<p>On the College of A&S supplemental essay question, can I assume the adcom knows about the work I choose to write about? For what it’s worth, the work is the modern Life of Pi, by Yann Martel. My analysis of how the work “challenged” me assumes that the adcom will know the plot…</p>
<p>that’s risky, don’t rely on the plot. Analyze the book and extract truths/messages from it as if they have not.
I know that if I read an essay that included a lot of assumptions on my part of a random book (though in your case an excellent book 
I would either A) be lost or B) possibly irritated (depending on how much you require of them).</p>
<p>I would err on the side of caution.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Analyze the book as if they “have not” read the book, or as if they “have not” analyzed/researched/studied the book? I’m guessing you mean write as if they have never read the book, but I just want to be sure we’re on the same page…</p>
<p>as if they have not done either 
Think of it as a research paper, you are expected to analyze a topic and utilize sources that the evaluator is relatively unfamiliar with/has no clue about. Blend any information in with necessary background info.</p>
<p>Good luck! I’m sure that you’ll do fine :)</p>
<p>We DO NOT want plot summary, so stay away from that. Life of Pi is a well known book and we’ve seen plenty of essays written about it. No need to restate the obvious.</p>
<p>That goes for almost any book you’ve read in school. We’ve been reading essays on these books for many years. We want to know what YOU think. We’re trying to get a sense of your voice and personality.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Okay, thank you for your feedback!</p>