Help me choose UC personal statement topic

College Essays
1

<p>I need help choosing a topic for my UC personal statement:</p>

<ol>
<li><p>I started playing volleyball in 10th grade and sat on the bench virtually every game. I got private lessons and also went to practice 5 times a week, so volleyball became my life for 6 days a week. I got most improved and also started playing club. I want to use this essay to focus on my improvement, even with the disappointment of never playing and sitting on the bench and my hard work and dedication to this sport.</p></li>
<li><p>I was severely bullied for my race in middle school to where I'd cry every night. I was the only black in my public school and people were rude and said racist jokes and I didn't have many friends (and the friends I had I was never really close to). In high school I kind of grew up- I became a lot more confident and made friends, despite my trust issues and being insecure.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>I feel like what topic 2 shows about me is less admirable than topic 1 because I was bullied so it may become a pity party rather than showing how I overcame this obstacle in my life, but I guess it all depends on how I write it</p>

2

<p>I think the first one is good and I suggest you focus on one specific event instead of the whole experience. Make sure you “show” the story and add insight, like how you grow and what impact playing volleyball has on you.
The sceond topic is a bit risky since lots of people write sob stories and the adcoms are probably tired of reading depressing life story. However if you’re really gonna write it, make sure your positive attitude towards the tough situation shines through.
Overall I think it’s not the topic that matters. It’s how you write the essay and what kind of information you gonna share with the adcoms actually matter.</p>