4th Optional Essay

poppygaichik

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Addressing the prompt, "Provide any additional information that you would like the Cadet Candidate Evaluation Board to consider and that you have not provided elsewhere in your application" what are some things you would recommend emphasizing in this essay?
Is it used to address certain weak spots in the application? Or is it about highlighting something interesting about a candidate that was not expressed in previous essays? Or some other third thing?
On a personal note, I am a homeless college student who is applying and still doing well in my studies and extracurriculars/leadership roles. Is it generally good to bring something like this up? Or should I shy away from things such as this?

Lastly, if you were a candidate who gained admission, what in general would you have written to address this prompt?
 
Every person has different life experiences so what someone else writes isn't applicable to you. If you are truly homeless then I 100% would bring that up. No better grit and determination shown than overcoming great adversity in pursuit of a goal (and doing well). I think that would make you a much more desirable candidate b/c you have proven that you are a fighter in the face of challenges. Good luck to you!
 
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I concur 100% with billyb. Overcoming adversity is something that would make an impact on the Board.
 
Im very sorry to hear that, you are truly inspirational and I look up to what you are doing! I think you should definitly add that in your optional essay anything tat shows fighting adversity like billyb said. I am a highschool senior applicant right now and losing hope a bit in my application have a feeling I may have to self prep a year, just curious are you doing rotc at your civillian college? Also good luck to you in your application I think you would be a perfect fit for USCGA! keep your head up!
 
Ok, I have to come back to this. As someone who meets students who want to attend USCGA, one thing I look for is what issues have they had to work through and overcome. Many have not had serious situations in their lives. Your situation would definitely qualify. If you are doing well, and keeping your head on straight, I'd be all over you, supporting your application. I don't have any say on who gets appointments, but I'd make sure they knew about your situation. Good luck in whatever you decide.
 
Addressing the prompt, "Provide any additional information that you would like the Cadet Candidate Evaluation Board to consider and that you have not provided elsewhere in your application" what are some things you would recommend emphasizing in this essay?
Is it used to address certain weak spots in the application? Or is it about highlighting something interesting about a candidate that was not expressed in previous essays? Or some other third thing?
On a personal note, I am a homeless college student who is applying and still doing well in my studies and extracurriculars/leadership roles. Is it generally good to bring something like this up? Or should I shy away from things such as this?

Lastly, if you were a candidate who gained admission, what in general would you have written to address this prompt?

Your own words are the best. To be living a productive and successful life without support of a fixed home, reaching for goals - you are demonstrating grit, drive, maturity, focus, all the intangible things that are immeasurable but highly valued in a military officer, and in particular a SA candidate. This particular prompt is designed to elicit exactly this kind of background.

State the facts - no really personal details are required - and show how these challenges have developed resiliency and strength in how you approach obstacles. Your own words, simple, along the lines of “At the present time, and for the last x months or years, I have been homeless, living independently. I believe having to chart my own course, resolve problems and make decisions has contributed to.... In particular, I had to make a difficult choice...”

You get the idea. This is the story of you, and what makes you different. It doesn’t need fancy words, just a clear telling from the heart about how your life situation has forged the desire and skills to aspire to the Coast Guard Academy.

It’s your story. They want to hear it.
 
Im very sorry to hear that, you are truly inspirational and I look up to what you are doing! I think you should definitly add that in your optional essay anything tat shows fighting adversity like billyb said. I am a highschool senior applicant right now and losing hope a bit in my application have a feeling I may have to self prep a year, just curious are you doing rotc at your civillian college? Also good luck to you in your application I think you would be a perfect fit for USCGA! keep your head up!
No I'm not in ROTC because it is only a community college, it only gives associate degrees, not bachelor degrees. I wish I could be in an ROTC program right now though
 
Addressing the prompt, "Provide any additional information that you would like the Cadet Candidate Evaluation Board to consider and that you have not provided elsewhere in your application" what are some things you would recommend emphasizing in this essay?
Is it used to address certain weak spots in the application? Or is it about highlighting something interesting about a candidate that was not expressed in previous essays? Or some other third thing?
On a personal note, I am a homeless college student who is applying and still doing well in my studies and extracurriculars/leadership roles. Is it generally good to bring something like this up? Or should I shy away from things such as this?

Lastly, if you were a candidate who gained admission, what in general would you have written to address this prompt?

Your own words are the best. To be living a productive and successful life without support of a fixed home, reaching for goals - you are demonstrating grit, drive, maturity, focus, all the intangible things that are immeasurable but highly valued in a military officer, and in particular a SA candidate. This particular prompt is designed to elicit exactly this kind of background.

State the facts - no really personal details are required - and show how these challenges have developed resiliency and strength in how you approach obstacles. Your own words, simple, along the lines of “At the present time, and for the last x months or years, I have been homeless, living independently. I believe having to chart my own course, resolve problems and make decisions has contributed to.... In particular, I had to make a difficult choice...”

You get the idea. This is the story of you, and what makes you different. It doesn’t need fancy words, just a clear telling from the heart about how your life situation has forged the desire and skills to aspire to the Coast Guard Academy.

It’s your story. They want to hear it.
Thanks for your advice, I get the idea.
 
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