<p>Throughout my life, I've lived in 6 different countries (France, Canada, Usa, Germany, China, Belgium) and I've travelled to over 30 countries. Would this extensive travelling be something that could "set me apart or distinguish me from other candidates"? How much would you say colleges care about this kind of stuff? Have any of you had a similar experience?</p>
<p>I think it would be a good essay topic.
People write essays about all kinds of random stuff, so nothing is completely irrelevant. But most essay topics are okay as long as the essay is written well.</p>
<p>Definitely not an ec. You could use it as an essay topic if you truly focus on what you learned from these experiences, how they add to you as a person, etc. On the other hand, it has the potential of making you appear as if you paid your way into opportunity.</p>
<p>On the face of it, another “I lived in many countries, experienced many cultures, and can appreciate peoples’ differences” essay seems rather banal.</p>
<p>While usually few topics are poor per se, I think you’d find deeper material elsewhere in your life.</p>
<p>This is definitely something unique and has a good potential of becoming a good essay. As long as you talk about how it has influenced you as a person, and talk about what you want the colleges to know more about you. More importantly FOCUS on one thing at a time.</p>
<p>avoid sounding cliche avoid sounding cliche avoid sounding cliche.</p>
<p>I do think travel has potential to be a good essay topic, as long as it’s not “I went to X country and learned diversity and this is how much money my parents make.”</p>
<p>wimmiett’s post is right on. It is an incredibly interesting topic which definitely sets you apart…if you write about it from an angle which tells something about YOU. You could start with your favorite anecdote from one of those countries, or a specific incident which you find particularly meaningful, and mention as context only the numbers or names of countries. You want it to be about who you are and how it shaped you but not about privilege, or the military, or whatever took you to those places.</p>
<p>A number of posters have hinted at what I believe is the key issue: when adcoms see that you have traveled to 30 countries, they immediately assume your family has significant resources. This causes them to view your application in a totally different (harsher and more rigorous) perspective.</p>
<p>Suddenly, your test scores are expected to be higher due to tutors and prep classes. Your ECs must be more impressive since you theoretically have more connections and opportunities. Even grades must be higher with your “easy life” and the focus that it allows.</p>
<p>Is this fair? Probably not. Is it reality? Likely so.</p>
<p>I would suggest using a different essay topic, or at least limiting your essay to a specific anecdote from a single foreign country or culture.</p>
<p>I have no idea what colleges look for. But I was wondering: would you tell me what it’s like to live in so many different countries? What’s your favourite country? What are the differences in the various cultures? How difficult is it to get acclimated to a new language? I’ve always wanted to live in, and not just visit, lots of places all over the world.</p>