This summer I’m going on a EF tour at the Galápagos Islands for 10 days. It’s a pricey trip (3000 dollars) so I was wondering if I wrote about that experience in my college essay would it make me sound pretentious? I’ve heard colleges don’t like to see activities you spend a lot of money for because you can only have that kind experience if you are finically advantaged in comparison to other applicants.
They know that some kids have more money than others. So if you write about all the wonderful things you were able to do that other kids can’t, it could come off as bragging that your parents can provide for you what others cannot.
But if you can find something that genuinely touches you-- and you won’t know that until you get there and experience it-- then I think you’ll be fine.