So I have some concerns about my extra curriculars and the essay…
My number one extra curricular activity is a sport called freerunning (similar to parkour). I am the highest ranking freerunner in the greater LA region (train 15-20 hrs a week), and I just recently got a job at the academy where I train. I also was my highschool’s student body president. Currently, I am the photo club president, a key club member, an astronomy club member, an NHS member, the improv team captain, and an avid piano player (also in jazz band).
My main concern is that the admissions board will not understand my sport due to their unfamiliarity with it; thus, they will view it no more than a hobby. Also, I was planning to write my essay on it, but I was told to stay away from topics regarding one’s sport.
In short, my question is this:
Will the admissions board view my sport seriously? If not, what should I do differently? Also, is it a bad idea to write my essay about my sport?
The main potential issue with the essay is it becoming about your sport and not YOU. They don’t need a 500 word paper about freerunning and what you do with it. If you do choose to write about it then make sure the essay focuses on how it impacts or changed you - NOT the sport itself or the awards/honors you have.
If you have ranks/awards included on your app then they’ll probably recognize it as more than just a side hobby. Rankings and honors don’t need to be in the essay if theyre in the other parts (i.e. EC list).
I answered in your other thread, no need to post duplicates all over.
Great advice from lagging. Which prompt are you responding to? Analyzing the prompt will help you decide if your sport is the best topic choice. Also, to help admissions officers understand your sport, use hard facts and numbers. When was the sport founded? How many people participate in LA, in US, worldwide? Who governs the sport (i.e. who does the ranking)? A few background sentences on the sport and on the academy should be enough to establish credibility. Good luck and congratulations on your new job!