Getting Ready for College Essay Season

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)

1. Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it.
2. 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.
3. 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?
4. 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)?
5. 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