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Regular Decision Deadline: Apr 1
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The Requirements: 1 essay of 350 words
Supplemental Essay Type(s): Activity, Community
You’ve most likely done some community service at some point in your life, and this prompt asks you to reflect on that experience and how it changed your view on a particular social issue. Since you only have 350 words to describe your community service involvement and the impact it had on your perspective, this is not the kind of essay you want to leave ‘til the last minute (though what kind of essay is?!). You have to be intentional about how you allocate the words at your disposal here.
Start by describing the community service activity that has been most meaningful to you. Bring the story to life by including concrete, personal/sensory details rather than a verbatim recitation of the organization’s mission and vision (or worse, a bloated list of clichés related to the value of service). Next, dig into how this experience changed your view on a particular social issue. Did volunteering at a soup kitchen open your eyes to the harsh realities of day-to-day life for people experiencing homelessness? If so, how have you tried to be a part of the solution since having this enlightening experience? Remember that, fundamentally, community service is not about personal glory or achievement; it’s about doing what you can to help others. Reflect on why being part of a community that looks out for each other is important to you and, for bonus points, touch on how you would like to contribute to social justice at Georgia State.
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