<p>I'm applying to Stanford and I'm not sure what should I put on the extra curricular essay from the following two.
'Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences.'
I play guitar and I have taken lessons but I haven't played for a band (I would surely like to) and it has required a significant time commitment. On the other hand, I have taught the children of my neighborhood (for free, I live in a poor area) during the summers and on some holidays. Which one would be better? ( I know both aren't significant, but I have only these two lol)
Also tell which would be better for Duke. It's prompt-
'Please discuss one of your extracurricular activities that has required a particularly significant time commitment or that has played a meaningful role in your personal development.'
If you wish, I may email you both essays.</p>
<p>It is ultimately up to you to decide.
Stanford, or any college for that matter, loves to see commitment. So, consider the one on which you spent a lot of time AND you actually love doing.
But then again, nothing can be said without reading the essays i.e. how you portray the activities.</p>
<p>A little more specific about your question, you can definitely talk about playing the guitar. You don’t necessarily have to be in a band to show prowess. In fact it you can use the ‘solo’ tag to add a different perspective to the essay.</p>
<p>Guitar for both, but spin it well. Teaching poor, underprivileged children sounds so cliched.</p>
<p>Sorry to intrude but would you say that for this essay, I could write about my experiences as an RAF cadet?</p>