<p>cchscali: no problem, yes those are great things to mention in an interview, however schoolls that dont give interview, you still have the chance to write about that in your short answer, as it will be equally impressive. The best thing would be, the activities you have done, were for yourself and in my opinion better if you found those activities through your own research and sources not from a teacher recommendation or something ur GC advised you to join.</p>
<p>There are like five (or something like that) options on the common app, one of them being “Topic of your Choice.” Of course your essay should be original. There are so many approaches to it. I’d recommend getting one of those college essay books. They give you a good idea of what a good essay is. But, what I did was just talk about ONE day, one instance. It kind of pulled my life together. But, there’s so many different approaches. That’s just one.</p>
<p>Maybe start thinking about possible things about you that are unique and situations/things that convey that. But, definitely get an essay book!</p>
<p>I almost forgot about the short-response on the common app. Thank you for jotting my memory flaming spirit! For that, you could literally write about anything you do/did. For mine, I wrote about my work. But, you could write about anything that you think is important. Hopefully you’ll be able to convey your hardwork within that.</p>
<p>cchscali-- not to worry, you can reveal most everything on your app and if you don’t feel it’s enough you can send supplemental materials, like an extra essay or rec. You can go to the common app website and see the essay choices. You can also go to the websites of schools of interest and see their supplemental essays for the past year. Many schools have a “why us” essay and you can usually work your experience and passion into that answer.</p>
<p>Ay I didn’t know there was a short response section! I see now.</p>
<p>Yes, everything makes much more sense. :)</p>
<p>I will print out the common app and buy an essay book to know what to expect. Being first generation, I never know what to expect!</p>
<p>Oh, glasses just reminded me:
Can I send 1 rec from an adult I work closely with who is not a teacher?</p>
<p>chscali, I didn’t mean to imply that you were working at a gym, in fact I was trying to say that I thought your hours were meaningful :)</p>
<p>Here’s a book that can really help with the essay writing. It’s a quick read and it can put you in the right frame of mind for the app essay writing. I know it’s old, but many students have used it recently with success.</p>
<p>–On Writing the College Admissions Essay" by Harry Bauld (1987). Harper & Row, Publishers, Inc., 10 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022.</p>
<p>If you’re applying as a freshman for '09, the app will probably change before you apply for August cchscali. But, it’s a good idea to see what the application is. It takes forever to fill out. Definitely buy college interview/visit books, essay books along with things like the “Ultimate Guide to College” books. Really get acquainted with the process.</p>
<p>The essay book I had (that really helped me) was from sparknotes. “10 things you gotta know: College Application Essays.” The first book I saw when I went to B&N to look for College Application Essays. It even guides you through the process of writing the essay.</p>
<p>Yes, it’s great to have a recc from an adult that isn’t a teacher. Just make sure they’re not family.</p>
<p>Alright! This answers all my questions now </p>
<p>Thanks for the recommendations.</p>
<p>And Anon_Person, I see what you mean now. :)</p>