Undergraduate / Using Lady Gaga as a topic for my college admissions essay -- too risky? [7]

This is my very first attempt at a college admissions essay. I have a rough draft due this Friday for my Lit class, and I wanted to put this example out there before i submitted it for a grade. My teacher told me to stay away from "common essays" and i figured what is less ordinary than a quote by Lady Gaga. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance,

Emily (11th grader)

---------------------------------------------------------------------- --------

Prompt: What is the best advice you have received? Why is it important? Word limit : 250

She is known for her outrageous outfits and nonconformist personality. The world's new phenomenon: Lady Gaga. "They can't scare me, if I scare them first," and Mother Monster said it best. I have always been a reserved and quiet individual. One who prefers the shadows as opposed to the spotlight, but this advice has uncovered...

She is known for her outrageous outfits and nonconformist personality. The world's new phenomenon: Lady Gaga. "They can't scare me, if I scare them first," and Mother Monster (Lady Gaga) said it best. I have always been a reserved and quite individual. One who prefers the shadows as opposed to the spotlight, but this advice has uncovered a courage I didn't think I had. Standing on the sidelines in life is not going to get me anywhere. We all have fears and at some point we will need to overcome them. If one is not willing to step up, there is another person waiting in line ready to spring on his or her opportunity. Take what you can get, and the other things that weren't offered to you, you need to make them happen yourself. I learned that in life, one needs to show bravery and strength in order to succeed. If one doesn't have the courage to do so, he or she should take the leap and it will come in time. Courage isn't something that develops overnight. It is something that grows after multiple failures. Those experiences have the best lessons. Lady Gaga's incomparable valor and prowess has spurred a search for confidence and self esteem in myself. This advice taught me to cultivate my inner bravery, and stand up against the rest of the world. If I don't take a stand, someone else will. Every spot in this world comes at a price. We have all worked hard for what we have; and in a world where competition and determination are the true determining factors in the success of an individual, I have to defend my beliefs, show that I am not scared, even against the most intimidating foes, and only then will courage find me.

---------------------------------------------------------------------- ------

My main question: is using Lady Gaga as my topic too risky? I don't want to be another "common" essay, i want to stand out and Lady Gaga does just that.

I really appreciate any insight! Thanks!