Topics contradict intended major?

<p>I'm trying to come up with an essay topic and I'm having a difficult time. I plan to major in electrical or computer engineering, but I have a lot of other interests as well. The problem I have is that I'm worried about confusing the people reading my essay.</p>

<p>If, say, I write about an event involving band or playing the trombone, will they wonder why I'm not majoring in music?
If I write about my love of water and swimming, will they wonder why I don't plan to major in something more water-related or even be on the college swim team?
If I write about my experience assistant-teaching a summer class, will they wonder why I'm not going to become a teacher?</p>

<p>Could a topic like these work if I spun the essay to be more about my leadership, work-ethic, or another trait?</p>

<p>Obviously I'm a bit lost in this essay-writing process. Any advice would be appreciated.</p>

<p>Your essay does not have to connect to your major. Any of the topics you suggested will not be a problem.</p>

<p>The best topic for you, though, is the one that allows for the most personal, detailed/specific, and revealing essay. Ideally, the essay that is so personal that only you could write it. </p>

<p>There is excellent advice here:</p>

<p>[Essays</a>, Admission Information, Undergraduate Admission, U.Va.](<a href=“http://www.virginia.edu/undergradadmission/writingtheessay.html]Essays”>http://www.virginia.edu/undergradadmission/writingtheessay.html)</p>

<p>Thank you! That will help a lot.</p>

<p>Hey I’m a trombone-playing engineering major too lol. </p>

<p>But to your question, write about what you know. For me it really was just as simple as that. Unless I had an essay prompt that specifically asked about career plans, I didn’t mention them, because things change. Write about YOU, whatever that may mean.</p>

<p>^ That’s great advice. Thank you very much. Go trombones!</p>