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Health & Fitness

New Common Application Essay Prompts for 2013

The Common Application is an on-line application site used by the Admission Offices at over 450 colleges.  Chances are you will use it, too.  There are major changes this year, including the essay prompts.  If you are a rising senior, now is the time to start thinking about your essays.  You have a 650 word limit for this essay.  Choose one of the following that you think gives you the best opportunity to share something about yourself that your courses, grades, and test scores don't tell.  

  • Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
  • Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn?

  • 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 place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there, and why is it meaningful to you?

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  • Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family. 

  • For more information about the Common Application, go to commonapp.org.  Chances are the earliest application deadline you will find is November 1, so you have plenty of time!  And pay attention to any supplemental documents an individual school may require.  The prompts above may be just the start of your writing process.  Good luck!

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