Current seniors are taking their exit survey now and were
asked to give one piece of advice for current juniors. Here are some of their
comments:
- The earlier
you start the process, the better
- Try to get all
of you application stuff and essays finished the summer of your junior year
- Start writing
essay responses as soon as they are available and take time to revise and edit
- Write your
essays before senior year starts it helps so much with stress
- Don't be
intimidated by Essays
- Start Early x 50% of the seniors
So based on their comments and what I know about the beginning
of senior year, here are the essay prompts for three applications: The Common
Application, The Coalition Application and the University of Illinois.
Here
also is the Essay Writing Presentation I did earlier this month. I will be again offering Summer Application
Workshops before classes start in the fall. Stay tuned for those dates and
times.
2018-2019 Common Application Essay Prompts
(250-650 word count)
1. 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.
2. The lessons we
take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a
time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you,
and what did you learn from the experience?
3. Reflect on a time
when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking?
What was the outcome?
4. 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.
5. Discuss an
accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth
and a new understanding of yourself or others.
6. Describe a topic,
idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time.
Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn
more?
7. Share an essay on
any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that
responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.
The Coalition
Application Freshman Essay Prompts
(recommended minimum-maximum word count: 300-500)
- Tell a story from your life, describing an
experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it.
- Describe a time when you made a meaningful
contribution to others in which the greater good was your focus. Discuss the
challenges and rewards of making your contribution.
- Has there been a time when you’ve had a
long-cherished or accepted belief challenged? How did you respond? How did the
challenge affect your beliefs?
- What is the hardest part of being a teenager
now? What’s the best part? What advice would you give a younger sibling or
friend (assuming they would listen to you)?
- Submit an essay on a topic of your choice.
University of
Illinois Essays
Essay 1
Explain your interest in the major you selected and describe
how you have recently explored or developed this interest inside and/or outside
the classroom. You may also explain how this major relates to your future
career goals. If you're applying to the Division of General Studies, explain your
academic interests and strengths or your future career goals. You may include
any majors or areas of study you're currently considering. Limit your response
to 300 to 400 words.
Essay 2
If you select a second-choice major other than the Division
of General Studies on your application, write a second essay explaining your
interest in this major, too. Again, limit your response to 300 to 400 words.
I am willing to help at any time. I may offer some lunch 'n learns this spring after AP tests to give you some writing advise. Read your e-mails
