College Essay Tips | How to Tell a Unique Story to Admissions

So you know the college essay is an important part of your application, but what can you really accomplish in 650 words? How do you pick a unique topic? Learn how to select the perfect story to tell admissions and make yourself memorable through the art of personal branding.
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[@sharvaribhat2334]

I'm from India and Indian mythology is something that has an abiding effect on my persona. Would an essay based on the effect Indian mythology has had on my views and perceptions be a good topic to choose?

[@user-gr7rn6rp6b]

That sounds SUPER awesome tbh

[@sharvaribhat2334]

Charlotte Mayworm Really? Thank youu! :)

[@Collegeessayadvisors]

We agree! This sounds like a great topic to explore. Two key things to keep in mind: (1) This essay needs to be about YOU, so it should focus on your worldview more than it focuses on providing background on Indian mythology. (2) It should be unique to you, so you'll want to make sure that no other person who grew up surrounded by Indian mythology could write quite the same essay as you. Focus on the particulars: unique anecdotes and realizations you had in the context of your life. Good luck! :)

[@sharvaribhat2334]

Sure thing! I'll keep that in mind definitely.. Thank you so much! :)

[@kriti1466]

Did u get selected?

[@tonyhu7729]

Good luck on getting into college everyone!!!

[@tessabannink8034]

"eating and tumblr"😂😂😂 dead.

[@TheMotherOfBambi]

What if I don't know who i am at my core

[@kaylar.8126]

then write about how you struggle with your identity yet persevered!

[@grantmanor6642]

Go on a spiritual journey, my dude.

[@namegirl12]

mood

[@RespectFalseIcons]

what if im an extraordinarly boring person with a mediocre life?

[@zealous7691]

well embrace it; they want the simple stuff, but tell it in a way that no one else could

[@blueshanks1]

@@zealous7691 true. Own your story

[@gaberogers6827]

I got into my top school by writing two sentences on why I liked that school

[@Shizu_Kare]

I'm only a junior, but I've started to see I have more potential than I thought since going into high school and I'm trying to make the most of it. I'm broadening my horizons and trying new things. but college applications coming up this summer, I'm trying not to stress too much. however I can't help but watch all these videos and mark them up for reference later. actually, this video gave me an epiphany on what I should write one of my college application essays on. it'll need a lot of work but I'm glad I found a place to start. thanks.

[@Vipstephen]

PokemonMasterAlpha Rooting for you!! 🙂

[@Collegeessayadvisors]

We are so thrilled our videos have been helpful! We're adding more each week now that the 2017-18 application season is in full swing, so definitely sign up for our channel for more tips and tricks that may help you flesh out your original idea. And good luck!

[@Dan-pt8zg]

update?

[@dwuddle]

Would an essay about me always having friends who leave be unique? (It's sounds really sad but it's taught me that not everyone will stay in my life and how I almost drowned and no one helped me. It's made me realize who I can trust later in life.)

[@MaceyRosalie]

that sounds unconventional! good luck! :)

[@kyleemckinney938]

This video has some super great advice for students applying for college. It explains that your essay should represent who the student is as, and what is unique about them. Also, I liked when it tells to "say something that hasn't been said" because I think this is so important in a college application essay. Great Video. Great advice!

[@Collegeessayadvisors]

+Kylee Mckinney Thanks Kylee! :)

[@mysticraven3]

This is great for people who know who they are and what they like. It´s dramatic, but I hardly know myself

[@davidperrii]

Loved this!!!!! Hopefully I get into Tufts

[@jennal6625]

0:43 lmao "eating and tumblr" hahaha

[@tanyabarbie895]

i wrote a very thoughtful and inquisitive essay with my personal monologue about why integrity, morals, empathy, character is important to me but i want to write a narrative as well. one thing i remember from my childhood was when i was around 4 and at a new school in the united states after moving from india and a nice gentleman from the school asked me to write my name on a form and i just wrote down random letters i saw on the paper and smiled and looked up at him and he exclaimed wow that's a beautiful name before my parents chuckled and explained i don't know how to write my name yet and maybe that might be a story i could incorporate? because when i arrived here i also only knew yes or no and didn't speak english that well haha but ultimately moving here has completely molded me into a new person. another small experience that is memorable to me was my first halloween and it was in preschool, my mom and i didn't know what halloween was so when we got to school a nice mom had extra costumes and i was able to borrow a snow white costume and wear it and it made me really happy and is a very sweet memory. do you think these instances of where i connected and discovered myself would help me write a better received and likable college essay? thanks!!

