Has anyone come across some really weird yet successful college essays? I've heard about people writing on unconventional topics and getting into their dream schools. I think hearing some of these might help spark some inspiration for my own essays.
Certainly! College essays are a perfect opportunity to showcase your individuality, and sometimes the most unconventional essays leave a lasting impression on the admissions officers. Here are some unconventional, yet successful, essay topics that I am aware of:
1. One applicant wrote about her favorite word in the English language, and how this word embodied who she was. It was a lighthearted yet intellectual essay which demonstrated her love for language and etymology.
2. An applicant wrote about her experience working at a bakery, and paralleled that to her life - how kneading dough taught her patience, and how the baking process was akin to her own personal growth.
3. Then there was an applicant who discussed her love for Mathematics through the lens of a longtime friendship with symbol "π." She narrated a story about their interactions from their first meeting in a Geometry class to their deep conversations in Calculus.
4. A student wrote about her relationship with her siblings through the terms of a "rock-paper-scissors" match. The essay humorously showed the dynamics among the siblings while revealing the applicant's perspective regarding her family ties and the lessons they learned together.
5. An application to a business program had an essay centered around the applicant's experience of selling virtual goods in an online game. This unconventional topic showcased his business acumen from a young age and demonstrated skills relevant to the program he was applying for.
Such unconventional topics can definitely make an essay stand out. However, remember that the topic itself isn't the only important thing - the depth of your insight, your perspectives and your writing abilities are equally crucial to creating a memorable essay.
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