which essay topic should I choose?

internationalstu · 11-01-2009, 07:26 AM

I have written 2 essays and don't know which one to choose!
The first one is about dance and crossing cultures, but it sounds more idealistic and unpersonal.
The second one is about a friend has taught me to be open and overcome fears, and it is more personal but does not show academic qualities. It just shows that I have learned that love is very important.

I like the second one more...but is it important to include something that gives a reason why I want to attend college or can I leave it out??

Sirensong · 11-01-2009, 08:08 AM

I think the point is for the college to get a really good sense of who you are...I honestly think the dance/culture essay could be much better if you found a way to make it really personal, but if the other one has more "you" in it, then it's probably a better choice.

internationalstu · 11-01-2009, 10:58 AM

the second one actually has more "me" in it; it is written like a short story and describes my developement as a person. The first one would be probably better contentwise, but I have no idea of how to make it more personal...it describes how I grew up and how dance and school affected me..but it is not strong.

and does it really not matter that I don't include the reason I want to go to college?

internationalstu · 11-01-2009, 02:24 PM

bump which one??

internationalstu · 11-02-2009, 01:41 AM

bummmmpbummmp

internationalstu · 11-02-2009, 12:28 PM

please give your opinion! I need it for the UCs..........

shay_888 · 11-02-2009, 12:32 PM

I'd choose the 2nd one if it's more personal.

internationalstu · 11-03-2009, 09:35 AM

I see, thanks! is it always the personal, the better?

internationalstu · 11-04-2009, 09:56 AM

so many viewers so little replies

shay_888 · 11-04-2009, 10:59 AM

Well the essay reveals more about who you are, so you want it to be personal so they can know a personal side of you. But, I'm not in college yet, so who knows what they really want!

internationalstu · 11-05-2009, 10:52 AM

thanks, anyway

BusyMei · 11-05-2009, 11:19 AM

First, what is the prompt? Difficult to tell without knowing that.

Second, although some topics are better than others, you can write a good essay with any topic if done right. So again hard to tell.

Judging by some of the advise you gave others and your own work, you seem to have ideas of what a good essay should be already.

I responded to a thread because I like your post. I don't know if you seen it or if it is of any help to you. Anyway here it is:

Can I name a couple of experiences, rather than one in UC Prompt #2?

internationalstu · 11-06-2009, 12:56 AM

well thank you, BusyMei!
the prompt is the first UC prompt: Tell us about the world you come from and how it shaped your dreams and aspirations.
I think I am going to take the more personal one, though...

but for the other prompt that asks for any experiences that makes me proud and makes me the person I am now, I still cannot think of anything....They are a lot of experiences and I just don't know which one to pick

BusyMei · 11-06-2009, 01:17 AM

UC Prompt 1, just gave feedback on one of those last night. Make sure everthing in the essay ties into your dream/aspirations.

UC Prompt 2, try picking 2 or 3 experiences, write a rough outline for each. Perhaps that will help you pick out one to further develop.

buffets · 11-06-2009, 01:24 AM

I would choose the more personal one too. I think it's always better for an essay to be on the personal side, rather than just describing the things you've done.

Just my two cents though. Whichever you think best conveys who you are should be the one you choose to submit.