I am applying to some very competitive schools, so it’s crucial that my essay be strong. I’m applying almost exclusively through the Common App, and after pondering the prompts, there are only 2 ideas that have come to mind. I don’t know if either are any good or if they’re both too cliché or weak, so I would really appreciate any brutally honest opinions.
-I’m not completely sure which prompt this would fit under, but one thing I could write about is how I struggled with fitting into the stereotypical Asian mold while it seemed that everyone around me was the perfect little Asian child. I would write about how it affected my image of my self worth and how I eventually broke from that, accepting and appreciating the differences that made me unique in that sense.
-Prompt ? (Maybe 5?): When I was 12, I was hit by a car. The shame and guilt that arose from that incident as well as the (albeit very mild compared to other cases) PTSD quickly consumed my life. I couldn’t sleep because of the flashbacks and I had serious issues with being in a car or crossing streets for a long time afterward. I’m not sure I can pinpoint exactly why this occurred, but I truly see that day as the turning point of when I rapidly began to “grow up.” Now, I could go one of a few ways with this: I could focus the essay on how I realized the value of talking to people instead of bottling it up, or I could focus it on how I realized my parents and the adults around me can’t protect me from life, that it was up to me to be my own protector.
If you’ve read this far, thank you. I don’t know if either topic is appropriate, or if the first would be offensive and the second would be too personal and weighty. I’d love to hear some feedback!
I would write both essays and see which you like better and let friends family acquaintances read and discuss as you don’t want to miss the essay of a lifetime by not writing it. If you don’t have time for both, brainstorm for both and write an outline, writing whichever has more content. Its not about the topic, by what the topic means to you. Focus on the changes that occurred in you and not the sobby stuff. I.e. not the PTSD but overcoming it and becoming an unshakeable independent individual who wishes to convey the lessons to others and carry that will to your carrier.
As you may have noticed, I mean to say no topic is inherently better than the other. A skilled writer can write a grand essay of eating lunch and the inexperienced can skewer their past into self pity. Make sure to read reread and revise.
I’m going to be honest. Neither shines. They are both kind of… downers, I guess. You want to give them a reason to want you on campus. If you can intrigue or entertain an overworked admissions officer reading hundreds of essays, bonus points! Your essay topic does not have to be deadly serious or weighty. It does need to reveal your personality, and make them think that you would add something to their campus. You do have the right idea to brainstorm ideas regardless of the prompts, then try to figure out how to fit to one.
The first one seems like it could be a) unoriginal or b) bitter, so I’d do the second one, but try and keep it as psitive as possible? Don’t focus too much on how upset you were. It seems like you have good ideas for an essay about how you developed from it though so it could be cool!
Your #1 is described as a bit of a downer- I understand that you personally might have felt alienated from the molded people around you, but that essay doesn’t necessarily portray you as dynamic or positive. If you did go this route, and focused on your differences made you unique, it could end up being a killer essay! Especially if you found some interesting or valuable quirks you could put the spotlight on, and used them as a parallel for you maturation.
2 again could be solid if you focus more on the lessons learned. Again, maybe use your incident as a parallel for your maturation, because that would be interesting to read. The car accident is probably slightly more unique than not fitting in, but don't worry about cliches. What's more important is how you write it.
Both your topics can be great if written well, but also could be depressing if you highlight the wrong parts. You can’t go wrong- pick the topic you find yourself more passionate about, and write sincerely. College admissions officers want to get to know YOU. Which essay best portrays you?