Writing a (clean) rap for WhyChicago?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Chicago ✅
1

<p>I was thinking of writing a rap for the WhyChicago supplement. I know the topics I would address in the rap (namely the ones expressed in the questions), but I am not sure how I would go about doing it yet. </p>

<p>What do you guys think about this idea? Is this too big of a risk to take, and is it a little late for experimenting (I'm applying EA)? Would it not be received well? </p>

<p>Thank you</p>

2

<p>I think it’s a great idea, go for it!</p>

3

<p>Yes! It sounds fun! UChicago also values creativity and that certainly is creative!</p>

4

<p>I know a kid who wrote submitted “L-L-L Life of the Mind” lyrics to the tune of Bad to the Bone for his why Chicago essay. It worked for him. But this particular kid enjoyed writing humorous poems and song lyrics, did it a lot, and pulled it off very well. So if writing rap is something you do, and do well–this is a great opportunity to show that side of your personality in the app. If not, I think you want to avoid being “creative” just for the sake of being creative and risking coming across as trying too hard.</p>

5

<p>I’m also in for hip hop. I think you should do it.
does hip hop a part of campus culture of Uchi?</p>

6

<p>As motherbear332 said, unless you are truly talented at/enjoy writing urban poetry, then it is a really bad idea and it would be best to avoid doing so.</p>

7

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<p>Yeah, unless you have experience in writing and preforming rap, this may not be the best medium in which to test it out. My initial reaction was that this may come off as a cheap, gimmicky attempt to impress an admissions officer, but if you’re confident in your ability, go for it.</p>

8

<p>“If you’re not a person who often likes to express yourself through rap, poetry, or songwriting, your college application essay is not the time to start. An essay with well considered ideas in a traditional format will carry you much further than a super-quirky format with few solid ideas to back it up.”</p>

<p><a href=“https://blogs.uchicago.edu/collegeadmissions/2012/10/essay_tips_tricks_and_treats.html[/url]”>https://blogs.uchicago.edu/collegeadmissions/2012/10/essay_tips_tricks_and_treats.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

9

<p>Thanks for the input guys! I have actually decided to apply to UChicago RD, so I have more time to work on my essays. I am familiar with rap/hip-hop as I am an avid listener. I also have cranked out some raps myself, although not for a show or production. </p>

<p>Hopefully it comes out well. If anyone is interested in critiquing my rap I would be very grateful- I can PM it once I have finished.</p>

10

<p>OP, you’ve received some good advice from posters. In essence, don’t let the medium overwhelm or drive the message. It should only enhance the message. Here’s another perspective: UChicago uses these WhyChicago essays (of accepted students) to help advisors become familiar with their first year students. My daughter is a first year and wrote her essay in a letter format. She edited it several times to ensure it had substance and carefully articulated why she thought UChicago was the best fit for her. So she was pleasantly surprised to find at their first meeting that her advisor had a copy of her essay and knew much about what she wanted out of her experience at UChicago. So imagine your potential advisor reading your (clean) rap 6 months later. What is he/she going to know about you and UChicago?</p>