Common App Short Answer Question

Applying to College
1

I have a question about the prompt: “Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences.”

It has been difficult for me to decide which experience to write about, and I would like to hear your thoughts. There are two specific experiences I would strongly consider writing about. One is losing my student council election and the sacrifices I made for my team (long story), and talking about how I have still remained committed to the student council. Perhaps I would address how the experience has changed me as a person. The other is working in a local cafe as the dishwasher and janitor and how it has changed my perception of collaboration and the value of teamwork, even among people who may lack a common background.

The experience working in a cafe concerns me mainly because it may not show true leadership and is perhaps not something colleges would want to see from an applicant in a well-off area.

To provide context, I am coming from a suburban public school and have strong scores, GPA, activities, etc. I am applying to Ivies and other top schools.

It’s 150 word max by the way.

Thanks in advance!

2

I think you should write about working in the cafe. It shows humility and a good work ethic (which is something a college would WANT to see from an applicant who seems well-off. It shows they don’t see themselves as above working).
Also, I don’t think writing about losing the election will benefit your application. Writing about what you learned from your job will (most likely).

3

The student council idea is great, but the cafe may be more appropriate in this context. If the answer is 150 words max, I don’t think the student council story can be done justice in such a small amount of space. As mentioned above it shows your work ethic and humility which is great. It may not be a leadership experience, but it shows you have the qualities for leadership.