Should your Common App essay be related to your intended major, or is it better to show a different side of you that isn't directly associated with your academic interests?
Hey, good question! There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this, as it really can vary based on your overall application and what you've chosen to highlight elsewhere.
If your extracurricular activities and academic achievements already strongly showcase your interest and expertise in your intended major, it might be beneficial to use the Common App essay to reveal another dimension of yourself. Colleges appreciate well-rounded individuals, and showing different facets of who you are can make you stand out.
On the other hand, if your intended major is a passion that truly defines you or there's an aspect of your interest in the major that hasn't been explored in other parts of your application, an essay aligned with your major can bring depth to your application.
Ultimately, choose a topic that feels authentic to you and offers admissions officers insight into your personality, values, and how you would contribute to their campus. Remember, your essay is an opportunity to tell your story, so make it count by being genuine and reflective.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.