yourself-this could be some really interesting symbolism and I’d love to read it.
Remember the point of this essay: to give them a reason to say yes.
I think the symbolism in how you wear your hair is a great twist on a familiar topic. I think it could make for an interesting read.
But most of all, I think you should ABSOLUTELY take the word of your teacher, who does this all day long, year after year, over that of a bunch of strangers (myself included) on the internet.
It’s definitely a cute topic, and will set you apart as long as it’s well written.
Here is a very helpful article about the power of “mundane” topics. These are often the best way for admissions officers to get to know you (the real you) best, and will convey your personality powerfully. Also, I found the rest of this website very helpful as well, so poke around, if you want. Good luck! http://www.■■■■■■■■■■■■■/2009/10/something-to-smile-about-2.html