Chances and essay question

<p>White Catholic Female
Legacy - yes</p>

<p>SAT-I: 2300 (800 CR, 700 M, 800 W)
ACT: 32
GPA: 103.00 %
Rank: 1 of 528 (at a competitive high school)</p>

<p>APs:
5 in US His
5 in Calc AB
5 in Eng Lit/Comp</p>

<p>Senior Courses: AP Chem II, AP Government/Economics, AP Sr English, AP German IV, AP Calc BC, H Physics</p>

<p>Courseload: I’ve taken all honors or AP classes except for one science class in 9th grade, but I’ve taken five units of science, anyway. Other interesting courses: two years of Computer Programming, super elite Honors Humanities class, accelerated math program</p>

<p>Extracurriculars:
1st Dan Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do (TKD)
TKD Instructor, teaching several classes a week, giving private lessons
Bo Staff lessons (w/ TKD)
TKD Leadership Team
Martial arts club (Treasurer 11-12)
NHS (Secretary 12)
German Club
Chess Club
Odyssey of the Mind (Captain 12, 1st place finish at regionals 11)
Piano (10 years)
Parish Youth Group
Diocesan Youth Council Representative
Church Choir</p>

<p>Honors:
NHS
National Foreign Language Honor Society
Wellesley College Book Award
National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist (probably Finalist, too)
Parish Volunteer of the Month (is this silly? heh)</p>

<p>Volunteer:
Weekly production of homily tapes for the aged/sick
Summer mission trip for four years (Habitat for Humanity, last year)
Regular youth group activities
NHS events and fundraisers
Summer Vacation Bible School teacher</p>

<p>Question about essay:
I’ve got a couple ideas rattling around in my head. I’m a very good writer, so I think I can write a decent essay at least structurally and so on, but I’m not sure what topic would be best.</p>

<li><p>I’m very passionate about theology, which does not necessarily come out in my lists. I had a reasonably clever idea that I thought would tie in this driving passion with another passion of mine… football (really!)! Obviously I’d try to really reveal my sense of humor and passion without being too “cutsie”, but I’m still worried it might come off as obsequious or sucking up to school known for both faith and football.</p></li>
<li><p>I went on a three week trip to Russia, Mongolia, and China last summer, and I think I could come up with something meaningful about it. But it would be more of a stretch, because I think that an essay about my theological leanings would be more reflective of who I am.</p></li>
<li><p>I do a lot with TKD and have leadership positions within… should I assume that this will be obvious from my listings, or should I try to capitalize on this in an essay about my experiences?</p></li>
</ol>

<p>So opinions on whether I should go for #1, #2, or #3 would be helpful! (Also, are any of the three maybe not ideal for an essay, but applicable for that little 150 word “Anything else?” statement?)</p>

<p>Thanks in advance to everyone who takes the time to read this and respond!</p>

<p>Legacy+perfect rank+1500 sats+ a balla essay = (imo) acceptance
You look good</p>

<p>just wondering, where are you from and what do u want to study? I definitely think you'll get in though; are you applying EA?</p>

<p>I think you will get in as well. I think you should do essay number 1 as it sounds like it speaks most clearly about who you are which really is the goal of the essay. Just my opinion, however.</p>

<p>i dont know. ive heard countless times that the admissions department isnt looking for a football+faith=notre dame essay. maybe steer away from that. but other than that, you're looking good.</p>

<p>They don't want to hear what they think you want them to hear, because they hear that all the time. However, if it is an essay that defines the person, I think it is completely acceptable and will come off differently, you know? Maybe I am crazy but I think the main thing is don't tell them what you think they want to hear (which is what they warn you against) but tell them about you and what makes you you (or makes you special, or whatever). That is just my take on it.</p>

<p>the thing is if you can get a 800 in writing....then you know how to write....
My advice would be pick something that defines you... and then write about it.........
Good Lucky and I hope you do well on teh essay and get in!</p>

<p>I'm from PA (around Harrisburg), and I'm planning on studying theology. And yes, I am going to apply EA... I don't think I have the patience to wait until April to find out if I'm in!</p>

<p>Thanks for the input to you and everyone else!</p>

<p>I think you're in. And I'd vote for essay choice no. 1 as well, since you seem passionate about it. Good luck!</p>