<p>A lot has been written about extra curricular activities, but most times we hear about the common, run-of-the-mill activities that it seems every student in the nation does.</p>
<p>Does anyone do anything really unique in their spare time? Has anyone accomplished anything interesting in their little-known area of interest? (Maybe you did something particularly special within your activity, even if it is a common activity. Special awards?)</p>
<p>I do minor research in parapsychology. I own a community/parapsychology resource and im published (Carnegie Mellon doesnt know that, and neither does my parents). I work with individuals who sunk 30+k into the field. I do parapsychology demonstrations on an infrequent basis, and teach on a frequent basis.</p>
<p>I wrote about the challenges of doing this, and issues with people (such as my parents), accepting what i do for my common app essay, how i overcame that, how it made me a better person, and how i could contribute to the schools community. Honestly, it really took a lot of balls because a lot of the people that tend to know about what i do just dont agree with it <em>at all</em>. I had a few peers in the field advising me against it. They did end up reading the essay out of interest, eventually. One of the comments I got about it from a peer (Age: 35+) in the field said:
<a href=“Metalforever”>quote</a>,</p>
<p>If you’re looking to have your essay stand apart then you’ve successfully nailed it. Though I still hold trepidations regarding the overly scientific (straight-arrow) types that may review the essay I can’t help but applaud that you’ve stayed true to yourself and your convictions. With the manner in which you’ve presented the material at hand I believe it is your determined perseverance that shines through.</p>
<p>I truly like the essay and with its genuine feeling so will others.</p>
<p>-(Name Removed)
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<p>I got into Carnegie Mellon for Electrical/Computer Engineering with:</p>