<p>Hi, for the 250 word essay - What work of art, music, science, mathematics or literature has surprised, unsettled or challenged you, and in what way?
I wanted to write about an instrument that has challenged me, but it’s quite an obscure one: the theremin. Obviously many people have no idea what a theremin is, so would it be disadvantageous to write about it? I wouldn’t have a lot of room in a 250 words to explain what it was, and since I know admission officers don’t have all the time in the world to look at an essay, would this just confuse them considering they have no idea what it is? </p>
<p>Or am I just being paranoid… (Forgive me, it’s that Dec - college app - anxiety)</p>
<p>And I don’t even know if the answer really works, because they are asking about a work of music and I’m talking about an instrument, is it too far of a stretch?</p>
<p>BTW, a theremin is an instrument that can be played with no hands, it’s depended on distance from antennas using radio frequencies to determine volume and pitch.</p>
<p>I think that first you could expound on the MUSIC of the “theremin” that sounds quite unique to me; then work in your angle. But don’t start with you, start with the “theremin” MUSIC so that you are honoring the substance of their question. That way, you answer their question, but ultimately bring the subject around to you and who you are. I like your twist on this and it’s different in a good way, IMO. Good luck!
Hey, I don’t know what the h-e-l-l ----a “theremin” is–you better not be messin’ with me-----that creates, “Bad Karma” (Warren Zevon–lives)!</p>
<p>I know what a theremin is. One of my favorite students built one after sending away for a kit! He gave us a little “recital” after he finished. It was a riot!</p>
<p>If you think you can do a good job, I think you should go for it. It’s unique, it’s interesting, and it has potential to show a lot of personality.</p>
<p>Wow! There you come, out-of-the blue Dean J!! Thanks again! I thought that the theremin sounded so cool too!
Hey Cougar, if Dean J likes your idea>>>you should surely do it!! Best to you!</p>
<p>Do you guys think this essay requires a super serious subject as a response? The version I have written now is about a piece of well known children’s literature and I really like it, but it is rather lighthearted and humorous.</p>
<p>I’m not saying you have to think of ways to be goofy or odd in your essays. But, if you happen to write an essay that’s a little “out there”, don’t be afraid to use it. We have three essays, so if you want to take a risk with one, you can play it safe with the other two.</p>
<p>I was just going to throw in a link to Parke Muth’s article about essays. I’ve heard him give this in a speech to highschool seniors a couple times, and its helpful. </p>