<p>For the story prompt, I was thinking of submitting the start to a fiction story. Is it a bad idea to not relate the story to myself? I know that Notre Dame is attempting to learn more about a student through these essays, but I feel like a story related to myself wouldn't be thrilling or suspenseful enough to "get them hooked" in the first 150 words. Also. For this prompt, is it a bad idea to write a thriller, about like murder and gangs and stuff? Does that say something bad about me, even though I would never be involved in this situation? </p>
<p>I applied Early Action (still no word out here in California), and this prompt was the one that immediately grabbed me as the one I absolutely had to write. I’ve always wanted to be a writer and this prompt seemed made for me. But I fell into exactly your predicament, make it about me or make it a story that’s actually able to hook someone in so few words. And honestly when it comes to hooks, that kind of thriller vibe is enticing because it’s easy to make suspenseful.
I ended up writing a story, not about me and entirely made up. Still tried to make it suspenseful but I thought a violent story would somehow reflect badly upon me and my counselor ultimately agreed, so I steered away for that. I can’t speak to its success yet, but in the end I was glad that was the direction I decided to go.
So not a definitive answer (I’m sorry) but I hope it helps in any way to hear another persons decision. Best of luck!</p>
<p>I actually spoke to an admissions counselor at ND who said they got some violent essays and were turned off immediately. Not to say it’ll make or break you, but I would stay away from anything like that. </p>
<p>I got accepted, and wrote a thriller (though there was no murder or gangs, it was more about crash landing on an island, think “LOST”). Was a bit violent though. @magsdev96 is probably right though, don’t overdo it, or maybe just avoid it completely.</p>
<p>I chose this essay prompt and wrote about one of my favorite activities. I made it into a story and left the reader thinking at the end. It seemed to work for me, but I feel like my best essay was my ideal intellectual field trip one. Have fun with these supplements and make sure to spend a lot of time on them! </p>
<p>I kind of did a story- I wrote about the life of my great-great aunt, the oldest living woman in Ireland (109 years old). Since it was a “beginning” I wrote about her early life and involvement with the IRA. It wasn’t really about me at all, but it wasn’t entirely made up either. I was accepted EA and I think that my essays were a large part of that, so I’d say be creative! But, like other people said, try not to overdo it either. I kind of made the ending a bit of a cliffhanger and my English teacher said that that was a good way to do it. Good luck!!!</p>
<p>Thanks to everyone who responded! My story doesn’t have actual violence in it, but it does have a gun in it. The main character hasn’t done anything with the gun (yet!). Hmm, you guys are probably right. I guess I’ll write about something else. Would anyone mind reading the original story that I had written? I can submit it to you through the inbox. (Preferably someone who is attending the school or who has already submitted their story!) :)</p>
<p>I was accepted and I had an essay about a guy about to be hung. As long as it’s not too bad you should be fine. If you want I could post mine here?</p>
<pre><code> It was a calm, cloudless day on March 5th, 1678. The day of the execution had arrived, and a restless crowd had gathered to hurl insults at the murderer. However, as Isaac was escorted down the courthouse steps, he ignored them all. He held his head high while making his way towards the gallows. As he approached the wooden platform, he seemed strangely confident.
The execution was to be brief and merciful. Isaac was moved on to the platform directly above the trap door and the rope placed around his neck. He stared out at the crowd, his electric blue eyes piercing the masses.
The constable walked briskly to the lever and, without warning, pushed it down. Isaac dropped, but as he fell, a bright flame ignited. The rope severed, and Isaac fell through the platform. The watchmen raced to the area, but when they arrived, Isaac was gone. On the spot where he had fallen through, only a note remained. The constable picked it up and read “The Lord preserves all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.”
Then a shot rang out and the constable collapsed.
</code></pre>
<p>I’m not questioning the intentions of some of these posters, @Metz987, but generally it’s not a good idea to share your essays, as some people could copy them and use them for their own application.</p>
<p>My apologies then. @GRWH11I’m already in, and I hope no one would steal an essay that’s supposed to say something about themself, but I get what you’re saying. Is there anyway to delete the post? If anyone wants it they can pm me</p>
I was accepted and I wrote about a person rushing to avoid getting late to word only to watch a plane crash the building. I’m an international student and my SATs sucked so I think the writing somehow helped me. Good luck!
Hey guys, I ended up going with my original story idea, since it wasn’t all to violent and since I liked it ,Thanks to everyone who replied, and I’m excited and nervous for decisions to come out today. I did get a Reilly invite, though, so I think that that means I got in? Anyway, thanks again and I’m hoping this thread will help some other students who apply in the future!
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,Thanks to everyone who replied, and I’m excited and nervous for decisions to come out today. I did get a Reilly invite, though, so I think that that means I got in? Anyway, thanks again and I’m hoping this thread will help some other students who apply in the future!