I’m applying to Cornell Engineering. In my essay, I’m describing how I grew a passion for math after taking a course at CUSHP (Columbia University Science Honors Program, which is a program for gifted high school students). Is this a wise idea?
I think it is okay. You could also say that the challenging academic program with gifted students helped you identify that you wanted a college with similar characteristics, or something like that. My kid used that type of argument with great results to some top colleges.
That is fine.