<p>OK so I'm applying for the EFL summer program, and I have a really basic question about the essay I'm writing for the application. The prompt is:</p>
<p>Describe how you see yourself as a leader among those with whom you interact. Please limit to 750 words.</p>
<p>I haven't done a lot of these types of essays before, so what I'm wondering is: are they looking for more of a standard essay, or a creative piece of writing that demonstrates that you're a good writer as well as an accomplished leader? </p>
<p>For example, I COULD respond to the prompt in the standard format:
"True leadership is defined by ______, yadda yadda yadda, intro stuff... I have demonstrated my leadership ability in ways X, Y, and Z among the people with whom I interact."
And then have 3 paragraphs expounding on the stuff I've done, conclusion, etc.</p>
<p>OR</p>
<p>I could write an interesting, story-type piece maybe about just 1 leadership role, and making it super detailed/interesting/character-showing, etc.</p>
<p>What do you guys think is a preferable format for this essay? If anyone out there has applied/been accepted to EFL before, how exactly did you format your essay? Any help would be greatly appreciated! :)</p>
<p>Believe it or not I am actually writing the same essay right now. Your best bet would be to go for a more character showing thing. If there is one thing that I’ve learned, its that these people do not want to be bored. The standard type seems too plain and will probably not get you noticed. Be real. Like when I went to my HOBY Leadership Camp I was recognized for an essay I wrote. I was supposed to talk about influential women leaders in my life. I wrote more of a creative thing and did not just list out things in the standard way. But your best bet for this is to go for a combination of your two options. Its only 750 words so there is not a whole lot that you can do with that. Show the things that you’ve done, but make it interesting so that you stand out.</p>
<p>As a side note make sure that your punctuation and grammar are perfect. I have a teacher who did a program at Princeton similar to this, and he told me that out of 20,000 applicants they got down to 2000 on punctuation and grammar alone. I hope I helped.</p>
<p>hey im thinking of applying to this program but I don’t know anything about it… Could you tell me if its a really selective program? Number applied vs. Number accepted? Is it a prestigious program? Thanks so much</p>
<p>Honestly I had the same question, it’s not very clear. What I ended up doing was going in a story format of how I’m a leader, etc. Good luck! Where did you apply to?</p>
<p>@TripleL: do you mean one story, about one instance where you showed leadership? Just one? And I haven’t applied yet, but I’m applying to UW, UCSB, and probably UCBoulder (colorado). Where are you applying?</p>
<p>A little late now with the advice… but here is what I would suggest. A brief intro with a few examples of your leadership activities. Then pick one of them and say it particularly exhibits your leadership skills, and go into some detailed examples of that (and how you had a positive impact on the group). Give a specific example or two, not just adjectives (show them, don’t just tell them).</p>
<p>I went to EFL Boston last year, and I starkly recommend “[writing] an interesting, story-type piece maybe about just 1 leadership role, and making it super detailed/interesting/character-showing, etc.” </p>
<p>When I procrastinated the app essay until the last night, this is what I did. The program is surprisingly selective (I heard only 1/3 get in), so it’s a good idea to start earlier and revise, but you want to give specific examples here – don’t make this into a stupid college or SAT essay about “true leadership.” Make it about yourself, and give them evidence to believe why you can be a leader.</p>
<p>I am happy to PM my essay to anyone interested. I think I had a different prompt, but it’s the same idea about leadership. By the way, I heartily recommend EFL. I posted in another thread a few minutes ago why it’s so awesome, but I can go into more depth here. It’s so worth it.</p>
<p>Yeah could you possible PM me your essay too? I’d just like an idea of what they’re looking for. Thank you so much, i’d really appreciate it! :)</p>
<p>Sorry this is so late, but I did just walked through my daily activities and how they showed leadership. And I’m applying to all East coast campuses: College of William and Mary, Babson, and Cornell. Good luck!</p>