"Debate; people fear public speaking" - Common App Short Answer

Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences in the space below (150 words or fewer, 1000 character maximum).

Many people fear public speaking more than death. In seventh grade, I was no exception; shy and non-confrontational, I was a good writer but froze when it came to articulation. Sensing how detrimental this quality was, I set out to change it by joining the debate team.

At first, it was mortifying. When I got up to speak in my first round, I forgot all of my arguments and sat back down on the verge of tears. That round was, unfortunately, a microcosm of my entire first year; nevertheless, I stayed with it.

My continued efforts were eventually rewarded with skills I never thought I could possess: the ability to think quickly under pressure, communicate those thoughts effectively to an audience, and even be convincing in the process. The lasting value of these skills, along with my newfound proficiency at research, far outweighs my initial struggles with debate.

I feel like the last sentence sucks. But I don't just want to end it without having something akin to a conclusion.

maybe instead of putting struggles with debate you can put stuggles with my timid nature.
overall a nicely done piece

hope i helped!!

check out mine if you can :D

Nice job. Only a few suggestions:

Try rewording this sentence to make it flow, it just sounds a bit choppy. "In seventh grade, I was no exception; shy and non-confrontational, I was a good writer but froze when it came to articulation."

Also, you may want to elaborate on how you changed with specific details (ex. successful speeches/debates you did).