Can't pick between essay topics!

College Essays
1

<p>Hey guys, I am currently working on my 2nd Essay for the Yale supplement. This is the prompt:</p>

<p>You have already told us about yourself in the Common Application, with its list of activities, Short Answer, and Personal Essay. In this required second essay, tell us something that you would like us to know about you that we might not get from the rest of your application - or something that you would like a chance to say more about. Please limit your essay to fewer than 500 words.</p>

<p>These are my two essay topics I'm torn between. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Cross Country Essay. My career was one of huge improvement, going from finishing my first 5k in 29 minutes to getting a PR of 17:26 senior year and qualifying for states, which is hard to do in NC, and getting the MVP award. Mostly I wanted to focus on how it has changed me, as it has had a huge influence on who I have become, and taught me discipline and a good work ethic since I improved so much due to hard off-season training. The reasons I'm thinking of NOT doing this are: I already talked about my improvement on the Short Answer on the Common App. In addition, I think talking about discipline and work ethic is a bit cliche, especially when applying to a school like Yale. However, it's completely true that I learned my work ethic from running XC.</p></li>
<li><p>Discussing my change from a shy person to being more outgoing and becoming a leader. From freshman to junior year I was very introverted, but this year after being made lead captain of XC I started to challenge myself to be more extroverted. I became a good leader and led our boys squad to the state race for the first time in 18 years, but then I also used my new qualities elsewhere. I resurrected the Ultimate Frisbee Club. I planned tournaments and games with other schools and led the team to an undefeated record. Thirdly, I was elected NHS president of my school, which has over 90 members and is a top 50 school in the nation. </p></li>
</ol>

<p>Thanks guys!</p>

2

<p>I think Essay 2 is the better way to go. The first red flag regarding Essay 1 is that you elaborated on your improvements in the short answer part of the Common App. Essay 2 is talking about a change in a long-held lifestyle, which I imagine will be more personal and consequently more insightful into who you really are. </p>

<p>If I think of additional reasoning, I’ll reply again, but I’m working on essays myself right now. :D</p>

<p>Best of luck to you!</p>

3

<p>Hmmm yeah I thought about that too, but then again it says you can write about something you want to elaborate on, and I heard that ivy’s really like depth. Thanks for the response! Anybody else?</p>

4

<p>Bump. please help!</p>

5

<p>The second topic is a better choice. Try to be as revealing as possible.</p>

6

<p>I would definitely write about the 2nd choice!</p>

7

<p>Thanks for the responses guys. I am very torn now. I was leaning towards the 2nd choice myself, but my English teacher and my grandmother (former teacher) told me to go with the 1st. </p>

<p>Anyone else?</p>

8

<p>One last bump :P</p>

9

<p>if you have already talked about your #1 in your Common App short answer then why waste words on it again? </p>

<p>Essay 2 all the way.</p>

10

<p>I dont feel like I had enough chance to elaborate on it in the mere 1000 characters. Also, the prompt says “something you’d like to say more about”</p>

11

<p>Essay 2 adds new dimension t your application and Essay 1 just builds up on Common App Short Essay. Figure out which is the best.</p>

12

<p>I don’t think it matters at all which topic you write about - you could write about reality TV for all I (and the adcom) care - but rather, it’s about how you write it. Just go with whatever feels more natural for you, incorporate some elements of the other topic, and be sure that you’re satisfied with what you’ve written. </p>

<p>And good luck!</p>