<p>I'm a sophomore in High School and am planning on attending Cornell. I want to use my dad's legacy to boost my chances but I know that that won't be my ride in. So for the essay I've been thinking about what to write; what is my passion? I'm stuck on two ideas, one idea is the charity side (i've gone on service trips) and if I wish to pursue this idea then I'll go further with it. But my other idea has to do with video games. I know they have a negative vibe to them, but I get good grades, have friends and play sports to make the school teams so I'm not being obsessed. Gaming is becoming a more popular "sport" and is starting to be nationalized (ESPN is starting to pay more attention). No matter how geeky this is, I have a passion and I want to further pursue this. If I spin this topic to favor me, how would ivy league colleges look at it? I know a lot of people are thinking about how admissions officers would immediately shut me down (I'm even thinking that this is a no go topic to write about) but I FEEL that this could be a good topic.
So charity vs video games. Saying that makes me think I'm an idiot but what are your thoughts?</p>