Achievement secondary question?

[Reader88]

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I was going to write about how my most significant achievement is finishing a marathon. I know this is not super unique but I had dreamt about it since I was 8 years old so it felt significant to finally do it. I was talking to someone tonight who thought this was way too run of the mill. I could spin some of my activities into a most significant achievement, but there might be overlap with the work/activities section.

Thoughts?

 

[mdphdNYC]

Finishing a marathon sounds like a pretty significant achievement to me - it gives you ample opportunity to talk about your dedication, persistence despite adversity, and ability to achieve objectively impressive milestones. I can't see how "spinning some of your activities" into a most significant achievement would do that better, and if anything that might sound less genuine and impressive. So what if someone else might also write about finishing a marathon - your goal is not to prevent that person from getting into medical school by one-upping them but to write about your experience convincingly

 

[500miles]

You could probably write something good, and a a marathon is an interesting accomplishment. However just be aware that it is almost one of the first pieces of advice people will give you - dont compare a marathon to medicine. It's been over used to death apparently. Just to warn you. Although there might be a good way to write about this without going into the marathon trap.

 

[Reader88]

I was going to write about how my most significant achievement is finishing a marathon. I know this is not super unique but I had dreamt about it since I was 8 years old so it felt significant to finally do it. I was talking to someone tonight who thought this was way too run of the mill. I could spin some of my activities into a most significant achievement, but there might be overlap with the work/activities section.

Thoughts?

Thanks for the feedback! I think I’ll stick with it

 

[Reader88]

You could probably write something good, and a a marathon is an interesting accomplishment. However just be aware that it is almost one of the first pieces of advice people will give you - dont compare a marathon to medicine. It's been over used to death apparently. Just to warn you. Although there might be a good way to write about this without going into the marathon trap.

Thanks! It honestly didn’t even occur to me to compare the two so no concerns there

 

[Reader88]

Completing a marathon in and of itself is a relatively small achievement. Telling them why at 8 years old it become a dream, how you trained to do so, did you have to overcome any obstacles like being an overweight kid, what was your discipline in training like running in the rain and snow, fitting in the time, how many miles you trained weekly, etc,

Do you think I would be better off picking something else? I wasn't an overweight kid although during my highschool track career I developed severe pain and there was a time I wasn't sure I would be able to keep running. . I didn't mention that in what I've written so far but I suppose I could.
What types of experiences are more appropriate for a most significant achievement essay?

 

[Reader88]

You are still missing the point. What did you do to make your 8 year old dream come true? tell us the process, that shows motivation, commitment, and finally achievement. You are thinking "all I did was run" tell us how many miles a week, thru what kind of weather, the discipline, the injury, etc. They almost dont give a 'flying truck' about what the achievement was, they care what it shows about you. Sheesh!

Ok, I think I understand, thanks! I can definitely talk about more details related to the training.