[@BlaBlaBla91992]

For the thing about being memorable, could I use humor and talk about how I didnt know how to swim when I joined the swim team?

[@Collegeessayadvisors]

Is that true? Did you not know how to swim when you joined the swim team?! What a great hook. I love it!

[@BlaBlaBla91992]

yeah its true. In fact I probably wouldnt have joined if on freshman orientation the swim coach came up to me and told me I should swim for him.

[@Msfashionqueen14]

Hi! I really enjoyed this video! I was just wondering if you think it'd be a good topic if i talked about my background/culture and how it has influenced me growing up to want to go out in the world and experience as many other cultures as I can (mostly through food and travel). I want to show that the way I was raised has led me to see the world differently than my friends and the people that surround me. I also want to highlight my curiosity and yearning to learn more about the world/how other people live through my essay. I have a food and travel blog and I thought I could someone tie it in to my essay too.

[@ainaoladele3192]

Thanks it was very helpfil

[@Mask60YT]

so if im sarcastic i should be sarcastic in my essay, to me that seems like a bad idea

[@sarahb4730]

Would writing about my cultural background be a good idea? My parents came to America in their 30s from Albania but I was born and raised in the states. I was thinking of writing about being ashamed of my culture as a kid and wanting to assimilate to American culture. I was always ashamed when I was younger about how my last name is hard to pronounce to most, the Albanian food I brought to school from home, speaking Albanian in public, etc. I was thinking of telling this story in a funny way so it's not too deep. I think it would be a good idea because there are very few Albanians in this country so it's memorable but I don't think it's interesting enough.

[@Collegeessayadvisors]

Hi Sarah. Thanks for your question! Writing about your culture in an admissions essay can be very powerful -- as long as you can clearly articulate what your culture means to you today. How did your desire to assimilate affect the way you interacted with your family and other people when you were younger? Looking back, do you think your rejection of things like your last name and your lunches was warranted? How did those experiences shape who you are right now and how you see the world today? Now, for you, what does it mean to be Albanian? Or American? It's important to make sure the story comes into the present. I would also make sure to use very specific details about your culture and experiences to distinguish your relationship and feelings about your background from that of others who might have a similar story. Humor can be a good way to make yourself stand out when you present these details, as long as it is well executed. All in all, you seem to be headed in the right direction, especially if you truly feel this is an important part of your personal story that admissions might not otherwise know.

[@brookeshrimp]

Don’t know if this is to late, for anyone to answer this but during middle school i lost power for two weeks straight bc of hurricane sandy. Would it be a good essay to write my experience during that? (What I gained out of it despite the destruction) Or, I actually have made one already about joining a my travel softball team and becoming more confident in myself after being bullied on my other team.

[@GLPMatty]

Hey :) I'm applying for a college course that involves media writing and creative writing. Would writing a short storm on my trip to a Buddhist temple and what it taught me be a good way to show who I am and add uniqueness or would that maybe give off some sort of hippie vibe that's maybe a bit too unprofessional for a college. I dunno what do you think? I really want to get this course its my dream course. Also how many pages would you say my folio should be or how many words should be in each piece?

[@IAn-tp2lf]

Would it be a good idea or a bad idea to write about growing up homosexual in a conservative Christian, traditionalist Asian, family and how that has taught me life lessons and made me into the person I am today?

[@nadaa.8333]

Rainbow Dude It‘s a great idea!

[@BeautifulRedRose]

Would an essay about how I learned about American language and culture through my friends after I came to America and how I taught my friends about my language and culture be a good essay to write about?

[@norhankhoja8542]

So my essay is about how in a year i've improved myself so much due to the effects of my country's "vision plan" which was kind of like an inspiration for me to create my own vision plan..does this sound good?

