Emilydm
Sep 9, 2015
Undergraduate / Bowdoin essay - The Common Good does not have just one, single definition. [3]
I am applying to Bowdoin College, which is a liberal arts school in Maine. They require a supplemental essay with the prompt:
Bowdoin students and alumni often cite world-class faculty and opportunities for intellectual engagement, the College's commitment to the Common Good, and the special quality of life on the coast of Maine as important aspects of the Bowdoin experience. Reflecting on your own interests and experiences, please select and respond to one of the following topics:(200-250 words)
-The Common Good
-Intellectual engagement
-connection to place
Here is what I wrote:
[The Common Good does not have just one, single definition. Actually, it doesn't have a definition at all. It goes without intention or motive. You cannot tell yourself, " today I am going to embody the Common Good by helping someone" because it would no longer be an act of the Common Good. It would be a good deed. That is it.
The Common Good is genuine and pure. It is unknowingly making someone smile. It is being there for someone day in and day out without thinking about things you could be doing otherwise. It is finding your passion in life and sharing it with others.
You cannot teach it. Those who spend years searching for it, cannot find it. One cannot even tell if you are practicing it. No, the Common Good isn't found with in anyone. But, with time, the Common Good will come to those who deserve it.]
**I was wondering if this is too broad or vague. This is the first thing I thought to write about and I feel good about the idea. I am just wondering if it isnt what this prompt is asking for. Or if it even makes sense to anyone else. Should I add more? Grammatical errors?
I am applying to Bowdoin College, which is a liberal arts school in Maine. They require a supplemental essay with the prompt:
Bowdoin students and alumni often cite world-class faculty and opportunities for intellectual engagement, the College's commitment to the Common Good, and the special quality of life on the coast of Maine as important aspects of the Bowdoin experience. Reflecting on your own interests and experiences, please select and respond to one of the following topics:(200-250 words)
-The Common Good
-Intellectual engagement
-connection to place
Here is what I wrote:
[The Common Good does not have just one, single definition. Actually, it doesn't have a definition at all. It goes without intention or motive. You cannot tell yourself, " today I am going to embody the Common Good by helping someone" because it would no longer be an act of the Common Good. It would be a good deed. That is it.
The Common Good is genuine and pure. It is unknowingly making someone smile. It is being there for someone day in and day out without thinking about things you could be doing otherwise. It is finding your passion in life and sharing it with others.
You cannot teach it. Those who spend years searching for it, cannot find it. One cannot even tell if you are practicing it. No, the Common Good isn't found with in anyone. But, with time, the Common Good will come to those who deserve it.]
**I was wondering if this is too broad or vague. This is the first thing I thought to write about and I feel good about the idea. I am just wondering if it isnt what this prompt is asking for. Or if it even makes sense to anyone else. Should I add more? Grammatical errors?