<p>Somebody always mentions that I need to show passion in my essays. What does this mean? Passion for what? I understand that for the essay about extracurricular activities I need to pick possibly one or two related ECs that I’m very involved with and talk about them.</p>
<p>But, what about the other essay, the 500 worder? The one thing that I’m really passionate about is politics, but wouldn’t that seem like I’m trying to push my views on the reader, even though I could talk about myself quite easily and show my writing style?</p>
<p>I brainstormed some topics. Could you guys give your opinions on which one I could show the most passion with?</p>
<li><p>An anecdote about my mom’s very bizarre eye injury at an airport that happened 12 years ago when I was 5. I could relate this to any subject, any type of learning.</p></li>
<li><p>About why I use GNU/Linux instead of Windows on my computer most of the time. The community feel. The open source model. Freedom of speech. Respecting other people.</p></li>
<li><p>I could write about some sort of political event or situation that I’m passionate about. One’s that come to mind are Israel/Palestine, terrorism issue, Iraq. I could show my allegiance to humanity rather than any other group. Although , I don’t know how far this would get me.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>BTW, I’m considering UPenn and Columbia for ED, most likely the latter, so I don’t know if that would influence your decision, but I really don’t know if that would influence your opinions.</p>
<p>Since the terrorism is a big issue of international concern right now, you could write an essay for common application in that topic. No matter what subject you choose, try expressing how the event has affected YOU. If you write about terrorism, for example, don't just tell facts everybody knows or can find out, write about how it has affected you, like loosing someone on September 11th or something. Similar with any essay.</p>
<p>I agree, 2 and 3 are very generic topics. From reading your description of what you want to talk about, I haven't discovered anything about you. You could show an allegiance to humanity, but most people could write about that. Is there anything only you can write about? Or anything that has been demonstrated in your application elsewhere, say in your activities section?</p>
<p>
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2. About why I use GNU/Linux instead of Windows on my computer most of the time. The community feel. The open source model. Freedom of speech. Respecting other people.
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</p>
<p>Maybe an anecdote for this topic would be good -- don't say how great the community is, show it. Give examples. Talk about how you would pop onto IRC at any hour of the night and get computer help, or how this one time you sent in a bug report and the guy actually fixed it, etc.</p>
<p>Topic 3 is common and might aggravate people if not done properly. Topic 1 sounds a bit sketchy since your mom's injury happened when you were 5, and most people don't remember much from back then.</p>
<p>
[quote]
1. An anecdote about my mom's very bizarre eye injury at an airport that happened 12 years ago when I was 5. I could relate this to any subject, any type of learning.
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</p>
<p>Thanks for all the help. The injury has had a huge impact on me, my family, her role in the family...she has had four surgeries cause of the injury. </p>
<p>Also, I'm going to Pakistan this summer for my cousin's wedding. Well, not just that, but to see the rest of my family. Would that be a good topic? I'm not entirely sure what to do with that though. When you go there, you realize how you take life in America or any thriving country for granted.</p>
<p>And also, I was in Saudi Arabia and did an Umrah at Mecca (part of Muslim pilgrimage) and was at the Mosque Medina too. Those were great experiences. I suppose that could be a great topic. Here's the thing though. Would talking about something related to religion turn the reader off?</p>
<p>Personally I'd love to read an essay on #2, but I'm sort of a devout Linux lover myself so I'm probably not a good example of what your target audience would be. I'm sure it could please a larger audience if done well though. If you choose it, just be sure to spice it up with an anecdote or two, like fizix described.</p>
<p>I was actually thinking of writing something about Islam and casting a positive light on it, sort of dispelling some stereotypes. I could really show character and personality with this. What do you think of this topic?</p>
<p>The essay should be about you. It doesn't have to be anything earth-shattering. The broader the topic, the harder it is to write an essay. The injury to your mother will more likely tell the reader a lot about your mother, but not that much about you. The essay about Islam will tell the reader a lot about the faith, but less about you (at least as you've characterized it above). </p>
<p>I know a kid who wrote about the fact that she's always singing. Another about a fall she had and how she felt going to the hospital. A third about a childhood fascination with frogs. Each had great admissions results. Small moments often tell more about you than large ones.</p>
<p>Consider it this way: You're meeting someone for the first time. They already have all your statistics. What is it that you want them to know about you as a person? How do you want to show them who you are? What's important to you? What makes you unique? Then figure out a way to write about it.</p>
<p>Because of the reasons that Chedva has listed above, I think the Linux essay could be the most effective for you. You would, of course, have to explain why you like the community feel and what that says about you and also elaborate on your passion for computers and computing. But it seems like the essay that is most likely to get across who you are to the reader.</p>