So, I need to know if this is a crazy idea or not for my college essay. Originally I was just going to write it as a narrative, but now that I have another idea I need to gauge wether or not it is too risky. My common app essay is going to be about a time I challenged a belief in my AP Govt. class about immigration. My grandfather was an immigrant, and he was always very open about his experiences, which has helped to shape my own views on the issue. Originally I was going to start right in the middle of the action, but now I’m considering starting after the action and me reacting and explaining the event to my grandfather in the form of a letter. Would it be too risky to put a letter to my grandfather in the middle of my essay or would it be the right amount of risk?
I wouldn’t do it
The point of this essay is to “give them a reason to say yes.” And you only have 650 words in which to do so.
Would the letter require too many of those words?
My concern is that you might slip into the trap of making this essay about your grandfather, and not about you. I’m sure your grandfather’s story is very compelling-- but YOU’RE the one applying to college. It’s got to be about you. And the topic is about challenging a belief, so that puts your grandfather even further back in the rotation, behind your AP Govt. teacher.
I would center those 650 words on the belief I challenged and-- here’s the important part-- what it did for me.
How has this challenge of beliefs changed you? Has it made you more in tune with the plight of immigrants? Has it put you more in touch with the need to stand up for those who have no voice? Has it made you research your family tree and discover the life’s stories of people on that tree? Has it made you want to visit your grandfather’s homeland or visit his grave?
I think the essay should be less about what happened than about how it changed you for the better. That lets the reader see who YOU are, and that’s the point to this essay.
If the best way to do that is in letter form, and you can do so without sacrificing your point in those measly 650 words, then go with the letter.