Secondary Question Advice

[LadyGlen]

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I'm looking for some thoughts on an answer to a secondary question

Question: Describe the single MOST important event or non-academic activity in your life and explain why it’s significant.

My first inclination was to write about being a single mother. This is the most honest answer to the question, and I can talk about its impact on my pre-med journey, how it has changed me personally, and the challenges I've faced. But I'm worried the answer could sound cliche, or that being a parent isn't necessarily an "activity."

Other possible topics are talking about writing. Writing has been a significant part of my life since I was very young. I have a lot I can say about this in terms of what I've written, how it influenced my motivation for medicine, how important it is to my well-being, and what I've learned through the process.

Lastly, I could talk about my work in education. This is important in the sense that it is what I've spent the most time doing, and there's a lot I can say. But I don't know that I really want to talk about work for this question.

Any thoughts?

 

[Catalystik]

I'm looking for some thoughts on an answer to a secondary question

Question: Describe the single MOST important event or non-academic activity in your life and explain why it’s significant.

1) My first inclination was to write about being a single mother. This is the most honest answer to the question, and I can talk about its impact on my pre-med journey, how it has changed me personally, and the challenges I've faced. But I'm worried the answer could sound cliche, or that being a parent isn't necessarily an "activity."

2) Other possible topics are talking about writing. Writing has been a significant part of my life since I was very young. I have a lot I can say about this in terms of what I've written, how it influenced my motivation for medicine, how important it is to my well-being, and what I've learned through the process.

3) Lastly, I could talk about my work in education. This is important in the sense that it is what I've spent the most time doing, and there's a lot I can say. But I don't know that I really want to talk about work for this question.

Any thoughts?

I like #2

 

[Goro]

I'm inclined to favor being a mom > being a writer.

 

[LizzyM]

Absolutely, being a mother is the most important activity in almost every mother's life, at least for the child's formative years (I see that as up through age 26 and counting). It is not common among applicants and won't come off as cliche, at least not to me.

 

[wb100]

Being a mother would be a more compelling and unique essay!

 

[LadyGlen]

Thank you all for the advice! I'm going with the motherhood topic. I second-guessed myself, but it is the most honest answer, and I think that comes across in the writing.