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Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences in the space below (1000 character maximum).
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<p>I'm debating what I should write here, as I have several ECs. Here are the scenarios: </p>
<p>1) Elaborate on a rather generic EC (generic volunteer work). </p>
<p>2) Elaborate on an EC I dropped after the first half of HS. This EC met Monday through Thursday from 3 - 6 for practices, and on Fridays I had to stay from 3 to 11, if not 12 PM, at school. This EC is partially accountable for my dismal grades during the first half of HS. </p>
<p>I won't explicitly blame my grades on this EC; I'll just elaborate on how this EC sucked up 20+ hours per week of my time for approximately 20 weeks of school each year. </p>
<p>3) Elaborate on paid work experience (private math tutor). </p>
<p>In essence: Should I use this space to elaborate on a cause (namely, that particular EC I described in scenario 2) of my rather poor grades during the first half of HS?</p>
<p>Also, is this the space for creative writing?</p>
<p>Should I just write a straightforward essay elaborating on one of my ECs or can I do something somewhat more creative? E.g. instead of a straightforward essay I might kick off with a dialogue?</p>
<p>1) If you can turn generic into noteworthy, then give it a try. </p>
<p>2) I have heard that one should not dwell on excuses. Adcoms, presumably, like to see a person explaining how they overcame hardships rather than complaining. However, I see nothing harmful in hinting about extenuating circumstances. </p>
<p>3) This sounds like the safest path.</p>
<p>1000 char is not terribly long. Perhaps you could write an essay on each of your three choices and choose the best one. </p>
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<p>While I have observed your provacative dialogue skills, this particular section seems better suited for straightforwardness. If possible, you can slip humor in, but too much creativity might be suspicious. :)</p>
<p>If you want to explain poor grades, write a supplemental statement and upload it as a part of the “Additional Information” section. Do not talk about poor grades while writing your extracurricular/work experience response.</p>
<p>Also, pick one extracurricular/work experience; do not write about all 3–that will cause the essay to lose focus.</p>
<p>And remember, that you want to not just describe the activity, but write about what it meant to you. Be reflective, not just descriptive.</p>
<p>Write about the one your are/were most passionate about</p>
<p>I would go with the math tutoring!</p>