<p>I don’t know how to explain this- you’re interested in Stanford. Make sure you have Stanford appeal. These sorts of contests are ok, but you are trying to balance all the pres, competitions, titles, research with your father, etc, by also showing the ability to commit beyond your own interests. Pm me some ideas and I’ll give my thoughts.</p>
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<p>Stanford isn’t a state school. I believe that Stanford gives every reasonable applicant a holistic review. They aren’t going to skip over a few pages because it isn’t “required.” They may not read the descriptions, but they’ll look for the titles and the positions to assist in the decision making process. It’s very silly to think that Stanford (or any decent school) is looking for you to throw yourself into the 7 EC limit on CommonApp. That’s why they have supplements and that’s why they allow for an additional document to be uploaded. </p>
<p>I do not entirely agree with writing about your charity. I think it can come off as cookie cutter and sort of brag-y. While it is amazing when a charity is successful, it isn’t looked at the same. The adcom will question it - as the other said - did the parents just donate?, how much help was involved, etc. If you want to show humility and personal growth, then it doesn’t matter the size of the charity. </p>
<p>Importantly, the essay is about YOU. I don’t mean to be rude, but it isn’t about your grandfather. It isn’t about India. It isn’t about charity. It is about YOU. Make it personal. Don’t look to make any points or mention any figures. Open a word document and write a short story, stream of conscious-style. Let it sit. Read it over later and then make revisions. Edit all frivolous sentences. Rewrite sentences. Overhaul it to be a little deeper and a little more about you.</p>
<p>How do you come up with a topic about yourself? I don’t want to say something cliche</p>
<p>Look, when addy described the charity here, a realness came through- an explanation of the urgency behind it. That specific blurb is why I think it would make a good essay topic. It’s fine to weave an accomplishment and your personal statement together. It still has to be well-written and achieve the right tone. And, stream of consciousness is nearly impossible for a hs senior to do well. I read the crap stuff as well as the really great. And, I am still advocating addy do something locally, for balance.</p>
<p>And, no, at my Ivy, I do not have to read any non-required supps. On average, apps get roughly12-15 minutes in each review. Do not annoy the reviewer! Holistic means you are reviewed as the sum of the parts you show in the CA. You are reviewed for chances of success at that college- academically, socially and in terms of campus engagement. It doesn’t mean you can start to add parts the reader needs addl time for. (For some readers, your ability to use the existing structure wisely counts.) Also, go look at the common app- the 2011 preview online shows 10 lines for activities. Many kids will group together a few logically related ECs. Eg, editor for lit mag; writer for teen column in local paper- the right descrips and word limits.</p>
<p>Man, my EC list is pretty tiny compared to yourselves, and I’m basically a Stanford student. But in any case… I wouldn’t worry too much about seeming too spread out or anything as long as you’re truly dedicated to what you do and it actually shows. I personally wouldn’t bother with any of this resume stuff unless it’s absolutely vital you have to explain some things. If you really feel that way though, then eh, whatever floats your boat. You have some space on the common app and in supplements, I believe, to really show what you’re made of. That said, I’d stick to what actually matters to you. Are the things you’ve done as President of this and that truly worth showcasing? Up to you. (Oh, and this is coming from a guy who also does a bunch of stuff, most of which the adcoms will never find out about.)</p>
<p>Uhh bottom line: don’t worry, be happy?</p>
<p>You’re going to stanford? Congrats</p>
<p>Bump10char</p>
<p>Bump10char</p>
<p>■■■■■…</p>
<p>Closing old thread.</p>