[@macc_tt]

What software did you use to create this video??

[@Immortal2442]

+College Essay Advisors should I write about being extremely determined, passionate and on track to be successful in a sport and getting injured at the worst time and describe how my physical, emotional and mental struggles helped me to take a step back and push through a very difficult time?

[@Collegeessayadvisors]

Hi +Immortal242! You have to be careful when writing about sports and injuries. As you can imagine, getting injured is a very common occurrence, and since it is a totally legit challenge to overcome, a lot of applicants write about it. If you do decide this is a subject you want to tackle, try to find an interesting angle that will make this subject feel fresh. What about tis injury and experience were specific to you and only you? Can you describe something about the lead up to the injury that will provide interesting context and make the story more meaningful and original? How did the injury (and your ability to take a step back in order to move forward) affect other areas of your life? What lessons will you take from it moving forward? These are some things to start thinking about as you try to come up with an interesting and truly personal way to approach this subject. You can do it!!

[@harleendiaries]

Can I write about how I went to various debate/poetry reciting competitions as a child and hoped to receive the first prize but ended up getting a consolation which seemed to me like 'Oh, we don't have anything to offer to you, but we don't want to disappoint you, so we will give a consolation prize'. Later, my teacher trained me on public speaking and I stood first, and even today when someone compliments me on my public speaking skills, I think of her, close my eyes, and thank her. Please be honest, would it make a good essay? Or should I write about the time when I was expecting a girl in my school to receive the principal's award, and I was so happy and excited that she was going to get it, and when our principal was about to announce the name, I was ready with my hands opened wide, ready to clap for her.... when I heard him say my name? I am really scared about what I should write about.

[@ridahamanullah1695]

you guys have some great ideas, man. I don't know yet what I'm going to write mine on. (both of them are great ideas btw)

[@saltyhamster681]

Did you end up going with that first idea? Because i recently read a college essay that was basically word for word what you just said. I'm wondering if it could have been yours that I read which is kinda crazy to think about lol.

[@stillsurviving5864]

Ok, I have a nerve condition that is rated the most painful in the world (RSD/CRPS) and especially since I have struggled with that (since 7th grade) I have understood more about people who struggle in different ways. I actually piloted a program that helps special education students connect with regular education students in their gym time. Would this be a good topic for a college essay? I'm not looking for pity but it really has shaped me as a person

[@franciscasfunspace3985]

I want to write about having an imaginary life as my method of getting through years of living under my twins shadow.

[@kevinlin7063]

For college essays do you think I can write about how working at a family restaurant since age 9 has changed me and do you think that'll be effective?

[@Collegeessayadvisors]

Hi Kevin. This is an amazing idea and an experience that most others have not likely had. Try to give your reader a real sense of scene -- what was the restaurant like? What did it serve? Who ate there? What did it smell like? What was your role, and what did it teach you? Are you more responsible now because you had so much responsibility from a young age? What other elements of your personality were likely shaped from this experience? Sounds like the makings of a winning essay. We know you can do it!

[@gareemaagarwal2744]

loved the video! I had an inquiry--recently, my family member in India has been diagnosed with stage four cancer and is unable to receive treatment due to the medical care available. this has influenced me to want to pursue medicine and open institutions in third world countries so those alike may receive necessary treatment and prevention. I know it is usually not a good idea to talk of topics such as death, but this journey has been one of great influence. would this be a good or bad topic to write about?

[@Collegeessayadvisors]

Hi Gareema. Thank you for your inquiry (and for the compliment about our video -- we're so thrilled you liked it!). While most people consider death to be a topic that is off limits, that is not always the case. We actually have another video that addressed this!: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHvSqZZqpKhgm8k If you do decided to tackle this subject matter, there are e few things you should keep in mind. Even though you're writing about death and illness, try to keep the essay as light as possible. If there is a bright side to the story, show it. Also, make sure you're writing about the impact this family member and his/her experience has had on you. It sounds like you already have that covered, since this has motivated your academic and potential future career path. Just be careful not to spend too many words explaining the illness and medical care system details -- the majority of your writing should be focused on you and your characteristics, motivations and goals. Hope that helps and good luck! You've got this!

