AP+COLLEGE+SEARCH!

//** ...2008 ADMISSIONS ... ** Links to university home pages, links to admissions information, and copies of the college application essay prompts from schools of interest.// Your task is to contribute the information for three unique (do not replicate the work of others) universities. toc

A-F
(application) https://ssl.alaskapacific.edu/forms/applications/undergraduate/application.php (home) http://www.alaskapacific.edu/ 1. Discuss a significant event or achievement that has shaped your values and goals. 2. Describe a book, author, or individual who has had an impact on your development as a person. 3. Tell us about your passions and interests and how they contribute to your personality. 4. Send us a graded, written piece of work of which you are especially proud. Be sure that the work is significant enough to reflect the true level of your thinking and writing abilities. Be sure to include your teacher's comments, and let us know the assignment's requirements.
 * Alaska Pacific University - Madhuri Paravastu**
 * Personal Essay Requirement** We would like to know who you are, why you would like to attend Alaska Pacific University, and how you express yourself. For those reasons, we will need a writing sample from you. Please choose one of the following essay options below and submit a double-spaced, typed essay of at least 500 words. Regardless of the option you choose, please include a brief explanation of why you would like to attend APU.

(application) http://admissions.american.edu/fileLibrary/08UnderGradApp.pdf (home) http://www.american.edu/index1.html This is your opportunity to provide the Admissions Committee with a glimpse of you in a way that grades and test scores cannot. This essay is used todetermine your ability to organize your thoughts and to express them clearly. Choose **one** essay topic. Write no more than 500 words on your own paper.
 * American University**- Anna Doran
 * Essay Questions:**
 * A.** American University embraces the motto: Ideas into Action; Action into Service. How do you embody this philosophy?
 * B.** Do you believe that the Internet has become a positive or negative force in today's society? Additionally, do you think your life would be better or worse off if you had lived during a time in which the Internet was a construct and not a reality?

Jenna Floyd's College Application Essay Questions + Links (homepage) [|http://www.augustana.edu/index.php] (application page) [|http://www.augustana.edu/admissions/apply/application0607.pdf] 1. Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you. 2. Discuss some issue of personal, local, or international concern and its importance to you. 3. Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence. 4. Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure, or creative work that has had an influence on you and explain that influence. 5. A range of academic interests, personal perspectives, and life experiences adds much to the educational mix. Given your personal background, describe an experience that illustrates what you would bring to the diversity in a college community, or an encounter that demonstrated the importance of diversity to you. 6. Topic of choice.
 * Augustana Essay Questions:**

(homepage) http://www.bsu.edu/ (application) https://www.bsu.edu/webapps2/undergradapply/ 1. List examples of your creative, artistic, or other unusual talents 2. Describe your most positive academic high school experience 3. Describe your interest in the Honors College and an honors education
 * Ball State Univeristy-** Kyle Yarbrough

Haley Stuckey's College Application Essay Questions: (home page) [] (application page) [] This personal statement helps us become acquainted with you in ways different from courses, grades, test scores, and other objective data. It will demonstrate your ability to organize thoughts and express yourself. We are looking for an essay that will help us know you better as a person and as a student. Please write an essay (250 words minimum) on a topic of your choice or on one of the options listed below.
 * Boston University**


 * Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.
 * Discuss some issue of personal, local, national, or international concern and its importance to you.
 * Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence.
 * Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an influence on you, * and explain that influence.
 * A range of academic interests, personal perspectives, and life experiences adds much to the educational mix. Given your personal background, describe an experience that illustrates what you would bring to the diversity in a college community, or an encounter that demonstrated the importance of diversity to you.
 * Topic of your choice.

Bradley University - Rebekah Vaughan Homepage – http://www.bradley.edu/ Admissions – http://admissions.bradley.edu/
 * 1) Provide a one- to two-page essay on a subject that interests you. For example, tell us about an experience or a person who has influenced you, or explain your perspective on an issue about which you feel strongly. Inform us of any circumstances that you would like the admission review committee to consider. Please include your full name on each page.
 * 2) Please provide a brief statement highlighting how you became interested in Bradley University and your proposed areas of study. Your response, combined with other expressions of interests such as a campus visit or interview, will be considered by the admission review committee.

