<p>Is this too risky? This is the first time that I was introduced to Duke, and that memory has stuck with me forever, and encouraged me to dig deeper into Duke. Obviously I will write about what truly makes Duke the best school for me, but I think that I would like to include this as the opener, and use an extended metaphor with that as the “reel” and the academic programs at Duke as the “hook.”</p>
<p>Thanks,
J</p>
<p>yes it is risky, but it could be very good. I remember watching something about speedo guy, and then that night at the UNC game, he appeared. In fact, you should probly just talk about speedo guy for the entire thing.</p>
<p>Thanks a lot for the advise. I think I will write it and see how it turns out. Would you mind looking over it when I’m done?</p>
<p>Frankly, I don’t think I would do it unless you can tie it into a larger theme/appeal about Duke and how seeing speedo guy embodied that. You need to write it assuming the reader has NO IDEA what you’re talking about. Because honestly, I would not be surprised if somebody on the admissions committee had never heard of that incident before. (As crazy as it sounds, not all Duke people are hardcore basketball fans). So keep that in mind.</p>
<p>my son loves Duke sports (Duke 09). That said, he was admitted to Duke with essays and short essays that never referenced Duke basketball. I wouldn’t use speedo guy or Towel Man unless it is somehow going to segue into an essay that is a personal statement that is communicative about YOU. </p>
<p>there is a very good link on the Johns Hopkins admissions pages/blog with a good essay on what admissions counselors might appreciate in a personal essay and in short answer essays…take a gander at that. What stands out in my mind is a statement that your grades and SAT etc verify your ability to handle writing but a college essay is a way to make a personal statement and to put out a message on your personal fit in a college.</p>