Can I compose an essay that tells my story in a broad sense and addresses couple of topics rather than a specific one?Answered
Hello,
For the common app prompt "Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design" I chose to write my essay which covers four or five issues that I faced throughout my high school years, what I learnt, how I overcame them and improved myself as a person. I narrated my story in a very broad sense and generalized way.
My question is - for the above prompt would my essay writing style be an ideal one or not? Irrespective of the prompt would the admissions officers look for essays to be more specific which narrate just one obstacle?
I appreciate your response.
Thank you!
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2 answers
Technically yes. In actuality this typically doesn't work because it is hard to explain why your whole life makes you the person they want to pick. Focusing on one event or point in your life can better reflect how you are resilient or inclusive or brave or a time when you learned something important about yourself. Plus, the prompt you gave is a common app prompt, so you only have 650 words. It can be really hard to explain your whole life in 650 words to exhibit what makes you an amazing person. Some people make it work, but it is really rare. Good luck on the essay!
Yes you absolutely can but I would recommend a montage structure of you will tell more than a one-story it usually works better than narrative style
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