<p>I was writing my common app essay, and I was wondering if this was a good story to write about…
Disappointing my parents by quitting soccer, but achieving my greatest accomplishment of running a marathon.
(Background info:
I’ve been playing soccer since I could walk. My dad is the high school soccer coach, and my brother plays on the team too. Soccer is my family’s obsession. I decided to quit soccer my junior year to pursue my passion for running. I’ve been running XC since 7th grade, and I’ve completed a few half marathons before. My parents were devastated, and it was a really rough moment in my life. I wanted to prove to both myself and my parents that I had made the right decision, so I trained for a marathon and finished it in 3:53:27. It was by far one of my greatest accomplishments.)
Obviously I would write about it in a better way for the essay. I basically just summarized the whole story. So, do you think this is a topic that would stand out to the Stanford Admissions people?</p>
<p>I think that sounds like a defining moment in your life, and could -possibly- make a great essay. The reason I said “possibly” is because it all depends on execution. I’m assuming you’re a rising senior, which means you’ve got several months ahead of you to map it all out. If you put in the time and effort that it takes to tell that story with passion, maturity and enthusiasm, then I believe you (and Stanford by extension) will have one hell of an essay. </p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>
<p>Yes, I am a rising senior. I have until November to finalize it, so I plan to make every single line perfect! Thanks for the comment. I realize that my explanation was executed poorly, but my essay will obviously be a lot better.</p>
<p>I think you can find a much better topic. You are an individual and an adult (almost?). Too much emphasis is placed on the feelings of your family. Ideally, you want a story that shows personal growth and shows that you are interesting, possess great character and can sell yourself in a humble manner. It is possible to do so with this topic, but it seems as though you’ll be more inclined to focus on the accomplishment itself and the impact on your family. You have lots of time, I’d keep brainstorming.</p>