Question about UChicago essays!

<p>Hey so this is my first post but I'm sure it probably won't be my last! I just wanted to ask some of you who've applied to UChicago about this years essays.</p>

<p>For the creative writing prompt, I'm chose to compare apples to oranges (seriously, I was super pumped about it and I loved writing this thing!), but that's not what this question is about. It's actually about the "Why UChicago?" question of the first essay. I've written two answers to it, but here's where it gets funky. One of my answers is a poem, and I'm actually in love with this thing because I think it's just the most incredible work of poetry you've ever read (not really, but it's creative, nonetheless).</p>

<p>So my big question to you is which one I should submit. would it be too over-the-top (in other words, would I be hurting myself) to submit the "Why UChicago?" essay in the form of a poem? Or should I just go with the standard short answer college essay?</p>

<p>Poem would be original.</p>

<p>go with your gut and the one you feel is more you. My son did something similar at another college, and my first reaction was to ask him if he thinks he answered the question (because he did, but in a round about creative way). My son felt strongly about the way he did it, and that is who he is… to do something else would not be authentic. At the end of the day, my son said to me if they don’t get it, and don’t like it then I don’t belong there. The jury is still out (acceptance wise), but I do agree with him and want him to spend the next 4 years in a place that appreciates who he is not a place that would rather he write the same safe essay everyone else will.</p>

<p>Something out of the ordinary and beyond what they would expect would be great. Go for it!!</p>

<p>Thank you guys! I’m leaning towards using it, but if anyone else has any input I’d still love to hear more!</p>

<p>not sure if this is true for UChicago…several other colleges say “no poem”. They think it is gimmicky. Someone I know did sent out a poem and was rejected, again it was probably not the poem …but at least it didnt wow them enough to get in.</p>

<p>from what I’ve seen, UChicago is a big fan of the gimmicks (have you gotten any of the mail they send out? It’s extraordinarily cheesy). If you were to submit a poem to any school, UChicago would be a good pick. How is the poem itself? Is it clever? Does it say what you want to say better than you could in a normal essay? Be honest with yourself- if this is your best approach, then go for it.</p>