<p>Is anyone else having trouble with this? The topic is so broad... how exactly am I supposed to define myself in 500 words? I've had this essay on a backburner for over a month and I still can't figure out a way to approach the stupid thing. Can anyone offer any advice?</p>
<p>I was having trouble because of its nonspecificity as well, but I would suggest creating a more specific prompt yourself (while keeping the basic criteria in mind) and then answering the prompt. If you somewhat limit yourself by making your own prompt, it gives you more room to be creative (which sounds kind of weird) and also gives your essay more focus.</p>
<p>I agree with glucose. I changed to a simpler common app essay. What literary character has had a major influence on your life.</p>
<p>Actually, I'm fructose. Get it right.</p>
<p>Just kidding.</p>
<p>lol.. this essay gave me a bit of headache at first too. I just decided to sit down and start writting whatever came to mind when I though about myself (in a third person kind of way; if that makes any sense). then linked a few ideas together to form my essay.</p>
<p>the essay itself went through ALOT of editting too. (well I had a long time to do it) went through about 4 completely different draft ended up putting the 4 main ideas together for my final draft and edited it on the last day. I didn't think it was an "amazing" essay, but it was the best I could've done so I was very happy with it.</p>
<p>just don't do what i did. the writer's block for this one was so monstrously terrible that i kept it off until three days before the deadline. but somehow you get more creative under extreme time pressure?</p>
<p>I had lots of time too; I started writing the essay in the beginning of the school year. It went through lots of drafts and came out looking pretty darn good, although my friends and I have proofread it so much that we can practically recite it by heart.</p>
<p>lol, ofeternity, me and you were in the same boat
i sent in Part II of my App in at 11:47 PM on the 31st</p>
<p>but, in regards to the essay, honestly, just keep it simple and humorous (if possible). one of my friends that got into CC 2010 wrote about a ham and cheese sandwich, so it definitely does not have to be profound by any means</p>
<p>lol don't TRY to be humorous, let it out natrually.. not everyone can write a funny essay and its perfectly alright if you dont. but misplaced humor can hurt you</p>
<p>lol don't TRY to be humorous, let it out natrually.. not everyone can write a funny essay and its perfectly alright if you dont. but misplaced humor can hurt you</p>
<p>I didn't even write the essay kinda... I had an English assignment to write about a "pet idea," mine happened to be gravity (weird I know), and I used that. It really has nothing to do with me personally, and doesn't describe who I am at all, but it shows I can think and write creatively.<br>
The whole point of the essay is to show perspective, which is what grimster's friend must have done. It doesn't have to be about you really, it just has to show who you are.<br>
Anyways, I think writing about a pet idea seems like a good place to start... At least it worked for me!</p>