How can I use the 'League of Denial' documentary as a topic for my college essay?
I'm brainstorming topics for my main college essay, and I recently watched the documentary 'League of Denial' in my AP Biology class. It had a pretty big impact on me, especially the way it challenged the culture around football and safety.
I'm considering writing about how it made me rethink participation in sports, responsibility, and standing up for what you believe is right, even when it goes against the norm. Is this too broad, or could it be unique enough for a strong essay? Has anyone else tried to write about a documentary or something similar for their personal statement?
Would appreciate any advice on if this is a good direction or if I should keep looking for a more personal experience.
I'm considering writing about how it made me rethink participation in sports, responsibility, and standing up for what you believe is right, even when it goes against the norm. Is this too broad, or could it be unique enough for a strong essay? Has anyone else tried to write about a documentary or something similar for their personal statement?
Would appreciate any advice on if this is a good direction or if I should keep looking for a more personal experience.
4 months ago
•
11 views
Camille Luong
• 4 months ago
Advisor
Using the 'League of Denial' documentary as inspiration for your college essay can absolutely work, but the key is to connect it deeply to your own experiences, beliefs, or actions, rather than just summarizing the documentary or discussing it in general terms. Admissions officers are ultimately interested in you—how you think, what you value, and how you act.
To avoid being too broad, focus on a specific moment or idea from the documentary that truly challenged or changed your perspective. For example, was there a moment when a scientist or athlete spoke out against the status quo that resonated with an experience where you had to question something widely accepted or take an unpopular stand? Maybe there was a time you advocated for player safety on your own sports team, or you initiated a discussion at your school about health risks in sports, inspired by the issues raised in the film.
If you don't have a direct parallel, consider how the documentary influenced your goals or decision-making. For instance, maybe you decided to research brain injuries for a science fair, write an op-ed for your school newspaper, or have a tough conversation with your coach. These specific actions show how you internalized the documentary's message and made it personal.
Other students do sometimes write about documentaries, but the strongest essays are never just about what the student watched—they're about why it mattered and how it connected to their life. One example: a student saw a documentary about food insecurity and then started a school garden to provide fresh produce locally. It wasn't just what they learned, but what they did with that knowledge.
So, you’re on the right track as long as you make the story your own. Connect the ideas from 'League of Denial' to your own unique experiences, actions, or changed beliefs. If you do that, you can absolutely craft a strong, memorable essay. If you find you’re struggling to connect the dots personally, it might be helpful to brainstorm other topics as well. But don’t rule out your current idea until you test it with some specific, personal details.
To avoid being too broad, focus on a specific moment or idea from the documentary that truly challenged or changed your perspective. For example, was there a moment when a scientist or athlete spoke out against the status quo that resonated with an experience where you had to question something widely accepted or take an unpopular stand? Maybe there was a time you advocated for player safety on your own sports team, or you initiated a discussion at your school about health risks in sports, inspired by the issues raised in the film.
If you don't have a direct parallel, consider how the documentary influenced your goals or decision-making. For instance, maybe you decided to research brain injuries for a science fair, write an op-ed for your school newspaper, or have a tough conversation with your coach. These specific actions show how you internalized the documentary's message and made it personal.
Other students do sometimes write about documentaries, but the strongest essays are never just about what the student watched—they're about why it mattered and how it connected to their life. One example: a student saw a documentary about food insecurity and then started a school garden to provide fresh produce locally. It wasn't just what they learned, but what they did with that knowledge.
So, you’re on the right track as long as you make the story your own. Connect the ideas from 'League of Denial' to your own unique experiences, actions, or changed beliefs. If you do that, you can absolutely craft a strong, memorable essay. If you find you’re struggling to connect the dots personally, it might be helpful to brainstorm other topics as well. But don’t rule out your current idea until you test it with some specific, personal details.
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Camille Luong
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Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
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