Hi, I'm working on my common app college essay and I need some help with my ideas. I'm a Boy Scout right now, and in November I will finish my project and receive my Eagle Scout rank, but it's hard for me to fully flush out what it has changed about me. The experience of being a scout has changed me profoundly and made me a better person, but is it too generic? I'm applying the Northwestern University by the way. Any help at all would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
well, i think you could write down some specific examples about how the boyscout experience reshaped ur personality and changed ur value system.
Also, google what quality of students that university need and illustrate related experience to meet that need.
g'd luck anyway!
Perhaps this is just my style of writing, but I have NEVER gone by the book. Honestly, I would avoid (at all costs) using Boy Scouts as a way to dicuss leadership. Try to stay away from "Participating in Boy Scouts has instilled within me leadership skills..." Any college admissions reader can finish that essay without even reading the rest of it.
If you want to stand out, relax. So many of us applying try to impress colleges with what we think they want to hear. I actually disagree with Richard (^)... don't Google anything. Chances are, other students are doing the same.
I wish I could help with specifics, but something I gleaned from one of my college advisor's infamous diatribes: Colleges don't care what you write about. They care about the voice you use. A good writer can turn ANY topic into something interesting, just as bad writer can turn any dramatic topic into something awful.
When beginning your essay, start in the MIDDLE of the situation. Never start by restating the question they are asking you. Personally, I never directly answer the question or repeat aspects of it. It seems a little too cookie-cutter for me.
Let me know how it goes!! I wish I could be more help! I'm sorry. );
@Lovemedoosie just read your reply and it was actually helpful for me too. thats great advice :) I tried avoiding the same old topics and experimented with a silly topic. its the essay I wrote for UNC. if you have time, could you please take a look and comment?
I'm on it. :) We're actually applying to some of the same schools!
@polaris, when you're done with your essay, post it!! I'd actually love to read it and see how it turns out!
I know how you feel, I've been a Boy Scout my whole life, and its hard for me to imagine how it has shaped me because I can't imagine my life without it.
I think the best of doing an essay about the Boy Scouts is to pick One memory that stands out to you and write about that. For instance in my application I'm writing about how the BSA taught me to lead by talking about the first major leadership position I held ( an awful, awful day).
But please post the essay when your done I'd love to read it.
You can write how it changed you and how you percieve it may help other youths from getting involved in the darker parts of life i.e. gangs, drugs. You can elaborate on how it helped you get through some hard times during your life, or what path you would have taken in life had you never joined the scouts.
@Lovemedoosie
Thanks for the ideas, I'm currently working on the Boy Scout essay right now, but I have another topic I'm considering. It goes along with what you said about using any topic, even a silly one. I have this theory that I'm the only person that exists, not to be egotistical, I just thought it was interesting how everything could be a projection of my mind. I've thought a lot about it and I don't think many people can say they have. What do you think?
That sounds like a really good idea :) I know what you're talking about. Except I feel as if I'm in a video game and someone is controlling everything? Anyway. That's irrelevant. I think that would be a really interesting topic, and definitely something college admissions don't run into often.
I'd love to see it! Good luck! :)
