Hi,
So I am contemplating between two topics for the common app essay: my musical passion vs my school censuring me and my beliefs.
I am not planning to be a music major by any means, however, music is central to my identity (clearly shows throughout my transcript as well).
For the second topic, basically, my school is super left wing. Anything that you say that goes outside their beliefs will be shut out, and, as a result, you will receive judgment, criticism, and labels from faculty and student alike. Ive been a victim of this for the years at my school- for being open-minded. I was thinking of maybe talking about this to express my interest in the diversity of perspectives and minds of different backgrounds, cultures, and upbringings.
uh the second topic could be risky at least in the way you are presenting it - which is saying your school is evil (at least it comes off that way) and you are the only ray of sunshine there. So try to present it positively if you do that - what you have learned or your approach being around dissimilar views and beliefs. Don’t focus on the negative.
If you’re not planning on doing something involving the arts, I, personally, don’t think it would be in your best interest to talk about music /unless/ you can swing it into a way the mentions how it’s affected your school life /or/ how you plan to add to the institutions music community. As for the second topic, like @blueskies2day said, it could come off poorly. Along with what he said, it could serve as a foreshadow for future problems with rebellion at /their/ school – in their eyes that is. No matter what you decide to choose, just remember that you’re like a product you’re trying to sell to them. Make yourself look like you’re going to bring something to the table – no matter what it is.
best wishes
Thanks, guys. I wanted to present my contributions to diversity in a social, political, and potentially religious environment. I wanted to also present myself as an open-minded person (it does not sound nearly as arrogant as I may across explaining it).
I actually might differ from the others. The essay sometimes works to give information that’s outside of your traditional academic narrative. So you’re not applying to music - who cares? Let’s say you’re applying to something STEM or social sciences related. Talking about your love of music and your passion for it actually will help set you apart from other applicants who have the same academic interest. It makes you a more well-rounded person, someone with multiple dimensions and interests. Colleges LOVE students who are more than just their major.