Would this essay topic stand out at all?

College Essays
1

<p>Let me start off by saying I have slightly below average statistics (31 ACT, 3.9GPA...) for the schools a few of the schools I am applying to (Northwestern, Cornell, UPenn) and I feel like I really only have a chance if I can write an essay that will really catch someones attention.</p>

<p>Looking through the Common App prompts I was considering using "Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn?"</p>

<p>I would write about how I actually failed my first ever test in high school, and realized that I actually had to work hard to get good grades, and that it is ok to ask for help.</p>

<p>So basically what I am wondering is whether or not this would be a good topic for me to write about of if it would be just another run of the mill topic among applicants.</p>

<p>Also if anyone could give me some tips on formatting the essay I would appreciate it, because in school I have really only written your basic 5-8 paragraph intro, thesis, body paragraphs, conclusion essays, and I don't think you could do that with 650 words.</p>

2

<p>It sounds like it could easily be boring.</p>

3

<p>That’s a good start topic, but try to link it to another, non-school-related theme of your life. A college admissions officer is reading about your school performance, so I think it’s important that you show a different side of yourself.</p>

4

<p>Listen to halcyonheather.</p>

5

<p>Like you said, you need to catch their attention. Writing about a common topic is not going to stand out. My best advice is to highlight an experience specific to your own life, making it insightful yet candid, well-explained but not just plot synopsis. Good luck!</p>