<p>I’ve been told many times that applications are there to plan out how you’ll portray slices of your personality / achievements. With that being said, I need some advice.</p>
<p>For the common app, the question “In the space provided below, please describe which of your activities (extracurricular and personal activities or work experience) has been most meaningful and why (150 words or fewer).”</p>
<p>Should I write about my business-related activity since I’m applying to business programs, or the youth organization I started. Both are meaningful, so whichever I choose would be honest, however, I’m trying to figure out which would give the best portrayal of me with the strategy mentioned above. My common app essay gives another perspective about me…starts off with some off-beatness and leads to tie in my accomplishments and goals. Any advice?</p>
<p>Since it is for the common application, pick the activity that is REALLY the most meaningful to YOU, and not what you perceive as the most “strategic.” If you use the 150 words to “sound” great, chances are that it will sound trite. </p>
<p>FWIW, if the youth organization truly meant something to you, it will probably be a better subject for a common application. On the other hand, if your business venture earned a solid and verifiable reputation -and you did not cover this angle in any other place in your application- it may work as well. However, it is not that important to be the new JP Morgan to apply to a business program. :)</p>