Hi! I'm an international student who needs help with the COMMON APPLICATION ESSAY!! Since I'm so far (Europe) from the USA, and I'm not familiar with any of the admissions processes in american universities, I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO WRITE NOR HOW TO WRITE IT. In the common application essay I've thought in talking about how my passion about music started, who influenced me the most in music and what music activities I do. IT IS FINE TO WRITE ABOUT IT IN A COMMON APPLICATION ESSAY? Or should I write about it in the "please briefly any extracurricular activities 150 words max." space provided?
I don't know what to write about any of the "common application topics" and I also have to write the Universities' supplements, and I don't know what to do. The deadline is near and I need to do something!
To give you an idea, I love music. I'm involved in several music activities everyday. I also participate in a new Leaders and Politicians forum and I love travel and speak a lot of languages.
SINCE I'M APPLYING TO TOP UNIVERSITIES, I'D LIKE YOU TO HELP ME THE MOST AND BE VERY CRITICS WITH THAT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!! I DO NEED YOUR HELP!!
Hey there :)
I am an international student myself, so I can feel your pain. I think you should not focus on a specific style of writing, usually what universities look for (especially top universities) is diversity, so don't just follow a trend, or 'copy' someone's way of writing, because they were accepted to Havard.
From what I can see you have participated in several activities, which is a good thing since you have apparently many things to talk about.
I suggest, since you put a great emphasise on the importance music has in your life, to chose this particular domain for your Common Application essay, while leaving the Leaders and Politicians forum for the short answer.
In the Common Application essay you can decide for the last option, that is a Topic of your choice and write something about music. Maybe how has this passion started, how did it develop, what is about music that most appeals to you? Do you have any special taste and experience (include specific examples, an anecdote, quotations from your personal life, professors, parents, contests, ) that would differentiate you from other candidates. And most importantly, try to to highlight what aspects of your character has music helped you develop (i. e : fine taste for detail, simple sounds) or what traits of character do you poses that are needed in becoming a good musician (talent, patience, hard work etc).
Hope I have helped you a little bit :)
