Hi guys! I just finished my common app essay and I'd be thrilled if some of you could look over it. I'll read yours as well
Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
During an afterschool stop at a fast food restaurant, my twin brother and I were approached by an elderly gentleman with a bewildered look on his face. As is typical when many people see us in public, the man marveled at not only the similarity in our appearances but our awe-inspiring heights (we're both 6'4"). Considering my stature, I wasn't surprised or offended when he asked me if I played basketball. After I replied that I played for my high school team, he asked if I was thinking about playing for a college. I responded with a laugh and a gentle smile, saying I was much more focused on my academics; I'd have a lot of work to do to ever reach that level. He attempted to dissuade my apparent lack of interest in a basketball career by noting that a number of universities could offer me an athletic scholarship. Unwavering, I said that my talents and interests were much more to earn me an academic scholarship. He let out a small chuckle and I noticed a fleeting look of derision on his face as he wished me luck in my future endeavors. I thanked him, my once gentle smile now uncomfortably forced, then picked up my food and left the establishment.
This wasn't a life-changing, epiphanic experience. But after almost 2 years, it remains seared in my memory. Growing up as an African-American in a predominantly white community, combined with other aspects of my physical appearance, has had a profound impact upon my development. As someone with characteristics that make it easy for society to use stereotypes to assume what his other qualities are, I have a tremendous desire to defy societal labels that burns within me. But with this longing comes another challenge for me: upholding my identity as an African-American even though my educated manner of speaking as well as my aspirations and interests lead my peers of both the same and different races to say that I'm truly "white". I assure you that this is not the case. Although it seems like these experiences might lead to a self-destructive identity crisis, they have done nothing but strengthen my resolve to be the person I wish to be and not who anyone thinks I should be because of the way I look.
Just as my height gives me a better perspective of the world physically, my life's circumstances give me a better perspective from where to take on the challenges the world has to offer. I've learned the value of ambition and determination, which have proven to be invaluable lessons in the classroom and on the court. Instead of limiting myself to a few select hobbies and activities, I've always been eager to explore whatever opportunities I am offered in order to develop a repertoire of abilities and knowledge that allows me to have a diverse group of friends and interests. Over time, I've come to realize that my life's main motivation is a desire to prove that a simple glance can usually tell you a lot about a person, but occasionally it can tell you close to nothing. I'd rather not be someone who can be easily understood through stereotypes, but a unique individual that people wish to take the time to truly know.
I'm not going to lie: I love basketball. I am pretty fast, and I do enjoy listening to rap and hip-hop. Chris Rock is my favorite comedian, and I'm no stranger to fried chicken, especially as a southerner. If these are stereotypes, so be it: I embrace them because they help compose my identity. However, I refuse to let only these qualities define me. So although it is cliché, I hope I've impressed upon you the importance of not judging a book by its cover. I am that metaphorical novel with a strange cover that turns out to be a captivating read.
Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
During an afterschool stop at a fast food restaurant, my twin brother and I were approached by an elderly gentleman with a bewildered look on his face. As is typical when many people see us in public, the man marveled at not only the similarity in our appearances but our awe-inspiring heights (we're both 6'4"). Considering my stature, I wasn't surprised or offended when he asked me if I played basketball. After I replied that I played for my high school team, he asked if I was thinking about playing for a college. I responded with a laugh and a gentle smile, saying I was much more focused on my academics; I'd have a lot of work to do to ever reach that level. He attempted to dissuade my apparent lack of interest in a basketball career by noting that a number of universities could offer me an athletic scholarship. Unwavering, I said that my talents and interests were much more to earn me an academic scholarship. He let out a small chuckle and I noticed a fleeting look of derision on his face as he wished me luck in my future endeavors. I thanked him, my once gentle smile now uncomfortably forced, then picked up my food and left the establishment.
This wasn't a life-changing, epiphanic experience. But after almost 2 years, it remains seared in my memory. Growing up as an African-American in a predominantly white community, combined with other aspects of my physical appearance, has had a profound impact upon my development. As someone with characteristics that make it easy for society to use stereotypes to assume what his other qualities are, I have a tremendous desire to defy societal labels that burns within me. But with this longing comes another challenge for me: upholding my identity as an African-American even though my educated manner of speaking as well as my aspirations and interests lead my peers of both the same and different races to say that I'm truly "white". I assure you that this is not the case. Although it seems like these experiences might lead to a self-destructive identity crisis, they have done nothing but strengthen my resolve to be the person I wish to be and not who anyone thinks I should be because of the way I look.
Just as my height gives me a better perspective of the world physically, my life's circumstances give me a better perspective from where to take on the challenges the world has to offer. I've learned the value of ambition and determination, which have proven to be invaluable lessons in the classroom and on the court. Instead of limiting myself to a few select hobbies and activities, I've always been eager to explore whatever opportunities I am offered in order to develop a repertoire of abilities and knowledge that allows me to have a diverse group of friends and interests. Over time, I've come to realize that my life's main motivation is a desire to prove that a simple glance can usually tell you a lot about a person, but occasionally it can tell you close to nothing. I'd rather not be someone who can be easily understood through stereotypes, but a unique individual that people wish to take the time to truly know.
I'm not going to lie: I love basketball. I am pretty fast, and I do enjoy listening to rap and hip-hop. Chris Rock is my favorite comedian, and I'm no stranger to fried chicken, especially as a southerner. If these are stereotypes, so be it: I embrace them because they help compose my identity. However, I refuse to let only these qualities define me. So although it is cliché, I hope I've impressed upon you the importance of not judging a book by its cover. I am that metaphorical novel with a strange cover that turns out to be a captivating read.