Art History

momrath
Fri, 08 Sep 2006 03:28:15 +0000

I guess I am a nerd.

Good news. College is the time and place for nerds to inherit the earth. :)

Essays are an opportunity for you to show (not tell) a facet of your personality that will appeal to colleges. “Let us into your world” is how one adcom explained it. Write about an event that reflects a passion, an intense interest, a pasttime that inflames your intellectual curiosity. Your recommenders and your activity list should mention and reinforce this enthusiasm.

By the way, have you looked at U of Chicago’s essays? That should get your creative juices going.

As I said, homeschooling is a special category. I’m not an expert, but I do believe that many colleges value traits that are developed in homeschooling, so that experience in itself can be a point of differentiation. I’d suggest that you post your dilemma on the homeschooling board as well.