<p>I have three possible essay topics:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>My first camping trip was a competition with my girl scout troop. We competed against other troops in events like knot-tying, sawing, first-aid, cooking, preparing a campsite, not disturbing nature, string-burning, a relay race, and orienteering. It was a rather chaotic weekend. There were thunder storms each night. The tarps over some of the tents blew away, letting the tents (and the occupants) get soaked during the storm. Some of the girls got in a fist fight over who would hold the map. Inspite of all this, I found the trip very fun. I loved it.</p></li>
<li><p>Every other Saturday, my Girl Scout troop collects returnable cans and bottles at the town dump as a fundraiser. </p></li>
<li><p>As a hobby, I translate foreign language musicals into English. </p></li>
</ol>
<p>Which of these would be best for my common app essay? I am leaning towards the first one, but I've heard that it's better not to write about ECs.</p>
<p>I recommend the third option – it’s unique, creative, and the connection to academics/learning is easily made. Personally, I think the first two stray a bit too far from the general topic of learning and academics, which are what colleges are about first and foremost.</p>
<p>aren’t you a little old to be a girl scout?</p>
<p>anyways the third one sounds the most interesting. How many languages do you know?</p>
<p>Girl Scouts runs up until the end of high school. Most people quit in elementary or middle school, but those of us who continue get to participate in cross-country and out of country trips (Hawaii, Georgia, and Quebec), leadership opportunities like helping to run a troop with younger girls and directing town ceremonies, and fundraisers that require more responsibility like babysitting 30+ kids (about a third of which are special-needs kids, as are two of the babysitters). There is much more Girl Scouts than little 3rd graders selling cookies. </p>
<p>I study Spanish in school, I am successfully teaching myself German and French, and I am trying Hungarian, though that one is hard.</p>
<p>Thank you for the advice, both of you!</p>
<p>now that I read your response to my girl scouts question and the passion you clearly have for it, I almost would want to read an essay on that…</p>
<p>I’m doing an essay on an EC and am finding it much easier and more revealing than the outside-the-box topic I had chosen before.</p>
<p>Ha ha, I can get pretty defensive of my scouting activities. :)</p>
<p>I’m thinking of just writing two essays (one on translating and one on the camping trip) and seeing which comes out better. I was thinking of using the optional essay in the EC section of the common app to talk about Girl Scouts, but I decided to use that to talk about my library group how we spoke on a panel at the ALA midwinter convention. </p>
<p>Good luck with your essay. :D</p>
<p>There are a lot of college-bound Girl Scouts who are going to be writing about their experiences with the organization. That being said, your third choice seems best.</p>
<p>Thank you for your input. :D</p>
<p>I think you should pick the third one, rather unique in comparison to the other two.
Best of luck :)</p>