Which of the following ECAs should I write about in the common app short answer?

College Essays
1

<p>1) Started an NGO. Worked for the previous 5 years. There is a lot of info about this that I’d have to make clear in the short answer, and I don’t think I can bring any passion into it as I’d have to make our projects clear in the answer. But it IS a substantial ECA for me.</p>

<p>2) Debate. Been debating for 7 years. I love doing this, and am pretty good at it apparently. But I do not have any substantial achievement in this (school debate team is…not good.) And a lot of people write about this, and I might not be different from anyone, and far below the people with international awards in debate.</p>

<p>3) Music. I play the guitar and the piano, and sing too. Been in a band for years and played in some small shows. No recording deal or anything.</p>

<p>4) Sports. Used to play a lot of soccer for school. Now coaching an underground soccer team.</p>

<p>5) Working at a foreign language institute 2 years after becoming the youngest person to graduate from there. Could show my love for new cultures and languages.</p>

<p>I like all of them equally. I don’t know which one to write on. Which one should I target?</p>

2

<p>what’s your intended major? maybe tie it into that somehow. </p>

<p>Try writing the short answer for all of them, and which ever one you like best use.</p>

3

<p>I’m undecided.</p>

<p>Most probably Physics or Economics.</p>

<p>I don’t understand what is a good answer…? Should be passionate or informative about what I have done related to this ECA? Should it be something as unique as possible (in which case it would be either #1 or #4)? Or should it be something I have more fun doing (such as #2 or #3)? </p>

<p>I could write all of them, but I would not be able to judge which one to give…</p>

4

<p>There isn’t a formula. Just try to demonstrate your passion, leadership and ability to take initiative through one of your ECs.</p>