Which Common App Essay Idea is Better?

shrimps
Tue, 06 Oct 2015 23:13:29 +0000

Your #1 is described as a bit of a downer- I understand that you personally might have felt alienated from the molded people around you, but that essay doesn’t necessarily portray you as dynamic or positive. If you did go this route, and focused on your differences made you unique, it could end up being a killer essay! Especially if you found some interesting or valuable quirks you could put the spotlight on, and used them as a parallel for you maturation.

2 again could be solid if you focus more on the lessons learned. Again, maybe use your incident as a parallel for your maturation, because that would be interesting to read. The car accident is probably slightly more unique than not fitting in, but don't worry about cliches. What's more important is how you write it.

Both your topics can be great if written well, but also could be depressing if you highlight the wrong parts. You can’t go wrong- pick the topic you find yourself more passionate about, and write sincerely. College admissions officers want to get to know YOU. Which essay best portrays you?