Brigham Young University - Ellen Clay Homepage: http://www.byu.edu/webapp/home/index.jsp Admissions:http://saas.byu.edu/admissionsServices/
 * **Instructions:** Please respond to the topic listed below. Limit your response to approximately 300 words or less. (Anything in excess of 2000 characters will be deleted.) //We suggest writing your essay in a word processor of your choice, then copy and paste the text into the field below.// ||


 * **What sets you apart from other applicants, based on unique educational or life experiences, personal or family circumstances, obstacles overcome and/or achievements?** ||  ||

Fatima Kazmi's College Application Essay Questions (homepage) [|http://go.butler.edu/] application page) [|http://go.butler.edu/aboutadmission/?pg=1647] A. Please explore one of the following topics within a one- to two-page essay, typed and double spaced:
 * Butler University**
 * Evaluate a risk you have taken, what resulted and what you learned from the experience.
 * Explore a moral dilemma you faced and how you dealt with it.
 * Describe a specific accomplishment or experience and its influence on you.
 * Discuss an event or situation that reinforced the importance of diversity to you.

B. Submit the graded essay or composition of which you are most proud, regardless of grade. (The essay will be evaluated independently of the grade you received. A poor grade will not be held against you.)

Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island**
 * Nick Houska's College Application Essay Questions:

(home page) [|http://www.brown.edu/] (application page) [|http://www.brown.edu/Administration/Admission/appforms/secure/Complete%20Brown%20Application.pdf] In choosing to apply for the Brown-RISD A.B./B.F.A. dual degree program, your interests and future plans will be influenced and enhanced by the courses offered by both colleges. We are curious as to why you have chosen to apply for this specific dual degree program; please tell us your reasons for selecting it, and what you envision as its impact on your education and career.

Weikang Sun's College Application Essay Questions (homepage) [|http://www.caltech.edu/] (application page) [|http://www.admissions.caltech.edu/applying/forms]
 * California Institute of Technology,** Pasadena, CA

-(Part of the Caltech supplement, more essays on Common Application) Interest in math, science, or engineering manifests itself in many forms. Caltech professor and Nobel Laureate Richard Feynman (1918-1988) explained, “I’d make a motor, I’d make a gadget that would go off when something passed a photocell, I’d play around with selenium”; he was exploring his interest in science, as he put it, by “piddling around all the time.” In a page, more or less, tell the Admissions Committee how you express your interest, curiosity, or excitement about math, science, or engineering.

Before answering this question, you might ask those around you—family, friends, or teacher—how they see you as a mathematician, scientist or engineer. They may offer insightful observations!

Kathleen Johnson College Application Essay Prompts homepage: [|http://www.columbia.edu/] application: [|http://www.studentaffairs.columbia.edu/admissions/applications/firstyear.php]
 * Columbia University, New York City, New York**

On a separate sheet of paper, write an essay which conveys to the reader a sense of who you are. Possible topics may include, but are not limited to, experiences which have shaped your life, the circumstances of your upbringing, your most meaningful intellectual achievement, the way you see the world—the people in it, events great and small, everyday life—or any personal theme which appeals to your imagination. Please remember that we are concerned not only with the substance of your prose but with your writing style as well. We prefer that you limit yourself to approximately 250-500 words //(or 1-2 pages)//.

(home) http://www.cornell.edu/ (application) https://app.commonapp.org/CommonApp/DownloadForms.aspx
 * Cornell University**-XiXi Tian

1. Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you. 2. Discuss some issue of personal, local, national, or international concern and its importance to you. 3. Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence. 4. Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence. 5. A range of academic interests, personal perspectives, and life experiences adds much to the educational mix. Given your personal background, describe an experience that illustrates what you would bring to the diversity in a college community, or an encounter that demonstrated the importance of diversity to you. 6. Topic of your choice.

