"Let Your Life Speak."

College Essays
1

<p>Hey fellow CCers, looking for some advice on writing a response to a Tufts short answer prompt (I would post it in the Tufts forum but hardly anyone reads it):</p>

<p>There is a Quaker saying: ''Let your life speak.'' Describe the environment in which you were raised--your family, home, neighborhood or community--and how it influenced the person you are today. </p>

<p>Do you think it's okay if I describe a typical Friday night at my house w/ my family? (I have already written a decent Common App essay on this so I was thinking about cutting it down to fit into the contraints of the short answer) My family is definitely the most influential part of my life so I would talk about them anyway. Is it too narrow or specific an essay topic? It seems like they're looking for a broader answer...</p>

<p>Any help would be appreciated! :)</p>

2

<p>I love your idea. It gives the adcom a little slice of your life, and will be much more powerful than a broad description of your upbringing such as "I was born in this town, went to this school, did these activities, am part of this religion, etc."...narrow is good, especially because this is a short answer.</p>

3

<p>I think your idea is really good and will be fine as long as you specify how they influenced you today.</p>

4

<p>I'd say don't do it if what you're trying to convey is already in your common app essay.</p>

5

<p>does tufts use the common app?</p>

6

<p>Yeah -- Tufts uses the common app.</p>

7

<p>3Point7Student--thanks for your input, I've actually written two Common App Essays so I'd use the other essay if I use this idea. :)</p>

<p>Thanks for your advice, everyone!</p>