Hey
So far for my common app essay I wrote under the “failure” theme about missing my state’s NMSQT index cutoff by 1 point, and having the highest possible score that could have still missed. My dad told me it’s crap (thanks, dad) but both my AP English teacher and my mom liked it. My dad says I should write about my mom’s cancer when I young and how it impacted my life … I was thinking I could tie it into the fact that in the last 3 years, six friends in my grade have had parents pass away (4 of them from cancer).
I intend to apply to Duke ED, so I need this to be standout.
What’d’yall think?
What does your essay tell colleges about you other than that you missed the cutoff by 1 point?
To answer your title question, I do think tragedy can be overplayed.
Tragedy is probably overused, to be honest. We’ve all overcome adversity at some point and I’m sure if you were an admissions officer you’d get bored hearing about one tragic story after another. I’ve always thought it was more important to focus on the future and the good that came out of bad situations, rather than dwelling on the negatives.
If there’s nothing positive to take away from a story, I’d say don’t write about it. The admissions officers can’t let you in because they pity you, so just try to make yourself as likable as possible. If you have a sad story that’s genuinely you and is a real part of your life, talk about it. Don’t try to make your life seem tragic just to get into a college; admissions officers can see through that. It’s really cliche and in bad taste imo.
I don’t think either is a good topic. Think about something you want to tell admissions – something unusual or unique about you. Then figure out which prompt you can fit it into. Your goal is to make them want you on campus.
@doschicos – the point of my essay was that I had put too much value on a single test and I shouldn’t feel defined by scores/titles. I didn’t write a 600+ word essay to tell them that I missed by one point lol.
@micmatt513 The last thing I want to do is try to make my life tragic. Honestly. I guess the point of that essay would be how thankful I am that my mom’s around and how I’ve learned not to take things for granted.
I agree with you all. I don’t want to write a cancer essay.
Well, that still sounds fairly generic to me and I wonder how that relates to a unique YOU.
“I had put too much value on a single test and I shouldn’t feel defined by scores/titles” Can’t that apply to everyone?
What is your essay telling the reader that is unique to you? If you gave the essay to others to read would they say, “Oh, yes, that must be @LaikaDoodles’ essay!”
I agree with @doschicos. If you could apply the topic or content of your essay to any other applicant, it won’t help you. It might not hurt you, but it won’t be the reason that you get in and I think you need to do everything possible to make yourself a memorable applicant.
It’s kind of a given that you’re more than your test scores. If you have to spell that out to the admissions officers there might be something wrong with your application as a whole. Focus on your personality and distinguishing characteristics. Surely you must have a unique hobby, interest, trait, experience, etc.?
I have helped many students write essays, and IMO, the best essays are usually about ordianry things. One kid wrote about her night light, and how it comforts her. Another kid wrote about his experiences as a pizza delivery driver. Another kid wrote about foregoing a big celebratory party so that the money could instead be used for training. My own child wrote about how coloring her hair brought unexpected benefits. The thing all these essays had in common was that they were personal and genuine. I have to agree that neither topic is stirring 'my interest, sorry to say.
No one is going to disagree with any of the previous advice given. Neither topic is a good choice. Start over I regularly tell students, including my own child, to start over. You are 17-18 years old. Colleges aren’t expecting some profound essay about the meaning of life.
Broader topics are harder to write about and personalize, IMHO.
Okay … I’m not very unique or interesting. BUT –
My family spends every summer at a run-down 1800’s cabin in Montana. I’ve had a lot of amazing experiences there (living without outside communications/plumbing/minimal contact with people). Do you think that would be a unique topic?
That could be interesting. Don’t try to cover every experience there, however.