I am currently writing my college essays and am having trouble deciding what to write about for my Michigan “what community I belong to essay”. I am deciding between writing about these two topics:
Talking about living in Chicago but being from Detroit (really living just outside these cities but ya know) and how I identify as a product of both places and being torn as to where is "home". (I thought this might help my chances since I am OOS but I was born/lived in Mich and my whole family is from there and my dad also went to UMich)
OR
Living in an affluent area but raising awareness about homelessness and advocating for affordable housing with a Chicago homeless shelter. (basically how I wanted to expose myself to social issues that I wouldn't otherwise see, and educate people who misunderstand those who are homeless)
Neither. The essay needs to be interesting, unique and personal to be effective. The first one could be interesting but not sure where you are going with it. I am also from Detroit but live in Chicago and my son goes to Michigan. My wife went there also. It won’t help your chances. Your dad being legacy will already be listed on the application.
The second one is very cliche. Well off suburban kid helps the homeless. You and 5,000 other kids will have that essay. Not sure how second one answers the question either.
Maybe a different take. Do you go back to Detroit area often?
When I wrote my essays I wrote about my community as an artist (although I’m not attending the school for art). Your community can be any group that you associate yourself with; therefore, writing about location/birthplace won’t be all too unique unless those areas have drastically different cultures.