University of Connecticut admissions:http://www.admissions.uconn.edu/apply/index.php home: http://www.admissions.uconn.edu/index.php
 * Cheryl Liang**

Required Essay The essay is an important part of the application process. In addition to your academic credentials, activities, and achievements, which are documented within your application, the essay is an opportunity for you to convey a more complete view of who you are as an individual. Your essay should be one to two pages in length. Freshman Applicants: Please address one of the following topics: • Please describe what makes you a unique individual and how these qualities can benefit the University of Connecticut community. • Describe a person or event that has had a profound effect upon your life. • Ask and answer the one question you wish we had asked.

(application) http://admission.du.edu/admissions/apply/application2008.pdf (home) http://admission.du.edu/admissions/apply/otherways.asp
 * Denver University-**Anna Doran

1. Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you. 2. Discuss some issue of personal, local, national, or international concern and its importance to you. 3. Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence. 4. Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence. 5. A range of academic interests, personal perspectives, and life experiences adds much to the educational mix. Given your personal background, describe an experience that illustrates what you would bring to the diversity in a college community, or an encounter that demonstrated the importance of diversity to you. 6. Topic of your choice.

Fatima Kazmi's College Application Essay Questions (homepage) [|http://www.depaul.edu/index.asp] (application page) [|http://www.depaul.edu/admission/download/index.asp]
 * DePaul University**

Please answer these questions on a separate piece of paper. ( //Be sure to include your name at the top// .)

List activities you have been involved in since beginning high school, including college activities, if applicable. Please include extracurricular activities, clubs with positions held, hobbies and community involvement.

Please list in chronological order the employment, education or other pursuits you have been involved in for the last three years.

Think of a recent failure and achievement. What were they and what did you learn from them? Will these experiences change how you act in the future and why?

Who or what influenced you to apply to DePaul University?

Emily Stevens' College Application Essay Questions (homepage) [|http://www.drake.edu/?BannerID=548&amp;AffiliateID=2] (application) [|http://www.choose.drake.edu/admissions/apply/Undergrad_App_07.pdf] 1. Describe an acheivement that has given you a particular sense of accomplishment and indicate why. 2. Describe a person, locale, or image that has made a significant or lasting impression on you, and explain how it has affected you. 3. What kind of influence do you hope or expect your college education to have on you?
 * Drake University**

(homepage) http://www.drury.edu/ (application) http://www.drury.edu/apply/ -Discuss an incident that profoundly shaped your identity. (should be at least 2 pages)
 * Drury University** - Kyle Yarbrough

Emily Stevens' College Application Essay Questions (homepage) [|http://www.duke.edu/index.html] (application) [|http://www.admissions.duke.edu/jump/applying/apply-essay.asp] If you are interested in reading our short-answer questions for first-year admission in 2008, we have provided them here for you. Your answer to the following questions will be evaluated along with the essay you’ll write as part of the Common Application or the Universal College Application. We encourage you to take advantage of this additional opportunity to let us know about your intellectual and personal interests. Please limit each answer as indicated. The following questions are **optional** —and yes, they truly are optional! If you choose not to answer them, your chance of admission will **not** be affected.
 * Duke University**
 * 1) (Required for Engineering Applicants Only) If you are applying to the Pratt School of Engineering, please discuss why you want to study engineering and why you would like to study at Duke. (Please limit your response to one to three paragraphs.)
 * 2) (Required for Transfer Applicants Only) Consider the books, essays, poems, or journal articles you have read over the last year or two, either for school or leisure. Please discuss the way in which one of them has changed your understanding of the world, other people, or yourself. (Please limit your response to one to three paragraphs.)
 * 1) (For Arts and Sciences Applicants Only) If you are applying to Trinity College of Arts and Sciences, please discuss why you consider Duke a good match for you. Is there something in particular at Duke that attracts you? (Please limit your response to one to three paragraphs.)
 * 2) If you have participated in any significant research activity outside of school, please provide a brief description and limit this response to one or two paragraphs.
 * 3) We seek to understand and appreciate you as an individual. If there is a parent, sibling, other relative, or friend of yours who you think could help us do that, we would be happy to receive a one-page letter from one of them. This optional information will be considered in our understanding of you as a person, but will not be formally evaluated as part of your application.

