Is it a bad idea...

halfasianathlete
Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:52:14 +0000

As nyc saic, a eureka moment is exactly what would make your essay unique and not in the generic “sports taught me to work hard, appreciate vicory, and accept defeat” essay.

Letting yourself show through is the most important thing on a college essay, and you do not have to be a “great writer” in order to do this.

To make an essay more personal use specifics to support your general statements. Instead of “running taught me to work hard” try using an anecdote, or specific experience to reach this conclusion.

And to answer your initial question, I do not think writing an xc essay and getting a rec from your xc coach is an issue. A rec is written from another person’s point of view while your essay will be first person and something different can be gained from each piece.