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Need some opinions on which essay topics to chose...
moilamort
16 replies2 threads Junior Member
Hi!
I'm not sure what topic I should select to write about for my college essay. Each one of these events did shape me in some way, but I'm not sure which one has had the most impact. I'm more concerned as to which one sounds the most unique/interesting/attention grabbing:
1.) My trips (both exchange trips) to France and Russia. They marked the first time I've ever traveled (been on a plane and left the country). I lived in France for a month and later visited Russia for 2 weeks. Both trips sparked my passion for language and diplomacy. I worked hard at my French prior to leaving and by the end of it, I could think and dream in French. During my Russia trip, I used Russian as much as I could and got interested in the language that way. My school just approved me for a year long advanced studies project where I'm going to self-study Russian (hopefully) to competency.
2.) My struggles in mathematics, which stemmed from me hopping around some really rough public elementary schools. My high school placed me in the most advanced math class for freshmen, which sucked for me, because I barely could do algebra/pre-algebra and still counted on my fingers. I had to use elementary level (4th grade) Khan Academy to get myself up to a reasonable level in math. Last year I just finished AP Calc tho, so it's a real success. This essay would also explain my poor grades in freshman year math
3.) My house, which is a construction zone. We purchased it as a fixer upper a few years back and it was a big moment for our family because prior to we had just dealt with losing our home (due to taxes, out of our control) and moving 3 times because of it. The new house has become a way for us to unleash our creativity, and it's lead to me learning some weird skills, like how to grout a bathroom and rewire electric currents.
What topic caught your attention the most? Which should I write about? What do you think would look nicest to colleges?
45 replies I'm not sure what topic I should select to write about for my college essay. Each one of these events did shape me in some way, but I'm not sure which one has had the most impact. I'm more concerned as to which one sounds the most unique/interesting/attention grabbing:
1.) My trips (both exchange trips) to France and Russia. They marked the first time I've ever traveled (been on a plane and left the country). I lived in France for a month and later visited Russia for 2 weeks. Both trips sparked my passion for language and diplomacy. I worked hard at my French prior to leaving and by the end of it, I could think and dream in French. During my Russia trip, I used Russian as much as I could and got interested in the language that way. My school just approved me for a year long advanced studies project where I'm going to self-study Russian (hopefully) to competency.
2.) My struggles in mathematics, which stemmed from me hopping around some really rough public elementary schools. My high school placed me in the most advanced math class for freshmen, which sucked for me, because I barely could do algebra/pre-algebra and still counted on my fingers. I had to use elementary level (4th grade) Khan Academy to get myself up to a reasonable level in math. Last year I just finished AP Calc tho, so it's a real success. This essay would also explain my poor grades in freshman year math
3.) My house, which is a construction zone. We purchased it as a fixer upper a few years back and it was a big moment for our family because prior to we had just dealt with losing our home (due to taxes, out of our control) and moving 3 times because of it. The new house has become a way for us to unleash our creativity, and it's lead to me learning some weird skills, like how to grout a bathroom and rewire electric currents.
What topic caught your attention the most? Which should I write about? What do you think would look nicest to colleges?
This discussion has been closed.
Replies to: Need some opinions on which essay topics to chose...
The whole idea was to think of a story that is interesting, hooks them in (the admissions officers), impacted you, and that only you could write. The professor stressed that anyone can write a good essay (with enough time and feedback) but that the hardest part is choosing a good topic. I just wanted to get an idea as to what seemed the most intriguing
Because I don't know anyone here on CC, I decided to ask here which topics popped out the most. She advised against asking friends/family because they already know me.
I can/will definitely keep brainstorming though. Thanks!
Personally I think essay #3 could be really interesting depending on how you write it.
Try to remember this is for admission, not just a high school paper. And you said T20.
It needs to speak to what the adcoms are looking for, various traits, for their college class. You need to understand a bit about what they look for, then find a narrative that "shows, not just tells."
These 3 topics would difficult to do that. And despite much advice to write as no one else could, there are only so many experiences kids have had. Lots will write on similar topics and that's fine.
Have you actually seen the Common App prompts?
Who's teaching this class?
Write the Essay No One Else Could Write
"It boils down to this: the essay that gets you in is the essay that no other applicant could write.
Is this a trick? The rest of this guide gives you the best strategies to accomplish this single
most important thing: write the essay no one else could write.
If someone reading your essay gets the feeling some other applicant could have written it,
then you’re in trouble.
Why is this so important? Because most essays sound like they could have been written by
anyone. Remember that most essays fail to do what they should: replace numbers (SAT/GPA) with the real you.
Put yourself in the shoes of an admissions officer. She’s got limited time and a stack of
applications. Each application is mostly numbers and other stuff that looks the same. Then she picks
up your essay. Sixty seconds later, what is her impression of you? Will she know something specifically
about you? Or will you still be indistinguishable from the hundreds of other applicants she has been
reading about?"
So how can you talk about your trips an not sound like everyone student who has travelled? Details!
Granted, this was only the first class we've had. Perhaps I'm taking what she's said and running with it, although this was the central message of today's class.
You said Top 20 colleges. There will be applicants who never got a B. Don't lead with a weakness.
Until OP has a better understanding of what T20 colleges look for, how will she know the topics and writing that shows them that? Right now, this teacher seems to be focuding on "interesting," and not "relevant."
After OP better understands what sorts of attributes tippy tops look for, she might be able to reframe #3.
There was causation for the grade but colleges won't know unless I tell them. I've also overcome these troubles, and some of my ECs are even related to helping out other kids who faced similar situations as I did (I've started tutoring programs for inner city kids in failing schools struggling at math/reading)
It is a weakness, but wouldn't it be weaker to not address it? Is it wiser to put it in the additional information section?
Of course I cannot write here everything I plan on touching on in my college essays. That would be way too long, and frankly, would be a bad use of your time. I just came here for a quick second opinion, honestly
Apologies, that sounds harsh.