What did your student write about for their Common App essay?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:An analysis of a Led Zeppelin song. No, I’m not kidding!

"Ever since I turned three I have wanted to attend the University of Pittsburgh. It will be my stairway to Heaven. I have always had a whole lotta love for the institution.. Yet I ramble on about the good times bad times. All I know is that if I don't get in it will be a heartbreaker ..."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why she loves the window seat on planes.

I love this one.

Kid sounds cool!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have to say, in the most well intentioned way, that this is very personal - mine would never share information about their essays. It's a very important component of the application. Others might feel differently ofc.

Same. I didn’t read it either. This was their work.

[Anonymous]

MY DD wrote about not fitting into her high school (a wealthy private - we are not but she got enough aid to make it work). It was well written and helped them see who she is. This was last year and she only had one rejection (a total reach) and is now at a school that is highly talked about here (think the Southern Ivy's as they call it here)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:video games

I keep asking DS to come up with some positive way to spin his hours & “expertise” in gaming — he replies that there’s really no redeeming value.

any positive spin on gaming?

[Anonymous]

OP here- there are some really creative and cool sounding kids out there! I am sure the AOs eyes glaze over sometimes, but I bet they get to read some incredible essays.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:video games

I keep asking DS to come up with some positive way to spin his hours & “expertise” in gaming — he replies that there’s really no redeeming value.

any positive spin on gaming?

I honestly would recommend not even trying to make that work as a topic. It could work if the kid was a very engaging writer, or if there was some parallel between a gaming world and his real world. It would take a pretty sophisticated writer to make that work, though.

[Anonymous]

I agree not wise to share until committed. Kids need to come up with their own topics. Might also be helpful to weigh in on general topics that might be overused or not wise… like overcoming a sports injury. thoughts?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree not wise to share until committed. Kids need to come up with their own topics. Might also be helpful to weigh in on general topics that might be overused or not wise… like overcoming a sports injury. thoughts?

to summarize: don't share. kids' job. what about advising on this specific topic? how can I help? thoughts?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Checkout Common App and a couple of colleges to see what's been asked before.

www.collegeessayguy.com

www.collgevine.com

Also, try using speech to text and dictate a story as a draft. It makes it easier to write out and have it sound like yourself and not an AI bot.

It doesn't have to be anything intense or dramatic, so long as it shows personality.

my daughter suggested this, instead of having me read it she had me listen to it. It was a great idea! And it helped her fine tune some things.

This worked well in our house as well, dictating the essay was less stressful on my kid and really helped him craft his ideas in a genuine way. So far in at 5 schools.

[Anonymous]

Question- I’ve heard not to write about medical illnesses or being sick. Thoughts?

My DC was diagnosed a year ago with a rare medical disease with a life expectancy of mid-50s. I want to encourage then to write about this experience and living with this knowledge but still living “life to the fullest” and what that means with a possible “end” date. But I don’t want colleges to think they are being sappy or trying to gain empathy. Or think it’s untrue.

Would love feedback on this subject.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why she loves the window seat on planes.

I love this one.

Kid sounds cool!

I agree, would love to have read it!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Question- I’ve heard not to write about medical illnesses or being sick. Thoughts?

My DC was diagnosed a year ago with a rare medical disease with a life expectancy of mid-50s. I want to encourage then to write about this experience and living with this knowledge but still living “life to the fullest” and what that means with a possible “end” date. But I don’t want colleges to think they are being sappy or trying to gain empathy. Or think it’s untrue.

Would love feedback on this subject.

I’d be curious to hear from an actual college app reader about this. I’ve also heard “no death, divorce, disease” topics. I think any well-written topic that shows the committee what the candidate’s like is good. Silly or profound.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Question- I’ve heard not to write about medical illnesses or being sick. Thoughts?

My DC was diagnosed a year ago with a rare medical disease with a life expectancy of mid-50s. I want to encourage then to write about this experience and living with this knowledge but still living “life to the fullest” and what that means with a possible “end” date. But I don’t want colleges to think they are being sappy or trying to gain empathy. Or think it’s untrue.

Would love feedback on this subject.

I’d be curious to hear from an actual college app reader about this. I’ve also heard “no death, divorce, disease” topics. I think any well-written topic that shows the committee what the candidate’s like is good. Silly or profound.

I would like to know as well. My DD has a few rare conditions that have absolutely negatively impacted her life. It seems unfair you can’t write about it and be recognized for the maturity and resilience that comes from being diagnosed with a serious illness/condition at a young age.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Question- I’ve heard not to write about medical illnesses or being sick. Thoughts?

My DC was diagnosed a year ago with a rare medical disease with a life expectancy of mid-50s. I want to encourage then to write about this experience and living with this knowledge but still living “life to the fullest” and what that means with a possible “end” date. But I don’t want colleges to think they are being sappy or trying to gain empathy. Or think it’s untrue.

Would love feedback on this subject.

The question for your DC to ask themself is how will that show the admissions people that they will contribute something of value to this community or enhance the intellectual, social, or creative life of this campus? Always be thinking about not just showing them who you are, but about how you being you will ripple out into the community, if that makes sense.