What is the best topic for the Common App prompts?

College Essays
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<p>I plan on applying early action to University of Virginia (both parents attended), University of Maryland (brother attends), University of Pittsburgh, and early decision to the University of Pennsylvania (one parent attended and currently works there). Over the past few days, I have been struggling to choose what common app essay prompt I should use and what to write about. Here are some of my ideas...</p>

<p>I have been elected to the position of membership vice president of my youth group for two years straight. I have been very successful since my youth group has had the highest attendance rate to regional events. I want to express how holding this position has taught me values such as hard work and dedication (meetings every week and tons of events), but also show that it fits my character since it requires me to interact with all participants and make sure they are comfortable and having a good time. I want to show the admissions team that I am a caring and trustworthy person who will put others before himself and be there for anyone who needs help. (Problem: I already list my youth group in EC)</p>

<p>Another idea I have could be to answer the prompt about place you feel contempt. I could write about a nice spot where I used to lay for hours when I went to summer camp for three years. This was a summer camp with all Jews so if I wanted, I could also transition it to lead to how I became involved with my youth group, but I would have to pick a different prompt to do that one. (Problem: I already list my youth group in EC, but did not list summer camp)</p>

<p>My final idea I have so far is to answer about a time I experienced failure. This is the first idea I had when looking at the prompts, but the least favorite of the ones I have come up with. I could write about a time in school where we were having a free period in English to read our book and I absent-mindedly started packing up when I finished the chapter even though there were a few minutes left and the teacher made a big deal out of it. I could write about how I failed myself as always being an engaged and respectful student. </p>

<p>Sorry for making this post so long. Any feedback would be appreciated. What do you think is my best topic and what essay could I use it for? </p>

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<p>I think the VP essay sounds the best but of course, you could nail it or butcher it depending on your writing abilities. The idea is solid, but it’ll be what you make it. </p>

<p>And I hope you’re not thinking about writing about a place you feel “contempt” because that’s a negative emotion lol it’s “content”, big difference.</p>

<p>And the last idea seems like a really insignificant ‘failure’ so I’d ditch that idea if I were in your shoes.</p>

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<p>@Pikidikitiki‌ Haha that was a typo but thank you for the advise! That topic also sounded the strongest to me. </p>

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<p>The first essay sounds the strongest. The second was a bit vague and seems a little cliche (of course, even a cliche can turn out great if it’s well written!) The third seems very insignificant, as Pikidikitiki mentioned, and it’s definitely my least favorite. Is there a way to combine 1 and 2, perhaps by talking about being VP and mentioning the summer camp as well (since you talked about how the camp led you to be more connected to your youth group).</p>

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<p>@frozens @Pikidikitiki‌ my current plan is to talk about how summer camp was just the beginning and that sparked my love for the events and experiences and pushed me to join the youth group, which eventually led to me becoming the VP</p>

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<p>Thanks for the input!</p>

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<p>Thanks for the input!</p>

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<p>Thanks for the input!</p>

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<p>Thanks for the input!</p>

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<p>Thanks for the input!</p>