<p>So, I'll be a senior next year, and I'm starting to write my main common app essay. I was wondering if it's appropriate to incorporate activities/achievements that I've earned throughout high school. I'm kind of confused because i read that its not that great of an idea to basically rehash your resume in essay form. :/</p>
<p>I learned that its not ABOUT what you write but HOW you write it.</p>
<p>Our college counselor suggested that a student write about a moment in time - write about something that has happened in your life that caused you to reflect on who you are and the values you have. Talk about your decision process regarding this moment in time, so it illustrates something important about you. It can be anything - something that really seems insignificant.</p>
<p>First off, I couldn’t disagree more with the first response. If you choose a crumby topic or just rehash your resume, then Shakespeare himself probably couldn’t make it work.</p>
<p>The “a-ha moment” essay, as described by swimmer726 is a pretty well-worn approach, and admissions folks are a bit wary of it because it leads to the use of a lot of cliches about how a particular moment completely transformed their life or clarified all of existence. </p>
<p>Instead, think about a story or moment that was personally important to you and that reflects important characteristics that you want the admissions committee to know about. When you put your story within the context of who you are and what you want to become, it can really work to make for some interesting and compelling stuff.</p>
<p>If you have more questions or want to bounce essay topics / ideas off of me, feel free to message me.</p>