<p>I don’t know much about the college essay and I am just asking for some input. I know it’s early, but I am trying to brainstorm for my essay. I am very science orientated and this is reflected on my application and extracurriculars. I want to be a neurosurgeon when I grow up. However, I keep reading that the college essay should not regurgitate what’s on the application. For example, many of the “successful” college applications I’ve read are about unexpected topics like growing a mustache or ordering coffee. I want to avoid a cliche essay at all costs, however I feel that writing about my experiences in science reflects my personality the best. Would you suggest writing about what’s on my application or writing something else “unexpected”? Thanks!</p>
<p>Maybe you could write about ‘your future’ narratively. Like, you are already a successful neurosurgeon, and currently doing a very complicated surgery.
Just a suggestion though. :D</p>
<p>That’s an interesting idea. Thanks for the advice. However, I’ve always read that colleges want to hear about a “transformation”. Is that true? In that case, I’m not sure how I would incorporate it into a future essay.</p>
<p>Well, I really don’t have any idea about the ‘transformation’ theme. But there are several amazing essays that raise simple/innovative/creative topics.
IMHO, the adcoms want an essay that reflects its author. :)</p>
<p>Choose the topic that allows you to write your most personal, detailed and revealing essay. The essay that is so you that no one else could write it.</p>
<p>There is good advice at [Essays</a>, Admission Information, Undergraduate Admission, U.Va.](<a href=“http://www.virginia.edu/undergradadmission/writingtheessay.html]Essays”>http://www.virginia.edu/undergradadmission/writingtheessay.html)</p>
<p>It’s not the topic that makes the essay; it’s how you write about the topic that makes the essay. When I went to visit Georgia Tech, the admissions counselor was recounting the best essay she’d ever read–a girl wrote about dancing. Seems like a cliche topic, right? She wrote about it very, very cleverly (is that a word?) and made the admissions officer cry, apparently…</p>
<p>It’s how you write the essay that counts, not what it’s about. I’ve read amazing essays that have the most mundane topics (sports, academics, etc.) that were very personal and revealing. It’s all how you write it.</p>
<p>Write about why you want to grow up and tinker with people’s brains. Your reasons there should be weird enough to warrant a unique essay.</p>
<p>Relate yourself to the school.</p>
<p>For example, my AP Psych teacher got on topic for personal statements for USC, for some reason. I think a kid may have been bugging him about it, but whatever. </p>
<p>Heres what he came up with:</p>
<p>The reason I love USC is because I see USC in myself. Like myself, USC is great, but not as prestigious as the Ivys. I am a smart, well rounded student, but my grades and tests are not perfect. Like myself, USC is accepting, friendly, and diverse. I am well liked by my peers for having a great spirit and kindness towards others, and have no prejudice towards any person I may meet. Like myself, USC’s goal is to better the world for the people it encounters. I have created fundraisers and charities, along with working alongside the community to make the world a better place. (blah blah blah)</p>
<p>He went on and on, and eventually, made an assignment, for everyone to pick a college of their choice, and give 5 things you see in that college that you see in yourself, which makes it such a good match for you.</p>