Common app essay idea.. please help!!

Colleges & Universities Cornell University
1

<p>I’m going to be applying ED to Cornell for engineering. I’m trying to start on my essay, but I just feel like nothing is interesting enough. I have three ideas for topics:

  1. my culture- I’m Nigerian and I was thinking about writing about my ethnic background, but I feel like I just can’t find a twist to put on it so it won’t be like every other essay about a foreign culture,
  2. drawing- drawing is one of the biggest hobbies I have (I LOVE to draw), but I can’t think of anything to connect it with, I think it would be a little boring If I just talked about drawing,
  3. volleyball- honestly volleyball isn’t that big in my life, but I have played for 3 years and I was thinking I could just exaggerate a little about what it’s taught me like endurance and teamwork and all that crap.
    So, I’m just being really indecisive about this and I feel like I’m over thinking it because I do that all the time (I’m always in my head), but I just want a really good essay. I am a really good writer, I just need a good topic. So, any help or advice will be so greatly appreciative.</p>
2

<p>What if you related your love of drawing and your cultural ties?</p>

3

<p>That’s a good idea. I’ll try to think of a link between the two. Thank You.</p>

4

<p>Based on your brief description, it sounds like drawing is your biggest passion. Thus, I would definitely recommend writing an interesting anecdote about this. </p>

<p>Perhaps someone commented on one of your drawings at some point in time that made you think in a new way. Maybe your love of drawing forced you into a difficult decision in class scheduling or ECs. Or, you might have a strong relationship with an instructor, or another artist, that developed because of your drawing.</p>

<p>Remember that your essay should allow the adcom to know you better. They do not want to read about a person that you think they will like.</p>