Homepage – http://www.eiu.edu/ Admissions – http://www.eiu.edu/~admissions/ //How will you achieve academic and personal success at Eastern?//
 * Eastern Illinois University** - Rebekah Vaughan

(application) http://www.elon.edu/e-web/admissions/apply.xhtml (home) http://www.elon.edu/home/
 * Elon University** - Madhuri Paravastu

G-M
Gonzaga University - Aaron Michaels Homepage - http://www.gonzaga.edu/default.asp Application - http://www.gonzaga.edu/Admissions/Undergraduate-Admissions/Prospective-Students/Entering-Freshmen/default.asp Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you. Discuss some issue of personal, local, national, or international concern and its importance to you. Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence. Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence. A range of academic interests, personal perspectives, and life experiences adds much to the educational mix. Given your personal background, describe an experience that illustrates what you would bring to the diversity in a college community, or an encounter that demonstrated the importance of diversity to you. Topic of your choice.

1. Describe a character in fiction, an historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence. 2. A range of academic interests, personal perspectives, and life experiences adds much to the educational mix. Given your personal background, describe an experience that illustrates what you would bring to the diversity in a college community, or an encounter that demonstrated the importance of diversity to you. (Examples from the Common App that Greenville College in Greenville Illinois is using this year. I didn't get these online, they were just in my notes from my visit to Greenville.)

Gordon College - Julie Parsons Homepage - http://www.gordon.edu/ Application - http://www.gordon.edu/download/pages/UGrad%20App%20Sheets.pdf APPLICATION ESSAYS The purpose of these essays is for us to understand your Christian commitment and your writing ability. Expectations: An essay should provide an example of your writing. Please use accepted principles of English composition. The combined length of both essays should not exceed two pages typed, double-spaced. With this in mind, please submit your essays in response to the following two questions. 1. Explain your reasons for wanting to attend Gordon College as it relates to your faith in Jesus Christ. 2. Choose one of the following questions: A. Describe your personal response to a meaningful educational experience or achievement which has helped shape who you are as a person. B. Discuss a book (other than the Bible) or author that has influenced your thinking in recent years.


 * Illinois** **State** **University**
 * Vinny Melchiorri**
 * Home Page**: http://www.ilstu.edu/
 * Admission Info**: http://www.admissions.ilstu.edu/
 * Essay Prompt(s):** Freshman applicants must submit a personal statement. Your personal statement should indicate your interest in Illinois State and explain circumstances that may affect our admission decision and that are not readily apparent from academic records.

Jenna Floyd's College Application Essay Questions + Links (homepage) [|http://www2.iwu.edu/home.shtml] (application) [|http://www2.iwu.edu/admissions/applications/]
 * Illinois Wesleyan Essay Questions:**

1. Select a quote from any source that has personal significance to you and explain why. 2. What does diversity mean to you? 3. If you were given a year to provide service to others, what would you do and why? 4. Topic of choice.

Neesh Shah Essay Questions Home Page: [|http://www.gatech.edu/] Application: [|http://www.admiss.gatech.edu/apply/]
 * Geogia Tech Essay Questions:**

1. Describe the personla experience that gave you the feeling of greatest acheivement or satisfaction because of the challenges you met.

Optional Essay: 1. Describe an intellectual or creative activity for which you feel special passion and commitment, and explain how that activity has affected you. 2. If you could focus your professional career on one crucial issue, what would it be and how would you use your Georgia Tech education to further that goal? 3. Describe how a work of art, music, dance, theater, or literature has inspired you. 4. Share an experience in which you have confronted intellectual, social, or cultural differences and explain how that experience has affected you. 5. Describe how someone close to you has influenced the way you see the world.

