Which is better essay choice?

cjrrower
Sun, 27 Nov 2011 14:48:41 +0000

For the common app 1000 word essay elaborating on one extra curricular. I have two options, would one be better? I’m applying to Vandy, Notre Dame, and Dayton.


I attended Tennessee Governor’s School for the Humanities. There was selective applications. 500 applicants, 62 accepted. Once accepted I spent one month living on a college campus taking classes for credit. I took 2 100 level semester courses in just 30 days. I got an A in both classes.



My essay would cover that even though I am a science and math person (a prospective chemical engineer), I was able to excel in humanities courses, not only expanding my skills and knowledge, but also making me enjoy them. I became a much more well rounded student, and even took an extra English class elective my senior year in high school. Not only did I become a more well rounded student, becoming much more proficient in humanities subjects, but I also experienced a month of college already. I was able to be away from parents and manage my time to be successful student.



I have been a boyscout for 11 years. I will be awarded the highest rank of eagle scout in 2 months. It is considered very prestigious. I also had numerous leadership jobs inside my troop.



My essay would cover the core values of scouting and how it made me the man that I am today. I would discuss how the values of being trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent were valuable to me as a matured over the years. I would also discuss my various leadership positions and how I was able to excel in what I did. I was a patrol leader of a group of 15 kids. I was also elected crew chief of a 12 man backpacking team that backpacked for 10 days in new mexico. and then of course lastly, my progression to become an eagle scout. Planning my eagle project, etc.


So which of the two essays do you think colleges would rather see? Would one be a better topic than the other, or are both fine topics? Don’t tell me write which ever one I think I could do better. I think I could write a great essay for both. So would colleges have a preference?
Discuss being academically challenged, succeeding in college, and becoming a more well rounded student- not just a science and math guy.

Or discussing the values of scouting that helped me become who I am today, and also discuss my various leadership roles.

Opinions?