<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>