Broad or Specific Common App Essay?

Applying to College Common and Coalition Application
#1

<p>Would writing a broad common app essay about the spectrum of activities I participate in a terrible idea?</p>

<p>I want to write about how I grew into my own person by involving myself in a whole range of activities instead of limiting myself to one box, one activity, one label. I feel like it expresses who I am a lot better than just writing about a single extracurricular or experience. </p>

<p>However, every common app essay or how to guide I've read focuses on writing about the One Big Thing that emphasizes who you are. I feel a lot more comfortable answering it my way, but I won't break form if it's going to hurt my chances or anything. </p>

<p>What do you guys think? Is it a good idea or heck no?</p>

#2

<p>The best essays get at something inside you, something personal or some real and intimate insight into why you are special and should be on their campus. It’s hard to accomplish this in 650 words and not advisable to take on a broad spectrum of topics or activities in the process. The more focused you are with your topic, the more time you can take to express who you are, how you reacted or grew, what captured your imagination or sparked your interest, or why you thought that particular thing was important. The who and what- the concrete facts - are generally less important in this essay than the reflective insight - the why or how.</p>

#3