<p>I am writing my common app essay tonight. And I need to decide on a topic. Now, most of the schools I am applying to will be reaches, so I want my essay to stand out. I was thinking the only way to do so would be to select the "other" choice on the common app and try to give the adcoms a clear description on who wrote this application. I don't want to be just another number.</p>
<p>I was thinking about describing a day or week in the life of me. Possibly writing it in the third person but that is a low possibility. I want to incorporate the quirkiness of the way I live my life that will hopefully give them a face and personality with the application. I just feel like if I don't try to stand out, I will be cast aside.</p>
<p>Although counselors want you to be unique sometimes, it’s practically impossible. No matter what you write, admissions officers are going to file it under one certain topic, even if you put “other”. Everything you talk about will be considered under one (or more) of their main topics. </p>
<p>As for your idea, unless you can make it sound particularly cool (everyone runs through their life differently), it could fluke big time.</p>
<p>No offense, but that sounds like a very bad idea.
You have a massively limited space. You need to focus on one tiny event that sparked a change in you, and magnify it. That lets admissions see the most of you.</p>
<p>What you want to do sounds like it would end up a boring essay that tells absolutely nothing about your character.</p>
<p>The thing is, after 18 years I dont think I’ve had ONE moment that has changed my life. That is the honest truth and I don’t think that should make or break someones admission to a college. can I pm you my opening paragraph so you can see what I mean</p>
<p>You don’t need ONE specific moment that changed your life. They give you tons of options such as relationships, world issues, a moment, a learning experience.</p>