[@pratikshyaprasai6459]

Can I write about my favorite TV show? If I can, what should I include?

[@arieller6528]

In middle school and up to freshman year, I struggled with an eating disorder and could not find coping methods. In the essay, I would explain the grueling effects of my ED, but then shift the plot to saying how delving into math problems and discovering physics concepts became a way for me to cope with it. I am a rising junior who will be taking Calc BC next year, and linear algebra and multivariable calculus by senior year. I also have taken AP physics. Thus, it is clear that these two subjects have shaped me throughout my years of high school. Eventually, i recovered from my ED. I would also explain that synthesizing these interests made me realize that I want to pursue engineering. Would this topic be unique, or does the mention of my ED make it seem like I am susceptible to mental illness in college?

[@Collegeessayadvisors]

Hi Arielle! This sounds like a very thoughtful and well-reasoned approach to what could be a tricky topic. There is definitely potential here, you just need to make sure you emphasize your recovery and don't spend too many words focusing on the eating disorder itself. It sounds like you understand this and that you have a good plan for emphasizing your strengths. The only other thing we would recommend is maybe waiting until 2018 to start drafting your essay -- it's amazing to begin thinking about your topic early (good for you!), but your writing skills will likely improve over the next year and you may also have additional experiences you want to include in your essay. You don't want to limit yourself when you still have an additional year of life to live and potentially use as fodder for your writing. That said, it seems like you're doing all the right things. Keep up the awesome work!

[@arieller6528]

College Essay Advisors Thank you for the advice! I will definitely wait to start the essay, as I will be taking AP lang next year and I know my skills will improve upon taking that course. However, I thought of this idea recently and could not put it down. I have another question: should I choose to write about this for one of the common app prompts?

[@Collegeessayadvisors]

It does sound like it would make for a powerful personal statement for the Common App, but you don't need to worry about the which specific prompt you're responding to just yet. Finding the right story to tell is most important -- once you do that, you will be able to back an awesome essay into multiple Common App prompts as they're fairly general. There's even a "topic of your choice" option!

[@softsquishysuga]

Can I write about how my PSEO education changed my view on education? I wrote about independence, time management, and mental health, which are good for college, but I'm not sure if this sounds "too common" or "too mediocre" compared to a dancer who choreographed her presidental election or a trazepe artist afraid of heights.

[@sheelpatel2848]

One of the things I'm going for in my essay is to show that I have an optimistic and funny personality. Hence, I was thinking that I could write about my experience with my last name (Patel) and how I view it as a hilarious inside joke with the rest of the world. I am going to write about how I once attempted to start a club specifically for Patels (my school has 55+) and how I viewed it as a funny thing and not something to be ashamed of. I was wondering if this is a good topic for my essay or if I should go into something a lot more serious. (I feel like if I pull this off correctly I could really make readers laugh and understand that I generally look on the bright side of any situation)

[@Collegeessayadvisors]

+Sheel Patel - This sounds like a great idea! And if being funny is a big part of the way you identify your self and your personality, it's DEFINITELY worth trying to incorporate into your essay. That said, this essay is your one main shot to reflect on what has shaped you into the person you are today. Your last name - anyone's last name - carries much more than just one story. It has connections to your family, your history, and your culture, so think about ways you can draw connections between those aspects of your background and this funny moment in your life when you tried to start a club. Good luck! :)

[@zanahmad5249]

Would writing about my interest in performing magic be a good essay topic? It doesn't really show up on my resume but i could write about how different people reacted in different ways and how i learned more about myself through the way interacted with different people, and also how i am able to create this brief sense of wonder and curiosity in people etc.

[@Collegeessayadvisors]

Hi Zan! Writing about your interest in magic sounds like a fantastic topic with a ton of potential for exciting visual imagery (and maybe even some humor?). I especially like that it is not something that appears on your resume, as it will introduce admissions to a side of you they would not have seen otherwise. The lessons you have suggested re: learning to interact with different people and create a sense of wonder and curiosity are also right on point. You already sound like the kind of person an admissions officer would want on his/her campus. Follow your instincts! You've got this!

