Yay or Nay??? Common App Topics

College Essays
1

<p>Hey guys, I'm trying to figure out the best common app topic for the prompts to use on my essay. if you could provide some feedback I'd really appreciate it!</p>

<p>1: Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.</p>

<p>----I was thinking about writing about my upbringing from an immigrant family - the culture that has defined me. </p>

<p>----I was also thinking about a time where I had a serious accident and writing about how it affected me to appreciate life more and other "big picture" stuff</p>

<p>2: Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn?</p>

<p>----Not placing in a piano competition - made me understand the fact that there is always somebody better than you; incredibly humbling experience</p>

<p>3: Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?</p>

<p>----Parents are super stubborn on cultural values and force them on me where I have no independence - I challenged this by being more rebellious</p>

<p>4: Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there, and why is it meaningful to you?</p>

<p>----I am perfectly content at the pool - the water drowns out all the other distractions and helps me explore the depths of my inner thoughts</p>

<p>5: Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.</p>

<p>----I once drove 3-4 hours on a family road trip - I had the fate of my family in my hands because they were sleeping so this made me feel very important...</p>

<p>Let me know what you guys think; stuff can change still but I'd just like to know if any of these sound like an essay with great potential! </p>

<p>Oh and btw I am aiming for the ivies/west coast top tier schools! :)</p>

2

<p>Remember, this isn’t really an open-ended writing assignment, as you could get in hs. It’s all about what they read into it, about your readiness and fit for that college. Be cautious about anything that could have a negative tint (rebellious?) or be irrelevant to college (how much you love the pool?) Try to show the judgment, flexibility, curiosity, adaptability, etc, the most selective schools like to see.</p>

<p>If you are qualified for a most selective, you should be able to make your ideas work. Just remember, it’s your college app. Three Bears: Not too heavy, not too light, just right.</p>

3

<p>I personally like the pool idea, although lookingforward does present very good points. I think the concept of being underwater has good potential if you focus more on your reflection rather than (irrelevant) playfulness; however, be sure not to make it into a cliche competitive swimmer’s response because I feel like a lot of people on a swim team will write about this too.</p>

<p>With that said though, I would pick the prompt that you think can reveal your judgement, flexibility, curiosity, adaptability, etc. that lookingforward speaks of most effectively. I think your pool idea could if you dig deep, but perhaps so could the rest. GL</p>

4

<p>I agree with bhchamp that the pool idea can be a good topic unless swimming is an activity already noted on your college application. The college essay is the opportunity to share with admissions what isn’t on your application. I personally like your essay 1 topics. I suggest you write a rough draft of your top 3 choices and then decide which one has the most potential for an unique college essay.</p>

<p>Hope this helps. : )</p>

5

<p>nay for all of them except the pool and the roadtrip:) which I think you could make interesting.</p>