<p>I am a junior in HS, and not to say I try to be close-minded about my future schools, but in all honesty, I am. I am pathetically, abnoxiously, bone-chillingly desperate to get into Harvard lol. Anyway, I think I have what it takes so far to get into Harvard (minus the fact that I haven't taken any SAT II's yet) but I am NERVOUS about my essay!!! I am an accomplished writer and published poet, but when I think of applying to Harvard, my mind goes blank!! I feel as though I have nothing to write about.
So, finally, here is my question that I pose: what did each of you write about that was so stellar that you were accepted to my dream school???
Any help you can give me would be so deeply appreciated, but I want no talk of this whole "Harvard is overrated" business. Only encouraging words, please. Thank you!! </p>
<p>About me (possible essay topics): I am a cheerleader of 6 years, I volunteer at hospitals 4 days a week (but have seen nothing that I found as "traumatic" or "life-changing"), and my Nana's (grandmother's) sister died of breast cancer when I was 7, which explains why I am such a BC advocate.
Along with her death, my Nana's brother, and her husband (my Papa) all died that same summer.
The last thing was a strong possibility, but I don't want to sound "poor me" or whatever, but Francis' disease is why I want to go into medicine, however, I do not want to pursue oncology- so that sounds like a dead end. Advice?? My head is swarming!</p>
<p>Lol.. anyone?? By the way, I just noticed that this really sounds like I am looking for ideas to steal lol... don't worry, I just need SOMETHING that I can build onto.</p>
<p>someone dying in your family can be used in your essay.</p>
<p>hmm ... yes, but I don't know how to harness that into a compelling, touching, (yet telling about myself all the same) essay!! I strongly support the cause of Breast Cancer because of my great aunt's death, but I haven't been able to express that in my school (numerous ladies of the school recently died of it also, and therefore I can't raise awareness/start clubs that haven't already been initiated, ya know??). That would be a great topic; telling of how it changed me a person with views on sympathy and compassion, but I'm afraid it would raise question like, "So what have you done in your school or community about it??"
Thank you so much hinmanCEO for your advice!!!</p>
<p>Your essay should be about you - not about others. </p>
<p>You don't have to say what you've done in your community in your essay - sympathy and compassion can be a compelling topic if your essay is well-developed.</p>
<p>If you have volunteered or participated in already existing clubs, you can address that in your application. </p>
<p>Your essay should show a side of you that your application does not.</p>
<p>Read the Harry Bauld book to get a feeling for what good essays may look like.</p>
<p>Thank you twinmom!! I haven't heard of the Harry Bauld book... but I will check into that!! Has your child (i take it you're a mom lol) applied to college yet? What did he/she write about?? Once again, thanks!</p>
<p>I got accepted to Harvard this past year, and the best advice I can give you for the essay is that you should not limit your choice of topic to things that are emotional, touching, or generally serious in that way. One of the best things you can possibly do with your essay is make the reader laugh. Showing a personality and sense of humor can be very advantageous, since the application readers are probably tired of reading stack after stack of test scores and transcripts.</p>
<p>So, if you can turn a serious or tragic event in your life into a meaningful essay that conveys something about YOU, then do it. But don't rule out topics that are funny and light.</p>
<p>In terms of where to begin the essay-writing process, try coming up with several topics. Start writing each essay and see which one is turning out the best - generally the one that is easiest to write is the one where you have the most to say.</p>
<p>It doesn't matter what my kid or any other kid wrote about. Your essay needs to present the reader with a slice of you. Your essay can make someone cry, make someone laugh, or make someone reflect. </p>
<p>I totally agree with RCMan13. Brainstorm a list of topics. Start each one and see where it goes. You'll know when you've hit on the right one. When you think you have it ... you might want to show it to a few close friends or relatives. See if they say something along the lines of, "That is so you."</p>
<p>The Harry Bauld book is called On Writing the College Admissions Essay.</p>
<p>Yes, my kids had wonderful admissions results along with some disappointments. One whipped out a fantastic essay, and that was that. The other had about a dozen false starts. One day, after holing up in a bedroom, it just flowed. While the topic might have been construed as cliche, the Harvard admissions officer obviously didn't mind. The essay reflected another piece of the applicant that was absent from the rest of the application.</p>
<p>And, please, don't put all of your eggs in one basket. Most people who apply to Harvard are qualified to get in. However, there is not room for everyone. Be sure you have a well-developed college list with several matches and safeties as well.</p>
<p>Good advice. I generally write good emotional or convicting essays (I'm a poet), so I may stick w/ that (my humor is dry in my opinion lol). The numerous topics writing is an excellent strategy, thank you so much!
Also, twinmom, I looked into the book; I found great tips~!</p>
<p>Nonetheless, more advice is still welcome!!!</p>
<p>Hey, HarvardBound7!</p>
<p>I got into Harvard this year and I believe I was one of the applicants without particularly emotional or funny essays. However, when I struggled to compose my essays, I remember I started selecting topics with this idea in mind: "If I were at a first date with a guy what would I tell him about me?" (This helped me think of something that was not too corny or too weird, but real and interesting enough to turn me into a ... very kissable person :-p - you have to admit that there are similarities between making an admission's officer and a guy like you!!!). Joke and the light tone apart, I hope it helps! </p>
<p>I wish you best of luck and ... relax!</p>
<p>wow, aspiringpat, i NEVER thought of it that way! that helps soo much!! lol very very funny but true, nonetheless! I definately need to think that way from now on! </p>
<p>THANKS! (But i don't think i'll be relaxing very often with Harvard on my mind!!)<br>
by the way... how do you like it so far???</p>