Only Four Sensees; Common App- Topic of Your Choice

Until yesterday, I had planned on writing my essay on a literary character who has significantly impacted me. I realized, though, that it would not capture my uniqueness, and that is simply unacceptable when my dream school is Vassar. I decided that an essay about the impact of my lacking a sense of smell on my life would be a great way to share something distinct about me.

I am going to start writing for the new essay today, and I would appreciate some opinions on my topic of choice. So, what do you think?

Thanks :).

Until yesterday, I had planned on writing my essay on a literary character who has significantly impacted me. I realized, though, that it would not capture my uniqueness, and that is simply unacceptable when my dream school is Vassar. I decided that an essay about the impact of my lacking a sense of smell on my life would be a great way to share something distinct about me.

Is that what they want here? My own interpretation is that they are looking for an essay that captures your thoughts with respect to any topic, but only using four of the five senses in doing so. How many words are you allowed? Why don't you write about your aspirations with regard to your attending Vassar? Or, perhaps you can write about how you have prepared for Vassar...?

Just some thoughts for you to consider. If you give us some ideas as to what it is you are thinking (generally speaking), I think that we can offer you some insight.

Mark

Thank you for the responses!

I see where you're coming from. I think I hadn't thought of my prompt choice clearly enough. Perhaps my experiences and concerns as a result of anosmia would be a better way of be defining my topic. So would "Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you." be the best prompt choice? No doubt, having only four senses has affected every day of my life.

Since the common application essay isn't supposed to reference any specific college, I am planning on sharing my fit for and aspirations regarding a Vassar education in my supplement.

Use creativity and enthusiasm to derive meaning from the fact that you lacked this sense. What has become stronger as a result? What is important to you as a result?

Here is the trick: whatever you write should be something that inadvertently shows your seriousness about your plans for the future. Show them your CURRENT state of mind by writing this, and show that the topic you chose has some significance with regard to the action you are taking by entering a degree program.

:-)