<p>Would it be appropriate to write a short (under 150 words), humerous anecdote here that might be intersting and add a bit more personality to my application? or should I be using that space to seriously provide some info. that wasn't mentioned in the application (i.e. I've had part-time jobs during high school, but this wasn't asked about on the app., or I thought of explaining what I plan to do during this winter since my high school cut the Nordic Ski team which is a sport I have been doing since Junior High) What do you think? And for all you other applicants, how are you utilizing those final 150 words? Thanks.</p>
<p>its more of a humorous reason why I would fit in well at ND. Would that be frowned upon?</p>
<p>I used it to explain stuff that appeared on my app that might be confusing, scheduling conflicts, etc. I also mentioned that I would go to ND when I got in. Im not really sure if something humorous would be a good idea, but someone else could probably give you a better response.</p>
<p>I think the other stuff you want to mention really sets you apart (the Nordic ski team, for example) and I would mention it rather than try to do another mini-essay type thing there.</p>
<p>okay, here are the three options I have decided to choose from, in some greater detail. If you were an admissions counselor, which would you prefer to read?</p>
<p>1) I have been a Nordic skier since 8th grade, but the sport was cancelled this year so I won't be able to participate for my senior year, which I was really bummed about at first. But now that the initial disappointment has passed, I actually feel kind of excited because I have nothing but options now. I will now have time to start/try something new (i.e. learning to play the guitar that I got for my 16th birthday, but haven't had time to take lessons on; taking an art class outside of school, since my jam-packed school schedule has never allowed me to take any art classes; etc.)
*note: I wrote my main essay about what is going through my head when I am skiing, so its obviously important to me, and this might explain why the box for Skiing-Grade 12 isn't checked off on the activities list</p>
<p>2) use my short-answer question from the common app. which was on my most meaningful activity. I wrote about participating in athletics (which I have never been really exceptional at) and being a captain for my cross-country team. I explained how it has taught me that working hard at something difficult is a greater accomplishment than excelling at something easy</p>
<p>3)the slightly humorous one... though a bit weird. One time for a school project, I painted my entire body with paint in order to have a more realistic costume (I was Anubis, the jackal, an ancient egyptian god) -- I really go all out for school projects I guess. Anyway, I was then going to talk about my school pride (we don't have cheerleaders at my school b/c of budget cuts, so my friends and I started the "Magic Mob", and made superfan shirts, etc.). I was then going to connect the two interesting stories about myself, by saying that I was inspired by the amount of school spirit/pride at ND when I visited... and that even though I swore I would never wear body paint again (not very pleasant, haha), I would proudly paint myself Blue and Gold in the name of Notre Dame. And at the end, I was going to include a picture of myself in my Anubis costume, full body paint and all.
(Weird I know, but I thought it was clever... and it isn't nearly so confusing written out, I promise)</p>
<p>Any opinions? Thanks again!</p>
<p>I actually really like the story with your third idea, but as far as putting that on the application I dont know...</p>
<p>Option one. But you obviously really want to do option three!</p>
<p>You don't have any other extenuating circumstances to put in the last category except for the Nordic ski team thing? Nothing else you want to clarify or explain from the application? No other ND connections you'd like to mention (like relatives, not parents, who attended)?</p>
<p>I think that is technically what that section is supposed to be used for. My guess is they'll just think you put another mini-essay in there instead. The fact is, if your stats are very good, it probably won't matter.</p>