[@zanahmad5249]

Thanks so much!

[@laurentheengineer2633]

This is what I was thinking of writing about how does it sound?​ During the course of high school, my house was robbed twice. The robbers were part of a Chilean gang and both times broke in through ripping off and climbing through my bedroom window. My family lost a lot during the robbery however the thing we really cared about losing was our feeling of safety. Before the robbery I was greedy I wanted everything; I wanted the newest; I wanted the best. However, because of the robbery I learned how little material items mattered and focused on the people in my life, my relationships, and valuing the things I do have and starting a journey towards minimalism. I went on to interview members of the gang who robbed me and hear their stories and what had led them to a life of crime. This further made me focus on how grateful I was for what I had rather than to care about what I did not have.

[@jasminehy5694]

That sounds great

[@yashsalvi4867]

This is a good topic as you are TALKING about it, but if this is final text, you should improve it more. My critiques are that you are mainly stating what you learned (which you SHOULD be straightforward, but at the same time, show don't tell) and you kinda talk like you are giving a analysis-type essay. (this further made me...) In this way, it feels like you are analyzing something. Good job using an experience though!!

[@mohamedmujahid3399]

Hi. if can someone mention that he dropped out from the college due to the interest in the field going to apply?

[@vivikaparmar9546]

I want to talk about living in Shanghai, and how it shaped my worldview of the world.

[@navrhy3075]

wish I had ran in to this video when I was in high school/wish this video was created when I was in high school

[@STXRBOY999]

Navid Rhythm Foreals

[@rihemsejil83]

Shall I write about how my mother's Chronic psychosis shaped my persona in spite of everything? Or the sexual abuse experience that I went through and I couldn't stand for myself and nobody listened to me when I wanted to talk but It completely changed my perspective and helped me set a purpose?

[@gam3rs224]

Thx for this! I want to write about my awkwardness and introvertionnthat eventually led to depression around freshman year, but when I started listening to music that I LOVED for the first time, it helped me to break out of my she'll, which led me to learn new languages, instruments and even start my own community service at an elementary teaching science to kids and a class after school Japanese class at my high school. Do you think it will work?

[@shujayethossain6554]

Do I have to show proof of my extra-currcicular activities?

[@emileejane14]

would writing about how it took me a long time to learn to tie my shoes be a silly topic? i want something that will really stand out and i can add some humor to. i don't enjoy writing about myself and don't want it to seem too stiff. even though it took me awhile to learn (10 years old) i learned how to do it because someone taught me a new way, it shows i am determined and there is always more than one way to learn how to do something.

[@Collegeessayadvisors]

This topic sounds like it has a lot of potential! It says something about you and your unique perspective and will allow you to infuse some of your natural humor into the telling. Two pieces of advice: (1) Don't feel PRESSURE to pick a quirky topic. Your essay doesn't have to be weird for weird's sake; but do go with this topic if it feels natural to you! (2) Make sure that you illustrate how the experience of learning how to tie your shoes impacted other parts of your life (e.g. encouraged you to be determined about other things that mattered to you) etc. Good luck!

[@AJX11]

it took me 11

[@Alymangoez]

do you think writing about my love for reading will stand out? I'd explain how it's a way for me to travel different worlds and experience new things using the beauty of imagination. And how it's helped me cope through difficult times. Just worried that it'll make me seem like I don't want to be active in my community or society in general...

[@Collegeessayadvisors]

Exploring your love of reading sounds like it could be a wonderful way to display your intellectual curiosity, imagination and other positive traits. Just make sure you focus on why reading is important to you and the person you are today. You might even want to try connecting scenes from books to events in your life in order to make a connection between the real and the imaginary. And no matter what, be specific. Mention the names of your favorite books. Describe your favorite passages and where you were or what was going on in your life when you read them. The essay shouldn't be about a love of reading in general, but about YOUR love of reading. As for whether or not writing about this will make admissions officers feel like you're antisocial, it won't if you don't frame it that way. As long as you don't plant that seed and instead focus on all the positive things reading has brought to your life, it probably won't even be a thought in an admissions officer's head. And intellectual curiosity is quite a lovely characteristic to contribute to a college campus! :) Hope that helps!

