<p>For the common app 1000 word essay elaborating on one extra curricular. I have two options, would one be better? I'm applying to Vandy, Notre Dame, and Dayton.</p>
<ol>
<li>I attended Tennessee Governor's School for the Humanities. There was selective applications. 500 applicants, 62 accepted. Once accepted I spent one month living on a college campus taking classes for credit. I took 2 100 level semester courses in just 30 days. I got an A in both classes. </li>
</ol>
<ul>
<li>My essay would cover that even though I am a science and math person (a prospective chemical engineer), I was able to excel in humanities courses, not only expanding my skills and knowledge, but also making me enjoy them. I became a much more well rounded student, and even took an extra English class elective my senior year in high school. Not only did I become a more well rounded student, becoming much more proficient in humanities subjects, but I also experienced a month of college already. I was able to be away from parents and manage my time to be successful student. </li>
</ul>
<ol>
<li>I have been a boyscout for 11 years. I will be awarded the highest rank of eagle scout in 2 months. It is considered very prestigious. I also had numerous leadership jobs inside my troop.</li>
</ol>
<ul>
<li>My essay would cover the core values of scouting and how it made me the man that I am today. I would discuss how the values of being trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent were valuable to me as a matured over the years. I would also discuss my various leadership positions and how I was able to excel in what I did. I was a patrol leader of a group of 15 kids. I was also elected crew chief of a 12 man backpacking team that backpacked for 10 days in new mexico. and then of course lastly, my progression to become an eagle scout. Planning my eagle project, etc.</li>
</ul>
<p>So which of the two essays do you think colleges would rather see? Would one be a better topic than the other, or are both fine topics? Don't tell me write which ever one I think I could do better. I think I could write a great essay for both. So would colleges have a preference?
Discuss being academically challenged, succeeding in college, and becoming a more well rounded student- not just a science and math guy. </p>
<p>Or discussing the values of scouting that helped me become who I am today, and also discuss my various leadership roles. </p>
<p>Opinions?</p>