Essay themes: Unique experiences versus Explaining Unusual Circumstances

Applying to College
1

<p>What is better to put in an essay?</p>

<p>Unique and heart-rending experiences I have had while living abroad for two years (Freshman and sophomore years of my highschool),</p>

<p>OR</p>

<p>How the switch in highschools and changes in curriculum screwed up consistency in my ECs and certain academic courses (e.g., not being able to take all the APs offered in junior year or not being able to pursue the same foreign language for more than 2 years), but still how I managed to do my best in the circumstances.</p>

<p>I can write an essay somehow combining the above two issues, but then it would be too long. What should I do? Do others have similar dilemmas?</p>

2

<p>You should never use your main essay to explain an unususal circumstance such as in curriculum screwed up consistency in my ECs and certain academic courses sounds like you are whining (save it as an addendum or have your GC explain it).</p>

<p>Between the 2 topics, you would be better served writing about the unique experience you had living abroad and how the experienced has changed and shaped your world view on things (skip the heart rendering, it has been over done).</p>

<p>all the best</p>

3

<p>Thanks, sybbie. Good advice.</p>