<p>So, I am applying to duke (Early Decision) this coming October, and I am totally stuck for what I should write with and I would love suggestions. Duke uses common app for main essay FYI. </p>
<p>Idea 1: I have lived 12 places and traveled the US as well as the world, should I run on my travel experience and my desire for worldy experience? </p>
<p>Idea 2: ReCleats is an Organization that my freshman brother and I co-founded in which we collect lightly used or new soccer equiptment and bring them to underpriveledged areas of central/south America (particularly Guatemala this summer). Should I run off of this idea and how it correlates with my love for soccer and the other service I do that is soccer-related </p>
<p>Idea 3: this past fall I scored the game winning goal in the sectional finals from 40 yards out with 35 seconds left to put our team past our arch rivals and into regionals. Should I talk about the feelings of this moment and how it correlates with my gutsy personality with the idea to "just take the shot".</p>
<p>Idea 4( my final and most recent idea): The essay would be titled "Million Dollar Penny" this essay would take about how worthless a penny is, butthen transition t how much value it really does have ( it might not make sense at first but once developed it will) and then I could build off of this with the way I turn opportunities into valuable ones. Not totally sure on this one yet. </p>
<p>All in all, I am just struggling with the decisions process really and the setup and any tips would be greatly appreciated! Thanks alot :)</p>
<p>In general, you want to present yourself as the kind of kid they really like for their colleges. #2 is a natural, but rather then “your love” for soccer, think about conveying a sense you have perspective, energy, good will, maturity. How this experience affected you. And remember, show, not tell.</p>
<p>I suggest you combine #2 and #3. Make it about you and soccer. You know, it could be about making the shot as you say. Works for both. By the way I like the way you write, even in your post. Your passion comes through, you seem to be an enthusiastic, accomplished, friendly person. Not an ounce of arrogance even when you’re talking about success. I bet you’ll write a brilliant essay!</p>
<p>Thanks alot for all of your feedback! It’s greatly appreciated, and it’s good to know that you have all found strength in a similar topic. Especially because noone liked my idea for essay1, which can now be eliminated! </p>
<p>I like the idea of intertwining the themes of 2 & 3, but do you guys have any suggestions for how to go about doing this or how to structure this with the most powerful format? </p>
<p>& @OneMoreParent specifically, thank you! That means alot. I was never that great of a writer until my sophomore year I struggled alot and then it just clicked! Since then I have had perfect scores on all of my SAT/ACT essays! It’s good to know peopl can see that! </p>
<p>Thanks again guys and hopefully you all have some more input! :)</p>
<p>I have to warn you that the “winning point” theme has been common in the short EC essay. There is no one right choice, you have to be comfortable with the decision.</p>
<p>But, the work you do or the work on behalf of others- they can start you off on different footing. They are something beyond the usual experiences in hs. They can also be common topics, but can offer you more latitude to show focus, energy, maturity. Sometimes resilience, problem solving, humor. Good luck.</p>
<p>The 4th one is simply different. If You wrote about your experience in soccer, You would sound like most of the applicants. If you chose the 4th theme, you would simply show that it’s society that you think about and not only about yourself. Plus, you don’t have to talk only about yourself to convey what kind of person you are. That is just my opinion.</p>
<p>The best topic for you is the one that allows you to write your most personal, detailed, and revealing essay. The essay that is so you that only you could write it. </p>
<p>**Only you **can know what topic will allow you to write that essay. You are unwise if you allow people online who do not know you to make or influence that choice for you.</p>
<p>Take topic #1, the one you have mentioned rejecting. Yes, the travel essay can be cliched: “I went to many places and learned that people have more in common than they have differences.” “I went to many places and learned that I am fortunate and now I am so grateful to live where I live.” </p>
<p>It can also be spectacular: a detailed, revealing showing of a journey that only you could take.</p>
<p>It all depends on what you make of it. Choose the topic that allows you to make the most of it.</p>
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<p>Yes, I do. My advice is to stop asking people on line to help you do what you are well advised to do on your own. </p>
<p>The best essay, the most powerful essay, involves you finding your own topic, your own words, your own structure, your own format to show, in detail, part of your own genuine self.</p>
<p>@ADad: I understand what you’re saying. I just took the time to read through the entirety of the article that you provided a link to and have really reshaped my idea to some degree–I’ve decided I’m probably going to right more along the angle of “The Risky.” </p>
<p>When it comes to doing this; however, how far is too far when it comes to pushing the language boundaries and questionable themes? Again, I know it’s ill-advised to ask people online to write this for me, I’m just wondering if there is any real evident line to not cross?</p>
<p>Well, when you have a draft of your essay I would recommend showing it to a limited number of people:</p>
<p>1.who know something about the college process and
2.who will not automatically and uncritically tell you how wonderful it is, and
3. whose advice you will not feel a strong tug to automatically accept. </p>
<p>If these people are uneasy with whatever you are up to, think again. Don’t automatically change what you are doing, but listen to them with care and attention and then decide for yourself.</p>
<p>Another question I have has to do with supplements. Is it better to take risks on supplement essays as well or should these be more straightforward. And should I encorporate knowledge of the school’s offerings into both of these?</p>
<p>My opinion is that the same concepts apply. Write whatever allows you, upon reflection, to respond to the prompt and best express your genuine self in a positive way. </p>
<p>That would also apply to knowledge of the school’s offerings. If you are genuinely excited and knowledgeable about a certain program, show that. If your background makes you a good fit for a certain program, show that. But remember that everybody and their uncle, so to speak, can look something up online and claim that they are excited about it. Be yourself: Your readers are accustomed to spotting the disingenuous.</p>
<p>Just lost my response. But my point is: remember, you are writing for adcoms who review your app. When we refer to “genuine,” we often mean lack of pretense. That doesn’t mean carte blanche. The writings in the app will reveal much to reviewers. Make sure they reveal the right things about you. That includes your judgment, even your likeability, your ability to have perspective, grow. Let them see you are the sort of kid they want to go to bat for.</p>
<p>Write about 3, scoring the winning goal. Follow it up with talks of self-transcendence and such stuff. Admission officers like to see who you are and there’s nothing more apparent to show them than explaining to them the sheer joy/excitement mixed with all the other emotions after a moment like that.</p>
<p>^ I disagree. The “winning goal” theme seems quite cliched. I’m pretty sure adcoms already read plenty of those. I like idea #4; perhaps you can somehow combine it with idea #2?</p>