attenuation

I was looking around at the boards, and I was under the impression that people use the essay to "back up" or elaborate on their activity list in their applications. Some also use this essay space to explain about some difficulty they might have experienced during their high school years, etc. ...
That's great, but what about essays that are more idea-based? For example, I have essays that basically explain my intellectual interests by linking them (they are quite different areas-- arts and sciences) together... but do not really refer to any of my extracurricular activities, or even to any of my actions. (However, they do sort of back up the fact that I AM INTERESTED in those areas that I have pursued through extracurriculars...)

I know, I've heard it before: "It's not a matter of what you write about, it's a matter of HOW you write it." True, but it's also probably true that certain overall essay topics / structures tend to be easier to write about in a way that will be more generally accepted/approved of by college admission officers.

So, do you think an idea/theory-based essay will be acceptable? Might it be disfavored?

Thank you for your help!

interelations09

I think that if you can write about that topic eloquently and within the allotted words, go for it! Certainly one of the points of the college essay is to stand apart from the crowd, and if you can do that well, you have a head up on the competition. Also, I know that people who use the essays as a secondary resume don't typically fair as well, so for sure, you should try that topic, and if it sounds good, and you like it, send it in! Good luck!

Chedva

Remember that the essay needs to tell you something about YOU. It shouldn't be an intellectual exercise. If the theoretical essay tells them only about how you think, and not who you are, it won't do that much for your application.

Think of it this way: You're on a date. Your date knows all about your school background. What do you want your date to know about you. You have 500 words. Go.

interelations09

But I also think that how you think, or the intelectual you, can explain who you are as an individual.

attenuation

^ Yeah, that's the thing... if I were to go on a date, I would rather discuss my intellectual ideas than DO something anyway... it's more fun... Besides, my essay wasn't going to be about my academic work, it was going to be about joining my ideas/philosophy about certain activities I do, and how my approach towards those ideas evolved over time as I read more, experienced more, thought more... over my high school career. I might allude to some books I have read.

Does anybody else have any input? I would really appreciate it.

pearandson

Essays aimed at describing how one thinks are problematic for a few reasons. First, they tend to be abstract. This results in abstruse prose, making them uninteresting and difficult to read. Second, colleges probably don't care much about how one thinks unless they're a genius or it's manifested within their personality. On a side note, one can probably depict their personality much more clearly and interestingly with a specific experience. Finally, one is much more likely to stand out in the college admissions process if the reader can empathize with the essay. This isn't likely to happen unless the admissions officer thinks the same way as the writer, which is a long shot.

I think you'll benefit much more by describing and reflecting on an experience or influence. This way you can not only show colleges what you've experienced, but also show them what kind of person you are and, ultimately, how you think.

attenuation

I have a second question about essays.
Should they be balanced? I have four essays-- three short, one long. Would it look strange if all four of them were about one general subject (say, math or science)? Should I balance it out by having one essay that more directly reflected my personal development or interactions with others? (Math and science are not exactly the most emotionally engaging activities ever, hehe)