The stereotypical rich-kid essay?

College Essays
1

<p>So, I know it’s a rich-kid stereotype to go overseas to a country and interact with underprivileged kids or something along those lines, and in general, one should avoid using that sort of experience as an essay topic.I’m not sure if my actual experience and the reasons for it would make the essay an exception though. </p>

<p>(Trying to keep it vague, because this makes me really easily identifiable) Basically, as a part of my girl scout gold award project, I went to a country that I’m ethnically from (I was born in the US though) and interacted with poor students at a school there. I started a library with them, and I hope to establish a penpal program between my school and theirs this fall. Basically doing this should hopefully get me the Gold Award, and the penpal program will keep running as a sort of a club.</p>

<p>The experience means a lot to me, but I’m not sure if it’s cliche or whatever. Basically the essay would cover my reasons for doing the project, a bit of my actual experience talking with these amazing kids, and the how/why I set up the penpal program and why I’m motivated to continue doing humanitarian work in my future.</p>

<p>I’m not putting this in the essay forum because I feel like the CA forum gets more varied viewers, by the way.</p>

<p>So really, I’d just like your opinion: do you think this essay would be a good or bad idea?</p>

2

<p>I think its a great project. Plus Gold/Eagle scouts are rare, since it goes all through high school. Shows
perservarance! </p>

3

<p>Eagle Scouts are not that rare, both of my nephews earned them. It didn’t help them in college. It’s a great EC but their grades and SAT scores are what matters more.</p>

4

<p>Gold awards are fairly rare, however. They also have the advantage of being scrutinized at several levels, so that an adcom can count on the project being worthwhile.</p>

5

<p>Please return to the essay forum. There is already a discussion on this type of essay on the front page.</p>

6

<p>My advice is to write the essay that you want to write. It will be unique if you allow your experience and passion to come through. </p>