[@Alymangoez]

+College Essay Advisors Wow thank you for this valuable feedback! Now im definitely on the right track😊

[@jasminegreen4582]

How can I write an essay on failing societies expectations of who I should be

[@omgprosperity]

One topic I've wrote about since the beginning of junior is whale mistreatment at sea world and other aquariums around the world. Also how I wish more than anything to turn into a mermaid and swim with them in the water and have the ability to speak to them. Would that be a good topic to write about?

[@Collegeessayadvisors]

This topic definitely sounds like it's worth exploring! As you work on it, ask yourself: what does this say about you? does your desire to communicate with whales say something about your character? your academic motivations? You'll want to make sure that you select anecdotes that highlight those qualities. The essay should be about more than your desire to communicate with whales, but also how it has inspired you to act and live your life. :)

[@justinhungg2116]

I'm wondering whether or not it'd be interesting to write about how I'm gay and how I discovered my identity and learned to accept myself for who I am

[@Sulimanjani]

Thank you so much. I was struggling how I can brand myself in just 650 words.

[@stevenwang175]

I'm so struggled writing my ps these days. Simply because I don't think I really do have some experience that is memorable or unique which can stand out from crowd. I don't think I have experienced something really can exhibit my ability. What can I do?

[@Collegeessayadvisors]

+Steven Wang It is TOTALLY normal to feel that way, but trust us: you have something unique to say. Your college essay doesn't have to be about curing cancer or getting an Olympic gold metal to be impressive. It's all about picking out details that were meaningful to you and teaching admissions officers a little bit about how you view the world. Here's the first of three videos we did about brainstorming, which should help you get started: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYnJaICGgbaIh7c Good luck!

[@stevenwang175]

College Essay Advisors Really helpful. Thanks a lot! I might just aim the goal too high wanna show my academic accomplishment for no reason. It might be better if I just seek the details which means a lot to me in ordinary life. Thank u very much. I will reconsider my ps.

[@GiovanniBalltazar92]

Can I talk about how throughout elementary and middle school I was ridiculed for having a speech impediment and that has influenced me to be into academics as a result of my classmates thinking I was below intelligence simply because of my speech impediment?

[@ishbandzz8384]

Bruh I rlly gotta do this for a english assigment lol

[@dihlanquinn7927]

thanks for the donut

[@lzvttt]

When I was 13 years old I was very interested in Korea and the Korean culture, so I started learning Korean and went to Korea all alone (at the age of 13) and also the following year (at the age of 14). I was living with a host woman that almost never showed up and always left me alone with other people she hosted so I had to do most of the things on my own. The language center I went to was not as close to where I lived so I travelled by subway and buses every single morning and basically was very independent at such a young age living all alone in a foreign country for a month as a 13 year old. And then I can discuss how this affected me later on in my life. Would this be a good topic to write about?

[@derekjeterfan6001]

Hi should I write about how I overcame the struggle of losing both of my parents at a young age? Please let me know I do not want to sound like I want sympathy but I also want the college to know that I am very different from the other applicants

[@Collegeessayadvisors]

It all depends on how you tell the story! We will soon be releasing a video on this very topic (how to write essays about grief), but in brief, the most important thing is to focus on the relationship, what it meant to you, and how you handled the loss and grew as a person. At the end of the day, the essay needs to be about you and how this experience made you the person you are today (rather than the sadness you may have felt at the time or in the moment). Good luck, and subscribe to our channel to see the video when it comes out!!

[@derekjeterfan6001]

Thank you so much!

[@DeathlyBoodyful]

Can I write about how I really wanted a younger sister, but when she came I was unwilling to be accountable for her, and how that experience made me a more responsible person?

[@ravenbrown6722]

i thought the owner of the voice was troian bellisario

[@bobbill3093]

my essay is too unique. what do i do?

