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So, I've got all of my applications filled out, and the only thing left I have to do is come up with an essay for my personal statement portion of the common application. I've written others for schools that don't accept the common app, but they aren't really personal expresion topics, but rather just answering a question. I'm a fairly good writer, but more of a subjective writer, not a rambler(no offence, I envy those that can). Because I don't have a topic and guidelines, everything I've come up with has been trash. I REALLLLLLY need some ideas.

I was thinking of something including these ideas: I grew up in a military family, moved alot, was pulled in and out of schools because of moving or parental choice(was in public, private, and homeschooled) and never really got established in any school. Also, I am a year younger than most students in my grade because my parents advanced me while being pulled in/out of school. (actually could have been two years ahead but for social reasons, was not) Because of this, I found comfort in adult relationships and lacked relationships with kids my own age. I excelled in school and teachers adored me, but I never felt like I fit in... was just "too bright" and too mature. The first school that I was at for more than a year was my high school and here I have flourished. Although still overly mature and oddly removed from most of the student body, I have been able to use these attributes to excel in sports, community activities, and student government. I could go into how I hold all these county wide offices with the board of education and the association of student council, etc. Also, I could go more into my strengths in academics and how I want to cultivate them in college and throughout life.


... SEE I'M LOST!

I've searched and read many of the essays posted here, but most don't really tell about the student. I think that for mine, it is important to elaborate on who I am and why they should want me...

IDEAS?

Thanks!!!

By Bookworm (Bookworm) on Sunday, October 03, 2004 - 07:42 pm: Edit

I like essay focussing on frequent changes of schools, and the social skills you learned to gain acceptance, e.g. sports, community activities, and student government. Explain about Bd of education.
Its oK to say you found acceptance first from adults, but don't stress the negatives. Focus on how u learned to use your brains to win approval, how the constant moving led u to become more indep and mature.
JMI

By Anovice (Anovice) on Monday, October 04, 2004 - 07:53 pm: Edit

Hmmm... do you think I should somehow integrate how my past has influenced my plans for the future(ie. career choice)?

By Bookworm (Bookworm) on Tuesday, October 05, 2004 - 07:28 am: Edit

of course. You never referred to career choice, but if this grew from your moving around, it says a lot about you.
I had hoped more people would respond to your post

By Midwesterner (Midwesterner) on Tuesday, October 05, 2004 - 09:54 am: Edit

I agree with Bookworm, your experience of changing schools is a great topic. Keep thinking it through. What characteristics did you develop to get through the tough days? What contrasts do you see between yourself and those classsmates who have not moved much? How do you feel about the military and the way it uproots families? How would you use your position with the board of education to improve the process for transferring students?

Write a few pages on your topic without worrying about form or quality - just get your emotions down on paper. Then, let it sit. After a while, you'll be able to look at your writing and edit it to make an appropriate essay.