How unique is my common application essay?

College Essays
1

<p>So after much thought after submitting all of my applications and supplementary essays, I felt anxious and apprehensive about my common application essay. The highly selective schools, more specifically those of the ivy league, are known for favoring individuality and orginality. Therefore, to ease my nerves a little bit, I need you CCers’ opinions on the topic of my personal essay. </p>

<p>I essentially wrote about my bus trip as I was crossing the border from Thailand to Cambodia. The bus travelled into a jungle and we stopped by a local river-side village there inhabited by indigenous people. I wrote about their past horrors of being invaded by the Khmer Rouge, their happiness and vitality despite the troubles they went through, and how, seemingly poor and underprevileged, they were rich in culture and religious faith. I also made some contrasts with myself and how the tribulations of my daily life paled in comparison to theirs. </p>

<p>Does my essay sound overly generic and mirror all of the other millions of personal essays? I thought it was a unique, and personal topic but I want to hear from you guys as well. </p>

<p>Thank you in advance for your kind responses.</p>

2

<p>I find that very unique, not banal in anyway whatsoever. I think your essay will stand out.</p>

3

<p>If you want a 2nd opinion, I also find that unique.</p>

4

<p>lets put it this way: how many other applicants will be writing about their own interaction with third world domestic populations their struggles. My guess is not very many. Very unique topic…</p>

5

<p>Thank you all for your wonderful inputs. I feel more relieved now.</p>

6

<p>@I also made some contrasts with myself and how the tribulations of my daily life paled in comparison to theirs. @</p>

<p>I’ve read one essay of this sort couple of years back. The girl was denied from Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, Yale and smth else. </p>

<p>So the clue here is to speak of the topic in a way that will not reflect negatively on you. She did not manage it.
Then again, she also wrote pretty generic and ridiculous things in other parts of her app, so no clue what brought her down.</p>