I'm in the process of drafting some college essays and am considering writing about a social media post I made that had a significant impact. Has anyone else written a college essay about an influential social media post they've made? If so, how did you approach it, and what kind of response did you receive from colleges?
It's definitely possible to write a compelling college essay about a significant social media post, especially if it had a significant impact on you or others. Impactful events or experiences, no matter how modern or traditional, can make for excellent personal essay topics as long as they hold personal meaning.
The best way to approach this is similar to any other college essay topic: focus on what you've learned from the experience, how it shaped you as a person, and what insights it gave you about yourself or the world. Ideally, your essay should display your growth, self-awareness, and maturity.
For example, if your social media post sparked a debate and made you more understanding of diverse perspectives, write about that. Likewise, if it caused you to reflect on the power and responsibility that comes with digital influence, that could be an interesting angle. Maybe it led you to a newfound interest or passion which you pursued further, or it was a turning point in your personal journey.
When it comes to the responses from colleges, remember that there isn't typically direct feedback given on individual essays unless you're accepted and you attend a post-acceptance event where Admissions Officers may briefly mention your essay. However, your essay can certainly influence their perception of you. If you effectively convey a thought-provoking story and demonstrate personal growth, it can only help your application.
Just remember to ensure the essay is in compliance with the general guidelines: it should roughly be around 650 words, stay within the application's prompt (if given one), and is written with authenticity and maturity. Lastly, ensure the essay is proofread for any grammar or spelling errors. Good luck!
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