Common App Essay
I really don’t remember the prompt since it was so long ago, but it might have related to one of my most challenging experiences? I can’t imagine the prompts have changed drastically since then. For the main essay, I decided to talk about my experience as a transfer student in high school—which honestly was one of the greatest experiences of my youth. Without further ado, here is my common app essay that got me accepted into Cornell.
“A student attending West Shore for only seven months cannot win,” was the belief of my opponent and many classmates. “Take the risk or lose the chance” was my new philosophy.
“Let’s host a homecoming parade.”
“Replace bathroom mirrors.”
“Hang inspirational quotes around campus.”
As the room filled with ideas from Cocoa Beach Student Government Association’s (SGA) members, I was filled with excitement about the impacts we would make. Upon transferring to West Shore last year, I was astonished to discover SGA’s main concern was the homecoming dance. I brought my “ideas binder” and SGA handbooks to every meeting, ready to help accomplish new endeavors. “We’ll consider and get back to you,” was the typical officer response. Discouraged by the lack of cooperation, I exchanged ideas directly with the adviser who shared my enthusiasm.
I lacked long-term familiarity with the student body. I merely wanted to start a Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter, inspire others, and become involved in extracurricular activities. Yet after witnessing my FBLA chapter dominate a district competition, my SGA adviser encouragingly asked me, “If you ran for an SGA position, which would it be?”
“Vice president is safest,” I replied.
After analyzing my response, he then questioned, “Now what position do you really want?”
We both knew I needed to run for president to accomplish more, so I did.
Sweat rolled down my face as I scouted ideal locations for my ten campaign posters. “Be the change you wish to see in the world” was eloquently printed on the first poster I pinned. Gandhi’s words served as a message to voters and my own motivation. Long nights were spent staring at my laptop screen as I edited various campaign ads--I was the first candidate to ever utilize the school announcements. My only opponent was regarded as “very popular,” already held an SGA office position, and was the younger sister of the outgoing SGA president. Becoming quickly well-known by the masses was crucial, so I recruited friends from various grade levels to participate in a campaign committee and distribute materials. Students seeking school improvements and new student authority figures were soon intrigued by my differing perspectives and desire to benefit our school.
All seemed to be going well until my phone buzzed with screenshots of student conversations jabbing my campaign. My heart rapidly pounded as I saw my own acquaintances put down my efforts and qualifications. Innovative strategies threatened my opponent, who soon aired rebuttal campaign videos, spread false rumors, recruited “popular” students as campaign supporters, and threatened my supporters. While she forced students to wear promotional stickers, I offered brochures detailing how I could benefit our school. Mistreated by her advocates throughout the campaign process, I avoided celebrating my birthday (the day before the election). I still remember my concerned mother asking, “Do you want to do something to celebrate?” My melancholy response, with tears in my eyes, was “what’s the point in celebrating when I’m losing friends and possibly an election?” Despite my campaign committee’s and my own frustration, I encouraged everyone to remain mature and positive about our campaign purpose. I reminded them and myself, “even if I do not win this election, at least we radiated positivity and inspired others to fearlessly strive towards achieving their ambitious goals.”
To my astonishment, I won. Students and teachers appreciated my promotion of positivity, administrators acknowledged my ability to revolutionize the election process, and individuals who seemed to support my opponent confessed that they secretly rooted for me. The incredible election increased my confidence, determination, and cheerfulness as I recognized the power of kindness, tenacity, and maturity--skills I will to continue to apply in college and my future career. While it was one of the most difficult experiences of my life, I would take the risk again without hesitation, as it helped me identify my aspirations: to positively impact others and ignite innovation.
