What to write about?

<p>A. Write about a prestigious math camp I attended and what I have gained from it. I think this would be a good catch because my focus is math and science. But, I fear this might make me seem pretentious and 'typical'.</p>

<p>B. Write about a big speech I had to make. I prepared a lot for it, but I ended up stumbling halfway into it. It was probably the most embarrassing moment of my life, but I learned a great deal from it. I'm not sure if this would be viewed positively or negatively.</p>

<p>C. Write about the death of a close family member and how it has affected me. This is probably the most personal experience I could write about. It doesn't seem like it would add anything interesting about me.</p>

<p>This is for the common app essay, and I don't have the time to write and edit three separate essays. I have never read a college essay in my life. Are they supposed to be 'this is what I have done', 'this is why you should pick me', or 'this is my life' type of essays?</p>

<p>The essay should be a place where you reflect and tell the reader something about yourself. Since you haven't read a college essay in your life, I suggest that you read a book called "100 Successful College Essays." They have great examples.</p>

<p>I like the sound of B, however A could also work if written well. </p>

<p>College essays are suppose to be extra to the application. It should be something unique about you and something that the colleges can use to get to know you, your personality, and/or your passion as much as possible.</p>

<p>Are all college essays supposed to be 'story like'? So far, all the essays I have read are about 'crossing the finish line' or 'climbing the mountain'.</p>

<p>I would feel so much more comfortable just explaining something than turning it into a story. Take these prompts for example. Are these just asking for a straightforward answer or a story?</p>

<ol>
<li>Describe the world around you and how it has impacted your dreams.</li>
<li>Choose an extracurricular and explain why you initially chose it, why you continued with it, and how you benefited from it.</li>
</ol>

<p>You can do it any way you want. It's not supposed to be a story. It's not supposed to be anything--just do it the way you want it to. I still suggest that you pick up the book I recommended.</p>

<p>Thanks for the help, dchow08. I was able to preview a few pages of the book online. Next time I'm at the book store, I'll definitely check it out!</p>

<p>Personally, I like choice B. It is, for a lack of a better word, embarrasing, to be embarrased, however, it shows something special to overcome it. You should write about it from whichever perspective represents you, and I hardly doubt it will be taken negatively. Usually essays are not viewed negatively unless they are offensive.</p>

<p>I am undecided over A or B. But I don't think you should write about C. Because death in the family essays seem a bit cliche. :-/</p>

<p>show the admissions officers something they don't already know about you. I would go with B. Cause if you are pursuing a major in math/science they already know how good you are at math based off of test scores and that kind of stuff.
B gives some insight into you as a person and not just another great student. just my opinion. then again....i am really into off beat essays. i think they really mix things up and catch eyes.
My goal in my essays were to make admissions officers be like....wat the heck!! who is this guy? really interesting kid....then at the end of the day stilll be kinda baffled and like...woah...interested kid this zfox001 is..
haha</p>

<p>College essays give you an opportunity to "talk" to the admissions committe in a way. You list you stats so they know that you are smart. You list your ECs so they know that you do other stuff than study. You turn in teacher reccomendations so that the admissions committee can here from a credible adult how stellar you are. However, unlike the teacher reccs, the essay is your opportunity to present yourself, your character/motivations/tenacity/passions/strengths, etc. Don't waste it by simply restating what you put in the activities section. Any topic has potential. However make sure that YOU and not the math camp, big speech or death is the forefront of the essay. Choose the topic that allows you to let admissions know the most about you. Remember that, although these were all important moments in your life, you are more than just a math camp, or embarrasing moment, or loss of a family member. Make sure admissions can get a good feel of who you are.</p>

<p>I'm pretty new and inexperienced at this, and am not sure what to write about. A couple ideas popped into my head:</p>

<ol>
<li><p>I love travelling to new places/countries, it's one of my passions.</p></li>
<li><p>On a youth group trip I took a blind man to breakfast one day and had an awesome conversation with him. It was really personal and eye-opening.</p></li>
<li><p>Sometimes they say that you should talk about your intended major, so I could write one about my dad being an engineer and how he taught me things, brought me into work, and really influenced me into wanting to be an engineer.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>Not quite sure what could be appealing to admissions officers. Are these okay, or should I elaborate more on EC's or academics to "brag" about myself more?</p>

<p>write about 2.</p>

<p>"conversation with blind man was eye-opening."</p>

<p>i like that!</p>

<p>I definitely am going to have to write more than one essay, so are the other two okay, do they need improvement, what other topics would be better?</p>

<p>others are ok but 2 is the best.</p>