Annie Downey http://www.gwu.edu/index.cfm http://gwired.gwu.edu/adm/apply/apps.html on the site you have to go through the whole application before you can see the essay questions.
 * George Washington University, Washington, D.C.**

Weikang Sun's College Application Essay Questions: (homepage) [|http://www.harvard.edu/] (application page) [|http://www.admissions.college.harvard.edu/utilities/electronic_resources/apply_online/index.html]
 * Harvard University,** Cambridge, MA

-Optional Essay (in addition to the Essays in the Common Application): -Unusual Circumstances in your life -Travel or living experiences in other countries -Books that have affected you the most -An academic experience (course, project, paper, or research topic) that has meant the most to you -A list of the books you have read during the past twelve months -Topic of your choice

Home: http [|://www.hillsdale.edu/] Application: [|http://www.hillsdale.edu/admissions/apply.asp] Questions: 1) Required Essay Question: Tell us about yourself and your interests; indicate your strengths and weaknesses; and describe your educational and career goals, the kind of person you wish to become and how Hillsdale College can help you reach these goals. 2) Select one question from the four choices: (indicate your choice by checking the appropriate circle) 1. What is good character and why is it important? You may cite examples from literature, the arts, science, politics, history, athletics, business, education or your own personal experiences. 2. What, in your understanding, are the liberal arts, and what is the goal of a liberal arts education? 3. Discuss how an event, novel or experience has significantly influenced you or has changed your life. 4. Since Hillsdale’s founding in 1844, our efforts have been directed by the high purposes of the Hillsdale College Mission Statement. Please respond to this Mission Statement.
 * Hillsdale University** -Angie Ostaszewski's College

Hanover College - Rebekah Vaughan Home page – http://www.hanover.edu/ Admissions - http://www.hanover.edu/admission/apply We know that for most students, this can be the least favorite part of the application process or perhaps a close second behind sitting for the SAT or ACT). The whole point of the essay section is to give us some idea of how you write and allow us some insight into who you are as a person. So, in the interest of trying to make this as useful as possible for us and to take some of the pain tout of the process for you, we are giving you fairly broad parameters in writing this essay.

Your essay should be 2-3 pages in length so that we get a sense of your writing ability, but the rest is up to you. We want you to write about a subject that means something to you. It might be an issue about which you are passionate, a book that made you think in a different way, someone who has been an influence in your life (good or bad), or an interesting topic that you are writing about for another college application (if you choose this one, please include the topic and the school). You may even submit a particularly brilliant paper you wrote for one of your classes.

Again, part of this process is to get to know the person behind the test scores, extracurricular activities, and grade point average. A former dean of admission put it best when he addressed the advice students always receive about putting their best foot forward by saying, “I must confess that I always like the ones who put both feet forward.” //So do we.//

Caity Baugh's Essay Question: Huntington University (home) http://www.huntington.edu/tour/video/default.htm (application) http://www.huntington.edu/admissions

Adam Larson College Home page: http://www.indiana.edu/ Application: http://www.indiana.edu/~iuadmit/freshmen/apply.shtml
 * Indiana University**

Hompage - http://w2.uky.edu/Admission/index.php Application - http://w2.uky.edu/Admission/index.php?option=com_content&amp;task=view&amp;id=14&amp;Itemid=34 Questions- 1.) How do you stand out from other candidates? 2.) How can you contribute to diversity? 3.) What obstacles or challenges have you faced or overcome in your life?
 * University of Kentucky - Aaron Michaels**

Neesh Shah Essay Questions: Home page: [|http://www.luc.edu/] Application: [|http://www.luc.edu/undergrad/apply.shtml] Send a sample of your writing instead of essay questions.
 * Loyola University Chicago**

Lake Forest College** Home Page: http://www.lakeforest.edu/default.asp Admissions:http://www.lakeforest.edu/admissions/default.asp
 * Cheryl Liang
 * Graded Paper:** Academic writing is a large part of a Lake Forest education, so we need to see an example of your writing that demonstrates style, a clear thesis, and a well-constructed argument. We prefer a junior or senior-level English, history, or other humanities course paper.

