Should essays talk about your intended major and interest in the school?

College Essays
1

<p>Hey all,
I just finished Junior year and I'm planning to write a first draft for my essay because I feel that it's easier to jump off of a shakey first draft than nothing at all.</p>

<p>As the title stated, should essays talk about why we fit the major and school? All the schools I'm applying to use CommonApp, and none of the 5ish 6ish questions ask this specifically, so...??</p>

<p>Specifically speaking, I'm planning on going into architecture, but I think I'm going to write about my fascination with propaganda and Mao souvenirs because of their symbolism and how they can change the way someone thinks. Should I be relating how architectural design can ALSO change how someone thinks or experiences the area around him or her? Or should I focus more on myself and my curiosity and insatiable desire for knowledge (even if the history of Mao-ism has NOTHING to do with architecture)?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>I have a similar doubt myself. Can anyone enlighten us?</p>

3

<p>The essay should tell the admissions folks things that they wouldn't know about you from reading the rest of the application. Go from there.</p>

4

<p>But what if my "passion" is nature and I write my essay about my concerns regarding my concern about the environmental problems and how I want to do some day research about new ecological ways of getting energy or stuff; but in the same time my application says I have some ECs connected to nature or ecology, SATs in chem and bio and one of my majors is environmental studies? Should I find another topic for my essay?</p>

5

<p>Your personality and personal, specific experiences in your field will not be apparent in a listing of ECs and courses. Therefore, an essay on "nature" that reveals some of these things would not be out of place.</p>

<p>Your topic should be that which allows you to be most personal, specific, honest and revealing about yourself. If that topic pertains to nature, then write on nature.</p>

6

<p>Aside from the main common app essay, some colleges ask for a supplemental essay that generally asks why you want to go to that college or something to that effect. So, that's where you can write about the major and school (assuming the college has such a supplemental essay).</p>

7

<p>After reading many sample essays that "worked," I can honestly say that everything there is to write about in the sports realm has been written. Even though sports is your passion, I'm sure many other things fill you with zeal.
But if you're really set on doing so, write about one UNIQUE experience ("sports" is a big topic) otherwise just don't bother.</p>

8

<p>Jim32990... what!? I understand what you're saying but... who are you replying to? <em>is lost</em></p>