For my Pitt application, I have to describe a time when things were working against me, and what I did to handle it. I’m thinking about writing about when I was a freshman and had to audition for my first high school play. The things that were “working against me” included that I had to cold-read, which I had never done before, the casting was super-selective, I was repeatedly told freshmen never get parts, and I was intimidated by the older/more experienced students at the audition.
So is this a good premise? I’m starting to have some doubts about this idea, because it was from my freshman year and not a more recent experience.
The premise of the essay is good but what will really make (or brake) the essay is how you tell the story. You want to draw in the reader with every sensation. You need to put the reader in your shoes feeling, seeing, hearing, even smelling everything you felt in that moment. It happening in the 9th grade will only hurt you if you’ve lost some of the memories of that day so close your eyes and visualize every sensation. A great story writer can make even the simplest events come alive. Good luck!
@KathleenA Okay, thank you so much for your input!
I like this premise a lot! The situation provides a lens for demonstrating a lot of personality and life experience. And it’s narrowly focused. Go for it!
Ha, no they don’t need to smell it.
Remember, the essay is for your admit review, not an ordinary writing challenge and it sure doesn’t need to be heavily laden. It’s not creative writing. They want to see the personal attributes they value. Sure, taking on a challenge like this (especially if your major interest is STEM,) can be good. But you want to tie it to more recent strengths. Eg, how it grew you into a kid who takes on other challenges, has empathy for others and broadened, etc. But also remember, “show, not just tell” this growth. Done well, this is a good idea. You can have some fun with it.
@TheEssayGuy Okay, awesome! Thanks for your input!!
@lookingforward Thanks for the idea of tying it into recent strengths! I love it!
Hey there,
Would you mind helpin me with SAT essays ?
I m gettin a bit difficulty wid essays.
I need someone to guide me…
Sure… how can we help?