Showing "focus" on my EC's

Colleges & Universities University of Pennsylvania
1

<p>When filling out my app, I get the feeling that when the adcom reads about my activities and EC’s he’s going to see a lack of focus in what I do… especially with almost no activities in my 10th grade year.</p>

<p>What I do want to get across is that I have found a focus after joining debate in 11th grade and how it has given me a new perspectiveand shaped me.</p>

<p>Unfortunately they don’t have a blank for that on the application. I already have a topic I’m writing on for my pg. 217 (heh procrastination) and I’m wondering if I should try writing on my “focus” in high school instead if it’s going to become a big admissions factor. (can essays really influence other parts of the admission, ie. explaining things on your app through your essay?)</p>

<p>Quality of the essay isn’t a factor, if I started a new one right now it wouldn’t be any worse than the one I’ve started, and I can get a few changes done on the 1st.</p>

2

<p>I sent in a supplemental form in the mail about student government and how it was important to me… you could do that I guess… just include your name, ssn, and a paragraph about why debate has shaped you and is the most important ec to you…</p>

3

<p>ESSAYS ARE VERY IMPORTANT! The essays give you a chance to express to the Admissions Committee what you’re all about. In following with the thread of your application, I suggest that you write about how debate has changed you. Since you’re uncertain about how the admissions committee will receive your ECs, then the essays would be the place to explain. It definitely has bearing on other parts of your application, especially the ones that need more explaining.</p>