[@lauraj.sawyer9171]

Would it be a bad topic to talk about a really bad experience on a robotics team and quit, then write about what it taught me about myself?

[@milade7334]

Would writing about the brain and how it effects the world be a good topic

[@cecip8794]

What if I write about how academics weren't my first priority during high school, but as I made the decision to go on to college I realized how much I truly value it? (I'm a college sophomore looking to transfer to a 4 year)

[@Collegeessayadvisors]

+Ceci Pardo Hi Ceci! Your academic journey is definitely an important story to tell as a transfer applicant, but make sure that the narrative is specific and has a real turning point. It's more important to show HOW you changed than THAT you changed. Was there a specific moment or challenge that changed the way you view your academic life? How has this transformation affected other aspects of your life as well?

[@CaptainShipBox]

Can i write about playing videogames with two of my good friends

[@yashsalvi4867]

That's a great topic even though it is very little, just make sure not to talk about it a bunch.

[@ignoringearthquakewarnings]

should i write about how ive been a tomboy most of my life and that ive come to realize that its okay for me to be? im also planning to major in computer engineering which is a male-dominated field so should i include that in as well?

[@Collegeessayadvisors]

This definitely sounds interesting. Our biggest piece of advice would be to focus on a specific anecdote or two that illustrate how your "tomboy" persona is connected to other parts of who you are. What does this term really mean to you and how does it speak to your character and how you came to be the person you are today?

[@anuragkapur7964]

Do you think i could write about the time i saved my friend from an incoming elephant ? i carried him on my back and ran and we hid for about 20 minutes before getting our stuff and leaving ? We were walking through a game reserve as an adventurous journey

[@Collegeessayadvisors]

Hi Anurag, I think you would need to contextualize why you were walking on a game reserve (were you allowed to be there? was it dangerous?). Be careful to make sure your story isn't rooted in something that could be interpreted as mischievous or unlawful. But the story about saving your friend from an elephant sounds like it has promise! At the very least, it sounds like a very vivid scene. Just make sure you ultimately get to a larger point. What would you be trying to say about yourself with this story? What would Admissions learn about you that they might not know otherwise? Those are the kinds of things you need to think through before proceeding.

[@yretyete7143]

would writing about being gay and learning to deal with that be too cliche? I'm not sure if thats too common of an essay topic

[@josholosky4472]

Hi, not sure if it's too late to ask but I wrote my personal essay on being deaf and attending mainstream school (where no one else is deaf). I wrote about how I would stay up till midnight and sometimes later because after football practice, I would Google videos with subtitles that had information taught in class because I struggled hearing and understanding my teachers. Do you think it's was a good essay idea that could also potentially explain why my grades were lower then most people who applied?

[@nikimxm]

I want to do bioengineering/cs im gong in undecided. But i wnat to write abt the artwork i make clothes, paint on them and photograph them would this be a good essay prompt or how can i put this in my application (should i even?). I have a portfolio.

[@Atara_Xia00]

I'm still vey young and i'm searching this up. Please tell me this: can i put a meme in ny essay? For example: "so i was sitting there barbecue sause on my shirt"

[@yashsalvi4867]

Try to avoid this if you want to CHANGE your essay in a "meme" oriented direction... You want to make every sentence count, BUT, if it was something very little you watched that made you laugh, you could, I guess, tie it in with other little moments that, I don't know, made you happy for just that moment? You can talk about maybe how that meme (lmao) was such a little thing, nothing grande, and how it sparked one of the greatest emotions: laughter. Sounds corny, but... i guess? At the end of the day, you want to talk about yourself and what you have achieved, what your mindset is, etc... rather than talking about someone else or what someone did to change you (and still focusing on them)

[@Atara_Xia00]

@@yashsalvi4867 thanks

[@yashsalvi7196]

TheWolfs_ Alpha no problem!

[@Wendy-gd7oc]

Can i talk about the skin condition i was born with?

[@gotthihi599]

Football player! Its called FOOTBALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@raymondsiebert7094]

Loved this!!!!! Hopefully I get into Tufts

[@Collegeessayadvisors]

We're crossing our fingers for you, Raymond! :) - Team CEA