<p>When looking closely at all 4 essay options, I realized that the first option is different from the other 3 in that it asks the applicant to describe someone ELSE. The other 3 all essentially ask the applicant to describe how an event/experience affected him/her. The wording of the first option ("Tell us about a person who has influenced you in a significant way.") implies that they only want to know about the PERSON who influenced the applicant, and not how that influence affected the applicant. Did anyone else interpret this differently? It seems odd that the other 3 options all ask for something different than Option 1.</p>
<p>Anyone? Please?</p>
<p>Hmm. I always interpreted it as how the person affected you. I see what you mean about the wording, but I would say that you are definitely safe (and it would probably be better) to briefly describe the person in the context of the situation and then discuss how they affected you and what they mean to you. I mean, I think Princeton really wants to know how they have influenced you in a significant way, and something deeper about yourself.</p>
<p>I chose this essay topic last year and wrote about my mother. The essay was not about her, it was about how she shaped the way I view the world. I would advise against writing exclusively about another person, the admissions office wants to get to know you.</p>
<p>Don't know if I'm replying late, but I think you're over thinking it :p</p>
<p>I talked about my keyboard instructor at India, and how he altered my perspective of music, and how it motivated me to start my own music classes.</p>
<p>There a bit about his personality, teaching techniques, etc. But for the most part, it was written from MY perspective and the influence the experience was having on me.</p>