Would writing about television for my college essay be too weird?

I plan on going into Film & TV Studies. Would writing about television for my college essay be too weird? I plan on explaining how I got into it, the impact its has on me, and what can be learned from it. Any advice/tips would be golden!

I don't think it would weird to write about television for your essay, especially since you want to major in Film & TV, but I do think it's too broad of a topic to cover in approximately 500 words. You might want to consider narrowing your focus to one show or even just one character that has had a unique influence on your perspective.

I'm not sure which schools you are applying to, but I know that one of the essay topics on the Common Application most universities use is to describe a character in fiction or in a creative work that has had an influence on you, and to describe that influence, so your idea is definitely not far fetched. Actually, I'm not sure if it's original enough since the impact of television on society is already so well known, and so many people feel influenced by shows they watch. There is already a plethora of books, magazine articles and research on the way television has shaped our culture, so I'd be concerned about your experiences being unique enough to really stand out.

I would start by writing down the 5 shows that have had the greatest influence on you and briefly writing about why.

I'd then pick one character from each of those shows and write about their specific impact. What have they taught you?

After you've done that, read over what you've written and decide whether you want to focus on a show or just a character. You could also write about a producer / writer of multiple shows, like Alan Ball who wrote & created Six Feet Under & True Blood or JJ Abrams or Joss Whedon.

You want your essay to be concise, creative, well-written and memorable. Look for a unique angle to write about. For example, you could write about the oxymoronic nature of Dexter being a humane serial killer, or how Buffy was a feminist, or the way Will and Grace influenced the changing perspectives towards homosexuality in society, or how the Amazing Race inspired you to travel.

Good luck!

~ Pax

It depends how you write about it. It does sound like an appropriate topic for going into Film and TV studies. And a big interest in TV will definitely be necessary.

When you say "college essay" do you mean an essay that is going to help you get into Uni? Or is this just a general essay you're writing at college?

If it's to get you into Uni, you should write about your passion for TV, but also for Film too. They probably want someone who is going to be analytical, so make sure it is sharp and concise. It seems like your approach already sound analytical with the "how", the "what" and the "why".

BUT:

Any experience you have with making your own films or broadcasting e.g. working at your local hospital radio, is of value too. And if you don't already have that experience, start making the films and looking for volunteer/work experience now! Even if you just say you plan on doing work experience as a runner on a film set in the summer before you go to Uni, that would impress them. It shows that you not only have an intellectual interest, but that you are already actively pursuing your ambitions to study Film/TV.

Good luck, I hope that was what you meant by "college essay".

a college student has to be matured and you cant write about t.v at this stage as it shows u as a small kid. if u want to share your experience can give your essay but not only about television

no.