Macalester College-Anna Doran (home) http://www.macalester.edu/admissions/ (application) http://www.macalester.edu/admissions/apply/2008forms/1stYear_Complete.pdf Essay Questions: What factors have led you to consider Macalester College? Why do you believe it may be a good match, and what do you believe you can add to the Mac community, academically and personally? Feel free to draw on past experiences, and use concrete examples to support your perspective. Because transcripts, test scores and awards lists provide only a partial picture of an applicant, we want to know more! Please write an original essay to give us more than facts and figures about yourself. Feel free to focus on an experience, a philosophy or a significant event (or invent a topic of your own). Our hope is to get to know you better. How you help us do that is up to you!
 * Essay #1**
 * Essay #2**

(home) [|http://www.marquette.edu] (application) http://www.marquette.edu/student/ugrad/applytoday.shtml
 * Marquette University-** XiXi Tian

Freshman Essay Questions: 1. Less than one percent of the world's population has a college degree. What do you hope to accomplish with your Marquette degree? 2. Life is a journey. To help describe your journey thus far, and to prepare for what lies ahead, what would you bring with you as you travel to Marquette? 3. Imagine a Marquette physicist has proven time travel is possible. To which year in history would you travel, and why?

homepage: http://www.miami.muohio.edu/ application: http://www.miami.muohio.edu/admission/apply/firstyear/pdfs/MiamiApp_Common_08_09.pdf Please write an essay (250 words minimum) on a topic of your choice or one of the options listed below. 1. Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you. 2. Discuss some issue of personal, local, national, or international concern and its importance to you. 3. Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence. 4. Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure, or creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence. 5. A range of academic interests, personal perspectives, and life experiences adds much to the educational mix. Given your personal background, describe an experience that illustrates what you would bring to the diversity in a college community, or an encounter that demonstrated the importance of diversity to you. 6. Topic of your choice.
 * Miami University - Abby Hoekstra**

Caity Baugh's Essay Questions: Moody Bible Institute (home) http://www.christiancollegeguide.net/search/schools.html?query=Moody&amp;type=on (application) http://www.christiancollegeguide.net/choosingacollege/2006/acloserlookatthecollegeapplication.html Essay Questions: • "What does having a relationship with God mean to you?" • "Please write a well thought-out essay to discuss your ideas, your experiences, interests and achievements."
 * Spiritual questions.** Christian colleges want to know about your Christian experience, and they want to know how your faith has affected your lifestyle and the way you view the world. Here are a few examples:
 * Academic/achievement questions.** This is where they ask what you've done in your school and in the community, and how those things have made you more well-rounded. Examples:

University of Maryland** Home page: http://www.umbc.edu/ Application: http://www.umbc.edu/undergraduate/pdf/full_application.pdf On a separate page, please provide a brief essay (200–350 words) choosing one of the following a. My generation is more (or less) responsible than my parent’s generation. b. The world is a better (or worse) place because of the computer chip. c. The arts are a necessity, like food and water, for true civilization. d. A discussion of your educational and career goals or significant personal experiences.
 * Taiyo Wilson

Michigan State University** Home page:http://admissions.msu.edu/default.asp Admissions: http://admissions.msu.edu/apply.asp Choose one of the personal essay topics below and write a short essay up to 400 words. - Based on your life experiences, how do you anticipate contributing to the cultural life of Michigan State University? In view of your educational experiences and the socio-economic environment in which you grew up, provide an example of a challenge you faced. How did you overcome or strive to overcome this challenge? Describe a specific experience when you learned about a culture different from your own and how it affected or did not affect your worldview. Describe your experiences promoting global understanding and/or the value of diversity in society.
 * Cheryl Liang

N-S
Haley Stuckey's College Application Essay Questions: (home page) [] (application page) []
 * New York University**

The essay offers an opportunity for you to help us become acquainted with you in ways different from grades, test scores, and other objective data. It allows you to demonstrate your ability to organize your thoughts and express yourself. With this in mind, please write an essay, approximately 400-500 words in length, on a separate sheet. You may select one of the following topics, or you may choose to tell us something about yourself that has not been presented to your satisfaction in this application. Be sure to put your name and Social Security number at the top of your essay.

A. The best writing is often very personal. All kinds of experiences—serious, funny, unexplained, fleeting—can influence our lives and help shape who we are. Tell us about a person, place, or event in your life that has particular meaning for you, and why it is important to you. We’d especially like to hear about someone or something that has affected your life that may not have affected or even been noticed by other people. B. Select a creative work—a novel, a film, a musical piece, a painting, or other work of art—that has influenced the way you view the world and the way you view yourself. Discuss the impact the work has had on you. (We are more interested in how the work has affected you rather than reading a detailed plot summary or a description of the work.) C. New York is a city full of people from other places. They all bring with them a story of where they are from. Tell us something about where you’re from and what single facet of your hometown experience has shaped you into the person you are today.

