<p>anyway, the Common App's "Short Answer" essay (150 words) says to "elaborate on one of your activities (extracurricular, personal activities, or work experience)."</p>
<p>My intended major is Chinese, and most of my experience with it has been in the classroom. Apart from two years of the Mandarin language class (the maximum possible, since the program only started last year), I'm also taking a "Chinese Culture" elective next trimester and have created my own curriculum for an independent study in Chinese Literature.
I'm currently working to found a club for Chinese, but as you can see the vast majority of my Chinese experience doesn't seem to fall under the prompt for this Short Answer essay.</p>
<p>I think talking about Chinese somewhere is very important, since it's a relatively unusual choice of major and could add interest to my application. This Short Answer essay seems to be the easiest and most obvious place to put it (I've already written my main essay on a different topic).</p>
<p>So my question is, is it permissible for me to write about Chinese in general, including the club that I technically haven't founded yet--even though by necessity I'll have to talk about the classes more than the club?</p>
<p>Or should I talk about only the club itself, following the prompt strictly and only mentioning the classes? This would be difficult because I haven't actually founded the club yet.</p>
<p>Or should I just choose a different activity?</p>
<p>Chinese in general sounds fine, since overall you’re doing more than just the club. Talking about the club itself without the context of your love for Chinese wouldn’t make much sense anyway.</p>
<p>Thanks for replying!
The thing is, I don’t even know if this club will get off the ground by the time I send off my early application. I won’t be getting a lot of support from the Chinese teacher, who is busy with some kind of graduate degree on top of teaching all day.
Since we’re talking about a matter of weeks, my essay would have to only mention the club as a goal for the future or a project underway. Is this acceptable?</p>
<p>I do think this will set me apart a little, SOTHIK–that’s partly why I’m so interested in using it–but I want to be sure I’m not getting dangerously far from the prompt.</p>
<p>Perhaps your essay could be a humorous look at the trials and tribulations of putting together a Chinese Language club. Then you would be able to showcase your passion for and interest in Chinese without having to stretch the truth about belonging to a club.</p>
<p>Hmm, that’s an interesting idea… If what I have now isn’t working, I might try that. I do enjoy satirical writing…</p>
<p>I have a draft though, just finished it up today. Would anyone care to take a look at it? Wouldn’t take long, as it abides by the 150-word limit. Please?</p>