<p>Hey guys. I collect Nike Air Jordans and I have over 30 pairs now. I put a lot of time researching about it and definitely show passion toward it. How could I turn this into something positive for college applications? It has gotten me discounts in Nike stores and developed my relationships with the staff. I also buy from other people in the Philippines through meet-ups so it has given me connections which enable me to get shoes from US and other countries at low prices. One of the things that interest me is that the prices of the shoes go up as time passes. The rate of increase in the prices depends on a variety of factors like the number of pairs produced, obviously the demand for the shoes, and the unique selling point of the shoes like for example one shoe that commemorates Jordan's first and fourth championships. The price for the shoe skyrocketed within a week. When I bought it, which is already late, the price (in the Philippines) was 550 US dollars, now the price people are selling for is around 900. So there is a whole economics thing going on here and this is why I like it. Is it possible to use this as a strength or something that sets me apart or is it just completely useless?</p>
<p>Are you reselling and making money, or are you just collecting?</p>
<p>write your essay about it.</p>
<p>Mainly collecting because I love them too much to sell as of now. But I bought two of a pair of shoes that I know will rise in value and am planning to sell. And I know that when I need to I can sell some shoes and earn profits.</p>
<p>Also, writing my whole essay about it might be too risky don't ya think?</p>
<p>I don't think so, IF the whole economics aspect of it applies in some way to what you want to study. Sweet collection btw, you need to get the ***ijama kicks from Entourage.</p>
<p>edit:</p>
<p>apparently I can't write F-u-k-i-j-a-m-a???</p>
<p>What were you planning to write about anyway? </p>
<p>For something like Penn's page 217 of your autobiography essay talking about your most exciting search/buy of a shoe (or something like that) can be really good. For an essay about an activity you do talking about how you spend lots of time researching shoes and buying them can show "passion." If you are really interested in it then it will be really easy to write an essay about it. It will also help you write an essay that really conveys who you are. Most importatnly, writing about shoes will probably help you avoid writing a banal essay about an overused subject.</p>
<p>You can also put it under your EC section on the app. I remember that one kid who got into one of the HYPS had collecting historical toy soldiers as one of his EC activities. Now obviously that didn't get him into college as he was a wonderful applicant but as long as you can present it well in the space you're given, colleges appreciate unorthodox activities as long as you can convey that passion or genuine interest.</p>
<p>lol, i find this funny because i know so many people who collect nike shoes, but they are far removed from the academic pursuit. i think it's cool that you're trying to put a creative spin on something like that. i don't know how you'd explain that as an ec, but as an essay, it could be interesting, given good execution.</p>
<p>I could do an essay about it yea? I can write about what I loof for when buying and the things I talked about earlier. How these days the Jordan Brand is targeting another set of consumers and diverge from their traditional designs. They make the new shoes neon and bright, which irritates most collectors. Also, I can talk about this site that I go to where people can say how much they think a shoe is worth. Then, when you see that a lot of people give a shoe the same price, you can see the market price. It's really helpful. I can also talk about the shoes that I dream of getting. It's not Jordan though, but still Nike. It's called the Air Force One Philippines/ Jose Rizal. I want them so badly because they show pride to my country. But, only 500 pairs where made so it's really hard to get a hold of one. Another thing I can talk about is the China edition Lebrons. Since I am Chinese, I was really glad/proud/surprised when Nike dedicated Lebron shoes to China. So, every year I buy the China editions. It's only available in China, so I usually go to Hong Kong to get them. They are also extremely rare. It shows that I value both my heritage and my home country I guess.</p>
<p>Guys, I also posted the same question in niketalk. Here are some of the answers I got.
"Using that on a college app might be the worst idea I have ever heard."
"Collecting J's is a hobby. If you think that it will help get you into college...you need to pay more attention in school."
"admissions will laugh at you as they write your denied letter."
"I would personally stay away from writing your essays about shoes. How would a shoe collector benefit the student body in any way? You MAY be able to use shoe collecting and showing diversity and being unique, but thats would be too much of a stretch. Most colleges give essay topics that want you to show perseverance, overcoming challenges and obstacles, life changing experiences, etc. Put yourself in the shoes of the reader. Would a middle aged academician want to read a paper from some 17 year old about collecting shoes? that paper is going straight to the shredder."</p>
<p>ALL of their replies were negative and strongly opposed writing about shoes. I suspect that this might be because they think collecting shoes is commonplace since everyone in the site collects, but the last poster (the long quotation) may have a point. What do you guys think?</p>
<p>I think you should try writing a draft essay about your shoes. If you think it shows potential, keep it. Otherwise,keep trying! :]</p>
<p>I really think it will definitely be something interesting--and a great topic from what you're writing. I took greater risks with a few of my essays. And they paid off. The higher the risk, the higher the reward. ;]</p>
<p>Thanks!! I really appreciate all your contributions guys! And I am planning on writing an essay about the topic for my ED application to Penn. Thank you so much!!</p>
<p>Shoe essay worked guys! In at Penn! Woooo! Thanks for the encouragement!!!</p>
<p>Just goes to show you, sometimes being honest works quite well.</p>
<p>[And no one can really tell with the College Apps process]</p>