I’m a senior in high school who is applying to the USNA (which is my first choice) and I am filling out the Congressional nomination packets. Each one has a few essay questions which I have a few questions about myself. One asks “Why do you want to attend a U.S. Service Academy?” I want to write about how my grandfather inspired me when he was called to duty while his brothers and friends dodged the draft. Obviously many other people have family members who served, so am I picking an unoriginal response to this? (NOTE: I am not asking anyone to write this for me) Another question asks about “What is the greatest challenge you have had to overcome?” my friends all know that I love to complain about my life, but despite that I’ve had a pretty good life. A teacher suggested to me that I talk about my economic background in my wealthy private school. I’m not sure how I feel about this and I’m wondering some opinions people have on it.
Nothing is unoriginal if it comes from your heart. Write the truth and write it well. The essays are judged as much for style and technical correctness as they are for theme. Writing well is important in the fleet and this is a good place to show that you can write well with style and substance.
Agree with Old Pilot…write what you think is right, not what you think others might want you to think.