Unsure what I should write about for Brown writing supplement

College Essays
1

Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (150 words)

I have 2 ideas but don’t know which one to pick:

  1. I could talk about my leadership role in debate. I am a very quiet person who never wanted to lead a club but did so because the club would fall apart without if I didn’t. As corny as it sounds, I chose to break out of my comfort zone to help hold the club together.
  2. I could talk about my work experience with my parents. I’ve helped them out in a small family business since 7th grade and worked mainly as a cashier and shop assistant. I help them out on Saturdays since I have school on the weekdays and we’re closed on Sundays. I actually am not forced to do this but I still help them anyways.

Not too sure which idea is better…

2

Both ideas are great. I actually think the work experience could be slightly stronger, because it may not be as common for students with grades and test scores good enough to be competitive at Brown. Teenage unemployment is at generational high levels, and for many applicants, their EC’s are clubs or school function volunteering. While 150 words is not a lot, it is plenty to set you apart from other applicants.

But what is most important will be that you show why the idea you pick is important to you.