1
2 years ago
Admissions Advice

Could these ideas make good essays?
Answered

For Prompt #1 on Common App, I want to write about my passion for writing as well as how it relates to another specific interest I have. Would it be a good idea to hyperfocus on only my talent for writing/how it caused personal growth or should I delve into both topics and how they both caused me to grow?

I'm thinking of also completing Prompt #5 to discuss how a movie/book caused me to come to a realization about the world around me, would that be a good idea?

650-word
academics
12th
2023
1
4

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3 answers

1
Accepted Answer
2 years ago

I'd say that you should only focus on writing for Prompt 1. The idea you have for Prompt 5 could also work well - but as with the first prompt, your execution will make or break your essay idea.

Any Common App essay should be about who you are first and foremost - another subject, such as writing or a movie, should simply be used as a creative tool to tell your story. For either prompt, make sure that you write about a truly unique take on writing or a movie/book that few people have heard of in order to stand out. When talking about your personal growth or realization about the world, be sure that you are specific too. Generalities such as "I grew as a person by gaining confidence" or "I realized that we're all the same inside" will sound cliche. Hope this helps!

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1
2 years ago

I feel first start with working on prompt 1, and include both your topics in it. Describe how it affected you personally.

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0
2 years ago[edited]

You got my attention where you mentioned movies with the writing, I was looking to watch The Fallout movie in Wales and it made me want to read till the end. I am quite happy to learn that.

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