"The essay is one of the few things that you've got complete control over in the application process, especially by the time you're in your senior year. You've already earned most of your grades; you've already made most of your impressions on teachers; and chances are, you've already found a set of activities you're interested in continuing. So when you write the essay, view it as something more than just a page to fill up with writing. View it as a chance to tell the admissions committee about who you are as a person." Carleton College, MN
The Common Application Essay
Writing US College application essays is an extremely different process from the UK personal statement. US college application essays are highly personal and reflective, as evidenced by the Common Application prompts:
- Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
- The lessons we take from failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
- Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?
- Describe a problem you’ve solved or a problem you’d like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma-anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.
- Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.
Supplementary Essays
Highly selective colleges will generally require a supplementary essay or short answers to questions along with the Common Application essay. The process can be very time consuming, as there could be well over ten essays required to be written, depending on the number of schools you are planning on applying to. Admissions officers would expect both the Common App and Supplementary essays/questions to be of simply standard and quality. Careful time management is required to make sure that you spend enough quality time on all of your essays. Here are some examples of supplementary essay prompts for Tufts University:
Short Responses (Required of all Applicants)
Think outside the box as you answer the following questions. Take a risk and go somewhere unexpected. Be serious if the moment calls for it but feel comfortable being playful if that suits you, too.
Short Responses (Required of all Applicants)
Think outside the box as you answer the following questions. Take a risk and go somewhere unexpected. Be serious if the moment calls for it but feel comfortable being playful if that suits you, too.
- Which aspects of Tufts’ curriculum or undergraduate experience prompted your application? In short: “Why Tufts?” (50–100 words)
- There is a Quaker saying: “Let your life speak.” Describe the environment in which you were raised – your family, home, neighborhood, or community – and how it influenced the person you are today. (200–250 words)
- From Michelangelo to Mother Teresa, from Jackie Robinson to Elizabeth Bennett, the human narrative is populated by a cast of fascinating characters, real and imagined. Share your favorite and explain why that person or character inspires you.
- What makes you happy?
- Sports, science, and society are filled with rules, theories, and laws like the Ninth Commandment, PV=nRT, Occam’s Razor, and The Law of Diminishing Returns. Three strikes and you’re out. In English, “I” before “E” except after “C.” Warm air rises. Pick one and explain its significance to you.
- Celebrate your nerdy side.
- Nelson Mandela believed that "what counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead." Describe a way in which you have made or hope to make a difference.
- Whether you are goaltending or cheering from the stands, celebrate the role sports plays in your life.
- In no more than 250 words, please tell us why BU is a good fit for you and what specifically has led you to apply for admission.
- If you are applying to the Trinity College of Arts and Sciences as a first year applicant, please discuss why you consider Duke a good match for you. Is there something particular about Duke that attracts you? (Please limit your response to no more than 150 words.)
- Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (150 word limit) (Rice University)
- With the understanding that the choice of academic school you indicated is not binding, explain why you are applying to that particular school of study. (150 word limit) (Rice)
- How did you first learn about Rice University and what motivated you to apply? (250 word limit)
- The Committee on Admission is interested in getting to know each candidate as well as possible through the application process. The following essay question is designed to demonstrate your writing skills and facilitate our full appreciation of your unique perspective.
- The quality of Rice's academic life and the Residential College System are heavily influenced by the unique life experiences and cultural traditions each student brings. What personal perspective do you feel that you will contribute to life at Rice? (500 word limit)
- In 150 to 250 words, please write about why you are interested in applying to and attending Swarthmore.
- USC students are known to be involved. Briefly describe a non-academic pursuit (such as service to community or family, a club or sport, or work, etc.,) that best illustrates who you are, and why it is important to you. (250 word limit)
- Describe your academic interests and how you plan to pursue them at USC. Please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections (250 word limit).
- While scientists yearn to discover the world that exists, Engineers and Computer Scientists seek to create the world that never was. Our faculty and students believe collaborative teams are the key to great accomplishments. Please describe a time in your life (academic, co-curricular, or otherwise) where you had to collaborate to accomplish more than you could alone. (250 word limit)
- Your browser history says a lot about you. Take a moment to think about the time you spend online. Whether it’s browsing an Instagram account, listening to your favorite podcast, subscribing to the best web series on YouTube, or even addressing questions on tech-help forums, we want to know where you spend the most time online, and why. Please share your favorite online destination (via a web address, specific app, social network, etc.) - and describe why in a few sentences. (250 word limit)
Tips on writing your essay
Additional Resources
Bad Writing: Context and (Self) Definitions: http://onlyconnectparke.blogspot.hk/2014/09/bad-writing-context-and-self-definitions.html
Essays that Worked (Johns Hopkins University): http://apply.jhu.edu/apply/essays/2018/
Essays that Worked (Johns Hopkins University): http://apply.jhu.edu/apply/essays/2018/