Is it too stereotypical to write about my experiences in student government and how it developed my social skills and perspectives?
Thanks
Shawn
I don’t think it is a cliche. But might not be too interesting.
Would such an essay explore your newfound insight and sensitivity to balancing the desires/wishes of the students and the larger, long-term goals (mission)of the educational institution? (The point would be to make it bigger than just about your personal growth and development.)
It discusses petition/legislative work I’ve done to better my peers/teachers. I feel there is a decent balance between my growth and my contributions!
To better their situations? opportunities?
I see you took that as a slight. It was meant to be instructive.
I apologize for coming across that way - I’m in overload mode :))
They were both for unjust detriments to each party rather than opportunities. (I’d give more info but don’t want to give too much away)
I don’t think it is about making it bigger at all. The point of the essay is not a brag or chance to exaggerate. It is much more about showing some unique aspect of your personality, ideally through stories or anecdotes instead of generalizations and cliches.
If it speaks to a core aspect of who you are or who you have become, then go for it! I think it’s not so much the topic that matters as much as your writing, your reflection, your originality, how much your personality and passion shows through in the essay, etc. Don’t use it as a way to list out things you accomplished through student government. Maybe, instead, focus on one anecdote or event that may have really impacted you and that changed you for the better. Speak in a way that’s gritty, honest. Don’t be afraid to mention challenges you encountered to achieve that particular thing. They make your essay more human and relatable. Just my opinion.
I think it depends on the prompt, doesn’t it? If it asks to talk about something you have achieved or accomplished of which you are extremely proud, then looking at an objective achievement, the work involved and its impact on the personal as well as the effort taken to reach the goal, is certainly on the table.
As intparent said at the outset, though, you want to make something in this realm appealing to a reader.
Depending on your prompt, where you find the prompt does invite you to share something that nothing else in the application is going to hint at, you may be able to actually break from what seems like so much formal presentation and peel back a few layers of skin. This may be your chance to just…breathe.
It’s for Yale’s open ended Supplement! @Waiting2exhale I appreciate all of your feedback 
To that end, I say have fun with it. (If you’re anything like my son, you were delving into the fun part when you wrote about your student council work. To that I say, “make it sing!”)
Good luck to you.
Sounds like it could become a history report. Which would not be an essay that worked.
And yet Jonathan Swift did wonders with wit and a farcical turn on factual context.
This kid is applying to Yale, where a cappella and, I would presume, improv and theatre are part of the landscape which draws such young minds there.
Correct - the arts :)) @Waiting2exhale
Wish you all the best.