<p>For that prompt about challenging a belief/idea, and "acting" on it. Does it have to be a physical act? Should it, preferably? </p>
<p>And it says "Reflect on a time when..." But if my idea and reflection is one that has be spread out throughout several years, any suggestions as to how I can account for it? In other words, does it have to be a 'single' time?</p>
<p>Also, I feel like this prompt is a bit risky; what if the admission office doesn't like my conclusion and disagrees with my idea? I'll be applying to rank ~15 to ~40 universities (ranks according to that U.S. News site), but I almost feel like I won't get accepted to even an unranked university. I'm not challenging anything extremely controversial though (not politics or religion or same-sex marriage stuff, etc). It's just something that universities probably don't want on their campuses (although it does add to "diversity" lol). </p>
<p>If I did this topic, I'll be drawing from some personal observations, reflections, and some things from literature. Any suggestions for anything else?</p>
<p>In addition to what I said above, I’ve read that most colleges want to get to know “you”, and they don’t want you trying to please them. But I always feel risky about it, anyone have any comments on this?</p>
<p>Also, just in case, writing is one of my stronger areas, so I should be able to write in a rather placid manner. Most likely, my tone shouldn’t upset the reader, and again, I’m just fretting over the content. </p>
<p>(wow I typed a lot but) I also tend to be self-deprecating, so I’m afraid that at the end of the paper. The reader won’t have ANYTHING positive to say. </p>
<p>I can’t think of anything for the other topics though. </p>
<p>If that topic is what you’re passionate about, then I say go for it! It’s better to be risky than boring. I used the same topic and wrote about challenging religion in schools, so it was pretty risky, but I also thought it was an interesting thing to write about and hopefully to read. My essay was also not about a single time; I encompassed several anecdotes that added up to the big picture. I don’t think it has to be a physical act necessarily, either.</p>
<p>Now you have me extremely curious. What topic are you thinking of, if you don’t mind my asking?</p>
<p>lol wow, that is rather risky. I’d find that interesting to read though.</p>
<p>I’m kind of worried about mine because every college seems to want all their students to have the outgoing, extroverted, active, engaging, etc, type of personality. And I happen to be more on the reticent side. So it’s kind of like challenging the belief of the “extrovert ideal”. I’ll probably I just wonder if they’re going to straight out reject it just because of that. </p>
<p>Don’t worry about the mold you think colleges want to fit into. Really just try to express who you really are. Colleges will take notice and appreciate you for that. And if they don’t accept you because they don’t like who you are and don’t think you’d fit in, then you probably shouldn’t want to attend that college anyway. They aren’t going to “straight out reject” you because of your essay.</p>
<p>I agree with Ranza123. Don’t worry about what colleges want. Use the essay to show them who you are and how you stand apart from the rest of the applicants. Don’t be afraid to take any risks. That’s much better than playing it safe and writing about the same thing that everyone else is. </p>