Jenna Floyd's College Application Essay Questions + Links North Central Essay Questions:(home page.) [|http://www.noctrl.edu/http://www.noctrl.edu/http://www.noctrl.edu/(how]to apply) [|http://www.noctrl.edu/x4747.xmlhttp://www.noctrl.edu/x4747.xmlhttp://www.noctrl.edu/x4747.xmlNorth] Central has an optional writing piece in which you can send in a piece of your writing for them to review, if you’d like.
 * North Central Essay Questions:**

Dan Grieco's College Application Essay Questions: (home page) [|http://www.unc.edu/] (application page) [|http://www.admissions.unc.edu/applying/index.html]
 * North Carolina University,** Chaple Hill, NC

1. If you could solve one of history's greatest mysteries, what would it be and why?

2. Tell us about a friendship you have forged with someone from a different race, class, religion, or background. How did this friendship develop? What has it taught you?

3. Carolina encourages undergraduates to participate in research in any field — including the arts, humanities, social sciences, communications, and sciences. If you could spend one semester researching a specific topic that interests you, in the hope of making at least a small contribution to our understanding of that topic, what would you choose to research and why?

4. If you were to choose or create a quote or saying that defined you, what would it be and why?

5. Some scientific advances are so counterintuitive that they completely change the way we think about the world. Examples are the ideas of Isaac Newton or Charles Darwin or Marie Curie. Which scientific discovery made during your lifetime has most significantly affected the world around you?

6. Carolina students may take advantage of 30,000 internships worldwide. If you were to describe your dream internship, what would it be and why?

7. Tell us about a time when you had to sacrifice something in order to help a friend or family member.

8. If you have written an essay for another school’s application that you really like, feel free to use it as your longer essay for us. Please be sure to tell us (a) what essay you are answering and (b) why you think this essay represents you well (your explanation will not be included in the essay word count).

Kathleen Johnson College Application Essay Prompts homepage: [|http://www.northpark.edu/home/index.cfm?northpark=Main.Homepage] application page: [|http://www.northpark.edu/home/index.cfm?northpark=Admissions.Admis_Apply] Please write a response to one of the following questions and submit it with your application. A thoughtful and carefully written essay—typed on a separate piece of paper—will help you clarify your thinking and expectations as well as help us learn about you, your preparation for college, and your ability to use accepted principles of E nglish composition. Your essay should reflect originality and creativity, illustrate writing ability, and provide insight into you as a person. L ength: 100-300 words. Include the typed essay with your application, indicating the question you selected, your name, and date. If you fill out the online application, write the essay in your word processor, and cut and paste it into the online application when you are satisfied with it. 1. Write a letter recommending yourself for your ideal first job after completing college or graduate school. 2. a world-class city. Describe what you think will be the three or four key challenges facing that city in the year 2025. P ick one challenge and propose a solution. 3. Using poetic verse describe your perspective on the Galapagos Islands. 4. Submit a writing sample that represents your capabilities as a writer.
 * North Park University, Chicago, IL**

Anthony Duran Essay Questions:
 * Northwestern University**

Norhtwestern requests the essay questions off of the Common Application, and they are as follows (pick one):

Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.

Discuss some issue of personal, local, national, or international concern and its importance to you.

Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence.

Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence.

A range of academic interests, personal perspectives, and life experiences adds much to the educational mix. Given your personal background, describe an experience that illustrates what you would bring to the diversity in a college community, or an encounter that demonstrated the importance of diversity to you.

Topic of your choice.

