Most interesting topic in the world. Seriously.

College Essays
1

<p>Ready for this?</p>

<p>I was held at gunpoint at San Juan airport for sneaking past international standard customs and attempting to smuggle in a coconut to the mainland United States.</p>

<p>It's a very funny and thrilling story, and I was hoping to use it for those autobiography prompts. No charges were filed or anything because the guards were too enamored with my wit and tenacity.</p>

<p>I was going to link it with my belief of humility, seeing as my head was inflated like a hot air balloon after successfully sneaking past tight customs. </p>

<p>Ideas?</p>

2

<p>Everything about this screams no.</p>

<p>For all intents and purposes, you were under arrest. Attempting to bring food or drink past customs typically only results in a fine, a little speech from the customs agent, and disposal of the offending items. If they held you at gunpoint, you probably did something much less innocent.</p>

<p>In addition, you said that no charges were filed because “the guards were too enamored with my wit and tenacity.” No offense, but that comes across as somewhat arrogant.</p>

<p>I’m just not a fan of this idea. Sorry.</p>

3

<p>I’d be more impressed if you’d come away from the episode with a heightened commitment to researching requirements and addressing details, not a sense of your own talent for getting away with things.</p>

4

<p>Not sure how you can turn “Attempting to Smuggle” into a reason a university would want you as a student. “Wit” “Tenacity”? Kids with that are a dime a dozen.<br>
I am not an admissions person, but I would think the following would throw up red flags and cause an app to be placed in the quick re-ject pile:
Inability to follow rules
Inability to understand consequenses
Drug/Alcohol/Substance Abuse Issues
Mental Disorders (including Cutting/Eating Disorders)
Anger Issues</p>

<p>Your topic makes a good bar story. Not a good application essay.</p>

5

<p>Listen to the “dads” ^^^.</p>

6

<p>Well, I think it would be a great idea to tell the university how you break the law and then brag about it. You could go steal a car and, when confronted by the cops, do a vaudeville act so good that they let you keep it. Now that would be a story.</p>

7

<p>I say go for it.</p>

8

<p>Duude listen to gadad. Anything that comes CLOSE to any law breaking and whatnot, as harmless as it may be, should NEVER be put in a college admission application. Try something more heartwarming like overcoming adversity.</p>