@golfcashoahu Thanks! It seems like most people are recommending the first one. I think I’ll choose that one then 
I’ll try to work in my other activities in my other essays if they happen to work with what I write for the prompts.
You are welcome. I am glad I helped. You can take a look at my question if you want
Have you tried doing Community service/Volunteering and getting hundreds of hours? Most applicants to Ivies seem to have around 200-300 hours some even 1000 over the course of 4 years.
I’m not sure if a ‘Muslim association’ would be a wow factor on your list but since you’re first generation, low income and arguably a minority(I think) then you can definetely stand out in your essay. Try to mention all the adversity that you faced and make it very personal. Combine this with a decent to stellar academic record and you will gain a major boost in your application to the extent that this may be the deciding factor. Admissions officers always love hearing about students of poor background/minorities doing well and overcoming adversity.
I’d post this link for Amherst college admissions decision video on YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-OLlJUXwKU
Notice how the alcoholic Muslim family story really got the admissions officers attention!!
Amherst was ranked no. 1 for liberal arts colleges at the time and is one of the top 5 most selective liberal arts colleges in the United States(Amherst has a 14% admit rate).
Anyway that’s my advice and good luck with your application. :-bd
Wow, that’s certainly a lot. Well, I’ve certainly did a bit of community service over the years, but I haven’t strictly counted the hours. I guess I probably have around a 100-200 hours? But they were for various activities not just one thing.
Thanks! I will try to do that. Someone also advised I do the same so it seems like a solid idea. I’ve been working on try to incorporate this experience in my essays. It provides a nice contrast to the extracurricular idea of my CS teaching assistant position.