<p>OK I don't want to undermine the importance of charity activities in high school but is charity still a good topic to spend 500 words on, especially for HYP?
Here are some of pros and cons that I can think of about a PS about charity: </p>
<p>pros:
show that you are caring
show that you are really devoted in it
you can elaborate the activity
concrete thoughts</p>
<p>cons:
cliche?
charity activity itself is common
thoughts in the essay may be similar (fight against poverty, misunderstanding, prejudice)
lack of innovation</p>
<p>@Murphy600, I am caring for my community service but I think my activity is really ordinary. I can elaborate this in the activity short essay or supplements. But is it worthy to focus my PS on this activity? I’m really worried about writing a cliche.</p>
<p>Will writing about your charity work illuminate what is unique and excellent about YOU? Will the reader know you and how you stand out from thousands of other high school seniors - including those who choose to write about their charity work?</p>
<p>If it helps show who you are, any topic can work, but I would think a common topic would take an especially extraordinary essay to stand out.</p>
<p>There’s no grand strategy here. The topic is not the issue. The salient points are 1) are you a good writer 2) can you choose something that is meaningful enough a vehicle to show your writing at its best while also conveying to the casual reader a glimpse of what makes you tick.</p>
<p>And most importantly 3) you can’t change your writing skill or your introspection level or inventory of meaningful experiences between now and your apps deadlines. </p>
<p>The fact is you might be a mediocre writer, or not. Your heartfelt essay by be bland in the reader’s opinion, or not. You can’t change who you are.</p>
<p>Do your best, hope for the best. Go with it.</p>