<p>after reading the open-ended prompt, it almost seems like we can write an excuse (for lack of a better term) about certain missed oppertunities in hs. am i right? or would that be a huge mistake? i was thinking about writing about why i chose to take french when french is already my first language. what do you think?</p>
<p>Open ended is meant to reveal anything else that hasn't been mentioned (directly through application, indirectly through personal statements).</p>
<p>In my opinion, this would fit better under topic #1 (Academic preparation)
But if you can somehow show, not tell, in this essay, then go for it.</p>
<p>Just don't narrate a story without explaining the significance.</p>
<p>dont waste the open ended topic on french. how will the colleges know you can speak french already? use it to bring some quality that you have out so they will want to accept you. Use it to describe your EC's in more depth or anything, just dont make excuses.</p>
<p>would be okay to write about something like culture?</p>
<p>I'm also having difficulty with this essay. I never really had any sort of circumstances that got in the way of my education, nor any "excuses" for my grades. This question is really vague to me; how do I craft this essay and avoid the "excuse" part of the prompt?</p>
<p>write about anything you want. im sure you've done at least three EC's. Write about one of them and tie it into yourself.</p>
<p>If I remember correctly, the open-ended essay is just that open-ended. You can write about practically anything and be admitted as long as it shows something about your personality. If you don't have any "excuses" and nothing has gotten in your way of education, this is your opportunity to show the admissions office that you're not a drone that studies all day long, that you have something to offer to campus, that you're involved in and passionate about something that isn't school work-related.</p>