<p>As of right now, my plan is to apply to Yale SCEA where I have been recruited for gymnastics. I have done gymnastics for almost my entire life and it has obviously been a huge time commitment while offering incredible learning experiences, so I'm planning on using that for my commonapp essay. First of all, is this smart since this aspect of my life will already be very well represented on my application? </p>
<p>Then, for the supplement essay on something that they may not see from my application (if it doesn't change) I am planning on using an essay on how I grew up with a single mother practically impoverished on food stamps in a rundown house etc. And how this has effected my views and outlook on life. Part of this would include how it has made me an incredibly self-motivated person and led to a very early connection to nature/the environment (which is another of my major ec's) bc I was outside so much and which has developed and grown as I have. Is this too controversial-ish of a subject or do you think it would add a low-income hook that they may not otherwise see except in my actual financial aid app? The other option would be to focus the essay more on the early environmental connection while downplaying the low-income part.</p>
<p>Thank you very much for your input and sorry for the length!</p>