<p>So I have some things I think are kind of unique, but I have no idea how to turn them into essays. Like essays for the Common App, UC App, and other college applications. </p>
<p>For example, I
1. don't get stung/bitten by bugs, ants don't come to food I leave out after I've bitten it, but it's not really like I hate bugs. One time I got stung by a bee since I stepped on it. I took out the stinger, and there was no pain nor swelling.</p>
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<li><p>have an aversion to AC but I love the cold and am more cold-resistant that anyone at my school. </p></li>
<li><p>don't care about getting my "precious clothes" dirty like everyone else in my school</p></li>
</ol>
<p>The problem is, I can write good stories about these, but none of them really connect to the prompts. </p>
<p>The only other thing I have to write about is about how I'm a different Asian because I am a slight Aspie, not smart, had depression and was diagnosed with it (stigma against mental health is really strong amongst Asians). But I wrote that and it was pretty boring. It sounded like I was talking about someone else.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t write a whole essay about any of those things, but I think they could be included in an essay about something else, as an aside/parenthetical thing.
But make sure you never do the “I am different and no one understands me!!111” thing. Because it’s not true. :D</p>
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<li>and 2. could work. 3 and 4 reek too heavily of conceit. </li>
</ol>
<p>In general, you’re trying too hard to give off the ‘special snowflake’ appeal. In other words, you are making the situation more special than it actually is. It’s a common mistake so don’t feel too bad about it. Just make some subtle adjustments.</p>
<p>Quirks are great to talk about. 1. and 2. can be really endearing if you find the right tone. Just don’t draw so much attention to your comparisons to others. Your quirks don’t make you better or more special, they’re just fun and unique. </p>
<p>One challenge you will face is creating a sense of progression. You don’t want static descriptions of ants walking around your bitten sandwiches. You need a story to go along with it. </p>
<p>Try the brainstorming section of my guide and work from there onto drafting - </p>
<p>I actually write about the particular challenge you are facing - having something cool you really want to talk about, but not knowing how to fit it to a prompt.</p>
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<li>it somehow linked to your academic abilities</li>
<li>it demonstrate some form of positive quality, or special talent</li>
<li>it hindered your learning abilities at some point of time</li>
<li>it shows diversity or maturity in thought</li>
</ol>
<p>Just curious, what’s up with that first point o_o Do bugs intentionally avoid you or something? Is it some kind of rare medical condition that’s not detrimental to your health in any way but just repels bugs? Sounds interesting. Not sure if it’d make a good essay though, as it would be difficult to link to your readiness for college.</p>