<p>I’m applying RD and don’t know which essay to use. I’ve written two; one is about being low-income first generation Vietnamese (I’m a US citizen now though), and the other is related to a hobby/possible major. Would being first generation low-income etc. help me get in or is it better to write about something else? If you want I can send both essays and you guys can help me decide. Thanks.</p>
<p>Well what does the first essay say? Hopefully more than what a rough road immigration is, your parents did it for your education and you are determined to succeed to pay them back. They can deduce you’re first generation, an immigrant and Vietnamese from other parts of the app.</p>
<p>Based on what college usally see, both essay topic would be quite trite. Not saying that both are bad, I just see alot of people writing of how they came from a rough life, to now where they are striving to become the best. I am also a first generation Vietnamese American, but I see kids using this “immigration” factor to aid them in the essay process too often. Just use the essay that best convey who you truly are. If you want, I would be glad to read the essays.</p>
<p>Agreed. My take on essays is that while they should have SOMETHING to do with your life, usually it’s more about not what they cover, but how you approach it. So I would worry more about quality, not topic.</p>
<p>u can pm me both and i can give u my input?</p>
<p>If it’s between the two subjects and you are leaning towards the one that isn’t about being an immigrant, remember that you can ask your counselor and/or the teachers who are writing for you to talk a little bit about your background, so don’t feel you have to go with the immigration essay in order to get that information to the admissions people.</p>