Click here to go to the NEW College Discussion Forum

Hi,
I am a Asian Indian, moved here 9th grade.
I'm applying EA to Harvard and need some help with the essay.
Compared to a lot of other foreign students i think i might be a little better, my stats are

Rank- 2 of 140
SAT II Math IIC - 800
SAT II Chem - 790
SAT II Bio - 740
SAT II Writing - 710
SAT I (March) - M 670 V 580 (Retaking october hoping for around 650-700 V and 730-800 M)
Taking ACT in october

AP Bio - 4
AP chem - 5
AP US - 4
AP Comp Sci - 1
AP Euro, AP Physics, AP Calc BC currently taking

President of Chess club and Youth Group - 12grade
Treasurer of Chess, environmental, and class - 10th grade
Treasurer of class - 12th grade
Soccer 4 years - Captain of the JV 11th grade
Volunteer at hospital 9-12 grades, and a internship during the school year 12th grade

Columbia Science Honors Program, 12 grade
RPI Gold medal winner
Summer camp at marist college and biotechnology camp at SUNY Potsdam
Ebay Business owner

So now my question is, what do you guys think is a good essay topic to write about?
Should i write about my immigration experience or is it too harangue?
Can someone pleaseeee help me, i'm applying early to Harvard and desperately looking to write about something.
Thanks

By Bettina (Bettina) on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 06:47 am: Edit

You want to apply EA to Harvard, yet you rack your brain and can't think of an essay topic? This blows one's mind. It makes me sad to think of the excellent essay writers that forgo applying to Harvard.

Sit awhile and think of each EC you do and how that might be a topic. Sit awhile and think of your summer experiences and think how that may be a topic. Yes, think about your family experience and what you've learned and try to share. You have ebay busines, but it's not worth talking about? Is there a theme that flows through your last 3 or 4 years? If not, then how do you choose to spend your time?

You can write on any topic. The question is, can you make it interesting, intelligent and creative? That is up to you.

So try to draft out a few essays and see where they go. The real work of an essay is on paper, with rewrites, not in your head.

By Bhaiyu87 (Bhaiyu87) on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 08:59 am: Edit

thanks, anyone else have opinions?

By Nngmm (Nngmm) on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 09:35 am: Edit

There is an excellent book by Harry Bauld "On Writing the College Application Essay". It is fun to read, and will give you a good idea what to shoot for.
"You can write on any topic. The question is, can you make it interesting, intelligent and creative? That is up to you." - I could not say it any better...