Which idea do you think is the best for my essay?

College Essays
1

Hey guys I am starting to write my common app essay and wondering which idea you think is best and will help me have a better chance of getting into a decent school?

Note (each number corresponds with the common app prompt)

Number 1-Interest in math and fascination with numbers
Number 2-Not succumbing to the pressures of living in a low class environment( everyone smokes, works minimum wage job) and going to a low rated school where you see fights , kids misbehaving, fooling around
Number 4-Getting over my fear of public speaking
Number 5-Realizing that I needed to pay attention in school and work my best or I would end up homeless much like those around where I lived. Also crack addicts
Number 2-Getting a C in my first class in high school
Number 2-Being independent with no one to help you; having to do everything from start to finish
Number 3-Questioning god
Number 4-Creating a program for teens who go through rough phases in their life
Number 4-Providing money and support to family.

2

I’m confused by your numbering system (1, 2, 4, 5, 2, 2, 3, 4, 4, 4??). I would have numbered them 1-11.

I like your first two the best, followed by the last one.

Edited to add: Now I understand that the number correlates to prompt numbers, but I still think labeling your ideas 1-11 would work better.

3

I like getting over the fear of public speaking if you can make it interesting. I also like providing money and support to your family.

4

It all really depends on how you write it, and most of those essays can work. Do whichever one comes easiest for you to write while still being well-written. However, I suggest not doing the one about getting a C or the one about low class environment. Just my opinion. Also, overcoming public speaking is a bit overused, or at least I’d think so. Good luck writing your essay!

5

I also like the public speaking topic, as well as creating the teen program.

6

1 for sure. Stanford for instance asks about intellectual vitality. All the elite colleges want to know what fascinates you. The other stuff about life challenges is better handled by your guidance or college counselor who can provide a context for your grades etc.

7

The writing should be relevant to what any adcoms are looking for, in an admit review. Not any topic in a hs open writing assignment. Try to know the difference.

Ask yourself, eg, how a fear of homelessness makes them want you at their college. Same with supporting your family- if you aren’t careful, they could think you don’t want to leave home/your job or won’t prioritize the college experience.

And it’s not just the topic, but how you deliver it. The principle is, “Show, not just tell,” let them see it in a nice narrative tale. So just proclaiming you love math isn’t it. Think about how what you write will show them what they need to see.

8

so which ones should i already rule out?

9

Honestly, I suggest doing brainstorming on each of these topics. Then after you do that you can easily eliminate those prompts that you see to struggle to write about. Even a quick 2 sentences could really help you to figure that out. No one here knows you so we have no idea which prompt you really should pick. If this does not work someone personal to you could help you wonders here.

10

number 4
:smiley:

11

Number 1-Interest in math and fascination with numbers – love this one

Number 2-Not succumbing to the pressures of living in a low class environment( everyone smokes, works minimum wage job) and going to a low rated school where you see fights , kids misbehaving, fooling around – possible ifyou write about this from the POV of “Live had its challenges, but it made me stronger” – and focus on a SINGLE EVENT. you only hav 650 words.

Number 4-Getting over my fear of public speaking–okay but this is fairly common topic I think.

Number 5-Realizing that I needed to pay attention in school and work my best or I would end up homeless much like those around where I lived. Also crack addicts – similar to #2

Number 2-Getting a C in my first class in high school – this is similar or a subsection of some other topics here. possibly. An event along the way.

Number 2-Being independent with no one to help you; having to do everything from start to finish – I hear you. You’re doing great and you will continue to do great. I think that this is a theme that you have in your other topics.

Number 3-Questioning god – interesting and I personally find this fascinating. It could be great depending on how you write about it. You know there are 5000+ gods in the world after all . . . . . No one questions not believing in Zeus.

Number 4-Creating a program for teens who go through rough phases in their life – very nice. This could be either the topic of yoru essay or it could be a supporting element of your transition to a great, independing, strong student… now you’re helping others.

Number 4-Providing money and support to family. – I hear you. Been there done that. You are doing great. You are so ahead of the game if you’ve done this already. You have real life skills.Again this could be info that supports some of your other topics.

When you write, choose ONE struggle that stands out. “That time when the lights went off in the house and getting them turned back on.” maybe or whatever you choose. Choose one incident and make yourself the character in a story. Showing the situation. “I was about to type the last period on my essay for school when the computer powred down. Hey! I lost my homework! I stood up from the table. The lights were out all over the house etc.”

That’s showing. Telling would be: “I always had to pay the electric bills for my family.”

12

Without the story that drives the essay, it is impossible to recommend.

Also, don’t assume everyone knows the prompts. Agree that it is hard to respond because of your numbering. In general, I think avoiding “downer” topics is a good idea, unless you have a really compelling story (homelessness, foster care, etc type compelling).

13

The OP started this essay last December. I’m going out on a limb and guessing he’s decided on one.

14

^unless he is writting it today about the risks of procrastination…

15

MODERATOR’S NOTE:
Well, the OP has not been back since January, so even if s/he is still writing, s/he obviously has no interest in out answers. Closing thread.