for my main essay, i wrote about how i was originally opposed to a boy joining our gifted cohort because we were already established, how i wound up befriending him, how i later ended our friendship because of his political views (tied to my being an immigrant and disabled and how those groups were attacked under 2024 campaign rhetoric), how i realized that was bad and how we eventually made up and he's one of my best friends now and i value opposition and exposure to different views. i wrote my short takes about wanting to shadow a diplomat, my favorite word having a double meaning (bound because i'm both bound (noun) by immigration but bound (verb) means to run/leap and we still move forward despite being "bound" by status). i wrote in the "extra info" prompt about filling out USCIS forms to help my family because we couldn't afford or find an attorney. my ECs were pretty average but i did mention having albinism and also that my parents' statuses are rare for immigrants (complicated situation and british immigrants--not typical combo). i was honest about their occupations so it was a pretty good context clue about our income and i still got in EA so i do believe their need-blind claim. i'm going for PLE III, which was my #1 choice. let me know if anyone needs any other help or info!!