<p>I am starting my UF application now and am considering ideas for my freshman essay. I'm thinking i should write and discuss the numerous mission trips and service projects that i have taken part in, and then talk about how i would like to continue this service as a student at UF. I'm a leader in my youth group and National Honors Society, and have done numerous service projects through both. It's a passion of mine and something i truely enjoy. My only concern is that the prompt speaks of "academic integrity" and "student responsibility," but if i was to write about my service, I'm concerned it wouldn't deal with an academic perspective of me as a student. </p>
<p>I would appreciate any feedback and if you'd let me know what you think of my essay topic.</p>
<p>Don’t do mission trip. I was talking to an admission representative and he said they get hit with thousands of those per year. </p>
<p>They hate the cliche "I went to <em>insert poor location</em>. I saw <em>insert story about how bad life was there</em>. “It really made me realize how lucky I was”</p>
<p>Do something you really cared about. You could write about how being a leader in NHS will transfer to you being a leader on the UF campus.</p>
<p>Well if they don’t like mission trips, i can talk about how being a boy scout and reaching the rank of Eagle Scout has helped develop leadership skills and taught me skills and values which i will use in my future and while a student at UF</p>
<p>i think whichever one makes for a better read. the best choice is to write an essay for both and see which one has more potential.</p>
<p>If i can be passionate about service and the mission trips and such and convey that i am genuine about it, can i counter the fact that according to IntangibleGator, they recieve thousand of essays on a similar subject. Apart from doing doing service projects with my youth group, i am also a member of our leadership team and am attending a leadership program at Notre Dame. I feel like i can play on the service i have taken part in as well as my leadership.</p>
<p>I don’t think you’ll be able to counter the fact that they’ve read thousands of essays covering the same topic. Yeah, some of the essays will be bland, but most people applying to UF have the ability to be passionate and genuine in their writing.</p>
<p>IntangibleGator: I wrote my essay on my mission trip, revised it for two straight months, and got in. Do not discourage them about things like that.</p>
<p>TS, it is sometimes more about what YOU put into your writing than what it is about.</p>
<p>gpowsang</p>
<p>I could write about living and dealing with my sisters disability. She was born physically and mentally handicapped and I’ve been given a new outlook on life from her. It’s something that would be easy for me to be passionate about.</p>