<p>To my dismay, one of the supplements for one of my top colleges is the dreaded "person from history" essay. What are the most cliche, overused people that I should avoid writing about? This particular essay asks about women from history specifically, by the way, so Einstein, Lincoln & Friends are already ruled out, haha. I'm currently leaning toward writing about Catherine of Aragon, but I'm not sure how overdone she might be or if I should pick someone else.</p>
<p>I just read a stimulating book on Cleopatra…but I’m afraid she may be considered cliche. But, perhaps not if you give well informed details of why you picked her or Catherine. Delve deep into her innovation and ingenuity and regardless of who you decide to write about, if you are passionate about that person, it will not sound cliche. </p>
<p>Avoid any past US presidents (Washington, Lincoln, etc).</p>
<p>If you want to strike an interesting debate pick a controversial figure: Mao Tse-Tsung, Hilter, Mussolini, etc</p>
<p>The less well-known the less likely it will be a cliche.
Remember the essay question is meant to reveal you, not the historical person, so write it with that in mind.
So, if you pick Cleopatra, the first thing that will pop into most readers minds before reading the whole essay is that you are attracted to glamour/power. If you pick Catherine of Aragon the reader will assume you are an Anglophile, or a fan of The Tudors on showtime. Stuff like that.
It’s a fun topic to play with, so brainstorm before you decide.</p>
<p>Although this might be considered cliche, Marie Curie is an interesting pick if you’re into physics. Though I can imagine a handful of other people in your class choosing her too. Maybe Catherine the Great? The Russians really liked her!</p>
<p>I would just answer it honestly. I think it’s better to write about a totally overdone person whom you truly would love to meet and whom you share similar values and beliefs than to write about someone obscure whom you don’t actually care about but only picked because she seemed unique. Your passion will come through (or not come through) in your essay.</p>
<p>It seems to me that picking someone “off the beaten path” would be a good idea. Teach the admissions officer something, pique their interest by choosing someone they probably know nothing about. You have to really build a case about why you admire that person, though. The good news is you are thinking about this in early August, and have time to search for ideas, and even read books about people who might be a good fit. </p>
<p>A starting point to get some names might be to listen to the Ann Reed song “Heroes” about women who have accomplished great things (or just look up the lyrics, here is a link):</p>
<p><a href=“Ann Reed - Heroes lyrics | LyricsFreak”>http://www.lyricsfreak.com/a/ann+reed/heroes_20219121.html</a> </p>
<p>Another idea – have you seen the movie Iron Jawed Angels about Alice Paul and getting the vote for women? A powerful story about women who changed history. Even if you don’t write about her, it is a very good movie.</p>