Kid writing an essay about how he could improve. He chose fear of failure and admits that this has held him back in many ways and continues to do so. He admits to fear keeping him from fully and positively engaging in some things.Mom not so sure he should lay himself bare and admit to a problem and would rather he took the politician route and use the essay to further sell his success. I like that he’s been so honest and think it might appeal to an adcom tired of reading about how great everyone is. He’s a reasonable match for every school he’s applying to and they’re all pretty competitive so he’s got a strong record but none of these schools are his safeties and the essays will be important. Any thoughts about the wisdom of actually saying something bad about yourself? Thanks.
Although I’m not in the college admissions business, I’ve read thousands of batched student essays and can tell you authenticity always shines through. If he is truly communicating his fear, his essay will connect and engage the reader in a powerful way. However, if he is relying on abstract, borrowed, or clichéd ideas to make his point, then I would go with a different, possibly safer, topic.
The problem with this type of essay is it requires introspection. Many student writers get lost after a few sentences with abstract topics, ending up with ideas and observations which they don’t truly own. (Essays of this type are essentially 500-word versions of their favorite meme. Perhaps deeply felt, but not personally concluded.) So, in your shoes, I’d ask: Are his insights original and thoughtful enough to pull off this topic? Is there self-awareness? Is his honesty heart-felt? With that information, I believe you’ll be in a better position to advise him.
Employers are onto the “My biggest weakness is I work too hard” trick. Assume that admissions people are too. As PJackson says, be real. That’s clearly what they’re looking for here.
The point behind this essay is to give them a reason to say yes.
There are 5 different Common App prompts. Why choose one that highlights your weakness?
Or, if you’re stuck with that particular topic, choose an honest example where you can show that some real growth has already taken place/
Use this as a guide: son should not write anything in the essay that he/she wouldn’t feel comfortable seeing published in the school newspaper for public view.
Son should not leave the reader with the impression that he is intrinsically lacking in confidence.
Essay should not be a bare-all, therapy/catharsis platform. There is such a thing as too honest…
I don’t think that it’s an absolute that you shouldn’t write anything negative about yourself. One of my essays was how I didn’t have access to SAT tutors or prep classes. My parents were lower middle class and at times worked two jobs. My SAT tutor was the one book from the local library you weren’t allowed to check out so it was available to everyone who requested it. Librarians knew me by name and just stopped putting the book back on the shelf because they knew I would be back the next day to read it again.
That’s a negative. But again, it’s all how you phrase it. Colleges (and the job market) have really turned into a cat-and-mouse game of selling yourself. You want to be genuine, but the I’m a perfectionist answer no longer works. You want to show a weakness, but you can’t say that you hate morning meetings.
Try having someone who doesn’t know him at all read his essay and ask them: would you want this student sitting next to you in a class? Work with them on a class project? Would you hire them for a job?
A truly objective opinion is a gold mine.
That’s a negative that reflected on your parents as providers, not a negative that reflected on you,
Ok, I can buy that. I wouldn’t necessarily call my parents poor providers, but your point is solid. It is, however, something that worked to my disadvantage that I had to overcome.
How lacking in confidence is a 3.8, 34, two sport captain, newspaper editor? I totally get what you’re saying @GMTplus7 and I think that’s what he’s struggled with. It’s not a bare all catharsis statement. It’s an honest bit of self appraisal from an accomplished kid. He liked what he sent and he didn’t throw himself under the bus. Everyone has negatives. Acting like you don’t isn’t particularly attractive and wouldn’t play well in the school newspaper either. Who knows, but I think he played it pretty well in the essay.
Thanks to all who advised. We’re good.