<p>I'm not sure if it makes me unique or whether it is even worth mentioning. All I know is that it is an important part of my life and I feel that if I have a passion that this is it.</p>
<p>In what scenario can you imagine why a college should weigh this hobby as a positive more than others’ hobbies/recreational activities? How could something like backpacking add to the college community? </p>
<p>If you can answer these questions, find the college who would answer affirmatively.</p>
<p>Otherwise, it’s just your hobby…</p>
<p>I personally think that backpacking adds perspective. And by backpacking, I mean week to two week long excursions in the wilderness not paltry day trips. Really, I don’t see how any activity adds to a college community unless it adds to the diversity of the campus.</p>
<p>Sounds like fodder for a great essay! You should assume the reader may not be as familiar with what backpacking demands of a person as, say, football or tennis. Start making a list of the skills and qualities you’ve developed. Off the top of my head, independence, organization, safety, physical and mental endurance, creative problem-solving, appreciation of nature, conservation and sense of adventure are concepts that come to mind. You’ll have more! Obviously, you don’t want to write a dry “here’s why I am passionate about backpacking” piece reciting the benefits. But when you craft a good story to tell about a backpacking adventure, you’ll want to be sure to weave in some of these concepts so admission officers see how your pursuit of this passion has shaped you. Certainly, if it’s influenced your academic path in some way, tie that in. I suggest you check out the standard essay prompts on Common App to see how this might work.</p>
<p>You also need to figure out how to characterize it and quantify the time you’ve devoted to backpacking in the structured response blanks for ECs on the Common App or college-specific app if they don’t use Common App. Go download an app form now and check it out.</p>
<p>I know that you can make your own topic if you want. I have considered writing my essay on the topic. I am also an eagle scout so I hope that my outdoorsmanship will stand out along with my good grades, moderately high SAT scores and other activities.</p>
<p>Write your common app essay on it.</p>
<p>this is an awesome essay topic. make sure you communicate how badass it is. and i think it would be good to start off the essay with a short story snippet of a backpacking trip.</p>