<p>I'm not looking for someone to write it for me. I just have one question.</p>
<p>When answering a question such as "What makes you stand out from everyone else?" </p>
<p>Are there any things that you should NOT say.</p>
<p>You don't want to say anything negative about other people. If you are having a bad day such as breaking up with a significant other, don't write your essay that day. Be positive and upbeat in you essay.</p>
<p>A candidate may not want to discuss one's goiter or purple hair, either. ;)</p>
<p>As GA has noted how you respond may count as much ... or more, especially if it's self-aggrandizing ... than what one writes. This sword has two edges, at least.</p>
<p>BTW, very interesting question -- kudos to the MOC or whomever came up with it.</p>
<p>Two thoughts come immediately to mind:</p>
<ol>
<li> whatever you do/say, just be sincere and honest..... an emphasis on both.</li>
</ol>
<p>Just remember.... if you can't identify why it is you "stand apart," chances are neither will they....</p>
<p>keeping it honest, keeping it sincere, will also help you to keep "humility" in the interchange- another way to do that is to highlight one or two points and discuss in a bit more depth as opposed to going through a laundry list of items....</p>
<ol>
<li> my second suggestion is to discuss the "whys" not already "out there"... meaning, stay away from grades, activities or other accomplishments they already "have" (from transcripts, athletic and/or activity CV's).... highlight, instead, your reasons for wanting this.... and what you know you have within yourself that will assist you in achieving this goal.........</li>
</ol>
<p>best of luck!</p>
<p>It is very interesting - very loaded question IMO - how do you define "everyone else"?</p>
<p>"Everyone else" - in the world? in your community? in your school? those competing against for a nomination and/or appointment?</p>
<p>All those subgroups could give you different answers - </p>
<p>IMO - stay away from political views per se - forget that your congressman is a politician. Remember the military is non-political and the President of the US is your Commander-in-Chief - regardless of political party.</p>
<p>One of the best pieces of advice we received years ago during our first foray into the application process was from an LTG close friend who was also First Captain of the Regiment. He said, "Now is not the time to be bashful". His meaning – don't embellish and become a pompous ass, but clearly state your credentials and do not be ashamed to do so. You are competing with a bunch of type A individuals. Some will lie, cheat and steal to get in. Don't be one of those, kinda goes against the Honor Code. Evaluate yourself and honestly state what makes you unique. What are your best qualitites? What makes you tick? What is that special something about you that others would like to know or should know that tells them you have the makings of an exceptional leader? Or put simply, do you believe in yourself? Then tell them why they should.</p>
<p>All the above is great advice. Trying to think about it from my son's perspective, one of the first things that comes to mind is no one else in his class is applying to a service academy -- that might be a starting point for you, too. That can lead to any number of directions. Those directions don't have to be "how wonderful" you are; they can lead to a discussion of your values, your choices, your focus on goals, etc. and how that led you to an academy. As Navy2010 says, it may better be thought of as "standing apart" from others. Best of luck!</p>
<p>Personally, I wrote about my ability to learn and adapt quickly.</p>
<p>Try and find a characteristic of yours that would be important to have in a Naval Officer.</p>