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Finding The Right Topic This article was originally written for college applicants, however the writing tips are valuable for other types of writing as well. Now that you have completed at least three of the exercises listed in Getting To Know Yourself, you are ready to begin selecting actual essay topics. As you attempt to identify the most suitable topic for your essay, please keep the following points in mind: Explicit & Implicit Questions
When considering the questions posed on each of your admissions applications, it is important to read between the lines. Your essay must respond to both the explicit and implicit nature of these questions. (An implicit question on all graduate and professional level applications is, “Why do you want to pursue this career or field of study?”) Avoiding Inconsistencies
After responding to the short-answer questions on an application, consider your answers in conjunction with your grades, test scores, and any other statistical data. Do you notice any inconsistencies? If so, an example of the type of implicit question that you may wish to address is, “Why did this student score in the 98% on his LSAT, yet graduate with a 2.5 GPA?” Do not let negativity or excuses become the central theme of your essay. Rather, subtly address the question by framing it within a more positive or uplifting context. Know Your Audience
Take the time to learn about each of the universities and programs that you are applying to. What are their individual strengths? What is unique to each particular college? What is it that attracts you to these schools? Utilize this knowledge when selecting and developing your topic. Note: Broad generalities like, “a great reputation,” do not provide any meaningful information about a school. Detailed facts, like, the law school has a clinic that specializes in domestic violence cases, and is run by a faculty member who is nationally recognized for her work in this area, would be far more meaningful. Overdone Topics
Avoid choosing topics just because you think that they will impress the admissions committee. Three topics that are often over done or poorly handled are; personal tragedy, minority status, and childhood dreams. Essays involving these topics can be done well, if the writer is certain that s/he has chosen her topic because it is personally meaningful, and not because she is hoping for sympathy, or ?????. Please see the following points for more of this subject. Inspiring Tale or Sob Story?
Personal tragedy or hardship can be an extremely powerful growing experience. Those who have transcended horrible circumstances, and feel powerfully moved by their experience, may be able to write an excellent paper. However, just because you have experienced a tragedy does not mean that the admissions committee will think that you are a better applicant. An essay about losing a friend to drunk driving is sad, but will not necessarily convince the committee of your admirable characteristics. On the other hand, an essay about how you became the president of your high school’s SADD chapter after losing a friend to a drunk driver, may impress upon the admissions committee that you are compassionate, involved with the community, and have excellent leadership skills. Self Identity or Self Serving?
Many colleges seek to broaden their school’s diversity by actively recruiting students of various races, cultures, sexual identities, socio-economic backgrounds, and religious faiths. However, just because you are a member of one of these groups does not mean that your life experiences have made you a stronger, and more unique person. If your great grandmother was from Mexico, and you know relatively nothing about Mexican culture, then forgo this topic. However, if your mother is from Mexico, you have overcome various prejudices and obstacles, and you are actively involved in the Mexican community, then you may want to incorporate this information into your essay. Realistic Goals or Childish Dreams?
Admissions committees have read too many essays that begin with statements like, “I have dreamed of becoming a doctor all of my life.” If you wish to impress upon the admissions committee your lifelong passion for a chosen field of study, it is important that you express yourself in concrete terms, rather than in what may be seen as meaningless childhood fantasies. For example, a student could better communicate her love of medicine by stating why she has always wanted to be a doctor, what life experiences led her to this conclusion, and what she has done to actualize this dream. Note: It is important not to be redundant. So, if a student has written that she has been a candy striper since she was 16 elsewhere in the application, simply repeating this fact is of no use. However, if she tells a story of a particular experience that she had as a candy striper, and how this experience has strengthened her desire to become a doctor, she may be able to write an extremely powerful essay. Think Small
Essays about solving world hunger, or your entire academic career are far too broad in scope to be properly done in the few pages that you have for your personal statement. Attempting to do this is like trying to prepare for your SAT’s in one night. Rather than attempt such an impossible feat, you should choose a topic that can be illustrated with very specific stories, facts, or examples. Instead of writing a paper about solving world hunger, you may choose to write about your volunteer work at the homeless shelter and how it has broadened your awareness of others. Don’t Be Offensive
While you may feel strongly about your faith, vegetarianism, or anti-abortion laws, others may not share your views. Be very careful about broaching such topics, and if you do be certain that you are not preachy, judgmental, or condescending in your discussion of them. Writing about how your decision to become a vegetarian affects your life is fine, but writing about how inhumane and cruel all of those blood-thirsty meat-eaters are could be quite offensive to some readers, and will definitely hinder your chances of admissions. Now is not the time to be radical, so remember to play it safe. Cliff Claven Syndrome
While you may feel quite knowledgeable about a particular topic, it is extremely important that you do not spend your entire essay attempting to impress the admissions committee with your amazing genius. If you spend too much time discussing subjects that are highly specialized you run the risk of highlighting your ignorance, appearing arrogant, or just plain boring the admission committee. Remember, the personal statement is your only chance to personalize your application, so don’t dehumanize it with a bunch of boring facts and figures. Need professional writers? Inquire about DivaDesignWorld's copywriting services.
About the Author: Monique Danielle owns Portland Marketing Agency, DivaDesignWorld.com, a full service firm that offers web development, graphic design, consulting, and a wide variety of creative services. She is also the founder of divadirectories.com,a free online resource designed to promote the growth and development of female business owners throughout Oregon, Washington, and the Northwest.
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