For my college essay I was thinking about writing about my “passion” for dance, but how my mom did not let me pursue it and I found ways to get around that. Obviously the whole essay wont be about this, I’ll tie it to a bigger picture. This essay would be more humorous and laid back.
Or I can write about how this guy asked me if I considered myself american or my other ethnicity first. I would talk about my answer and tie it to a bigger picture. This essay would be more serious.
Here’s the litmus test: does either essay give them a reason to say yes to your application? Does it show you to be the type of person they’re looking to have on campus? You have only 650 words to separate yourself from your statistics-- to show them that you’re a better choice than someone else whose application is virtually identical to yours.
Obviously, it would depend on what you write. But I can see a lot more danger with #1-- you could come off as whiny, or unappreciative, or the essay could be more about mom or about getting around established rules. Yes, you could certainly avoid all those issues and write a great essay, but you’ll have to be really careful.
I think #2 has fewer risks.
Why not try a draft of both and see how you feel?
could I send you a post of the first essay? I wrote it today and I feel pretty solid about it. I don’t think its whiny, I just think it talks about me as a person.
I also wrote the second essay. They’re both pretty short so if you could give me your opinion that would be great.
Sorry, I just went back to school and am totally swamped. I’m stopping by on my way to bed.
You can try to PM it to me, but I’m not sure when I can get to it.