Home: [|http://www.nd.edu/] Application: [|https://admissions.nd.edu/applications/pdfapp.cfm] Questions: On separate sheets of paper, write a response to ONE of the following topics. Since we do not offer personal interviews as part of our selection process, we ask that you write an essay that helps us get to know you better. Feel free to share with us an influential experience, a motivating idea, or a revealing moment in your life. Present yourself to us in a carefully written, honest reflection. 1) Sir Isaac Newton wrote, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” As you consider your own academic pursuits for your collegiate career, whose work, past or present, would you choose to continue, and why? 2) History continues to play a role in our daily lives—whether in the classroom, books and newspapers, or as stories that are passed down through families. While reflecting on the past, one might imagine what it would be like to grow up in a different era. Tell us about a decade you would choose to live in and why. 3) The Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., President of the University of Notre Dame, said in his Inaugural Address that, “If we are afraid to be different from the world, how can we make a difference in the world?” In what way do you feel you are different from your peers, and how will this shape your contribution to the Notre Dame community? 4) Write a personal statement with content of your own choosing. Some past applicants have reflected upon their special talents, unique interests, socio-economic or cultural backgrounds, and experiences of living in a diverse world. Narrow your focus in order to most effectively share yourself with us. Choose a topic or structure that best suits you.
 * Notre Dame Univeristy** -Angie Ostaszewski's College
 * _** Please compose a personal statement of 400 to 500 words.
 * _** At the top of each page, please include: “Section 7, Personal Statement,” your name, date of birth and home city.
 * _** Please note the topic you have selected.

(application) https://webstar.nova.edu/pls/PROD/bwskalog.P_DispLoginNon (home) [|www.nova.edu]
 * Nova Southeastern University** - Madhuri Paravastu

(Home Page) http://www.osu.edu/ (Application) https://www.applyweb.com/apply/osu/index.html Group 1: Choose one
 * Ohio State University -Dan Grieco**

(1) How have you been influenced by your family history or culture, or the family environment in which you grew up? You might consider "who you are" as an individual, what values you hold, and what goals you plan to pursue. (2) Describe a close friend. What do you most respect or admire about this person, and why? What do you think your friendship with this person says about you?

Group 2: Choose one

(1) What event of the 20th century (**not 21st**) has had the greatest impact on the world in which we live today? Justify your answer and describe the relationship between the event you choose and the state of global affairs in the 21st century. (2) If time travel were possible, to what time period and place in history would you return to live? Give reasons for your decision to live in this period and location.

Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey** (home page) [|http://www.princeton.edu/main/] (application page) [|http://www.princeton.edu/admission/pdfs/PU_0708_application.pdf] Please select two of the following themes and write an essay in response to each. Your first essay should be a full page in length (about 500 words). The other may be shorter (about 300 words). Please indicate your two choices using the check boxes.
 * Nick Houska's College Application Essay Questions:

 T ell us about a person who has influenced you in a significant way. Using one of the quotations below as a jumping off point, tell us about an event or experience that helped you define one of your values.

 “Princeton in the Nation’s Service” was the title of a speech given by Woodrow Wilson on the 150th anniversary of the University. It became the unofficial Princeton motto and was expanded for the University’s 250th anniversary to “Princeton in the nation’s service and in the service of all nations.” Woodrow Wilson was a member of the Class of 1879, served on the faculty, and was Princeton’s president from 1902–1910.

 “Some questions cannot be answered./ They become familiar weights in the hand,/ Round stones pulled from the pocket, unyielding and cool.”1 Jane Hirshfield, poet, Princeton Class of 1973 1. “Woman in Red Coat” from Of Gravity and Angels (Middletown, CT: Wesleyan University Press, 1988). ©1988 Jane Hirshfield. Reprinted by permission of Jane Hirshfield.

 Your own favorite quotation. Please write the quotation at the beginning of your essay.

Ryan Davis College Application Essay Quesion (web page) http://www.sxu.edu/ (application page) http://www.sxu.edu/admission/application/apply.asp Typed essay describing, the quality of your acdemic performance in the past and how you plan to be successful at Saint Xavier University. How did you hear about Saint Xavier and why did you decide to apply for admission. Then attach a sperate sheet of paper listing any academic honors, work history, and extracurricular activities, including years of participation and positions.
 * Saint-Xavier,** Chicago, IL

Weikang Sun's College Application Essay Question: (webpage) [|http://www.stanford.edu/] (application page) [|http://www.stanford.edu/dept/uga/applying/1_2e_application.html]
 * Stanford University**, Stanford, CA

Essays (3, short, in addition to essay in Common Application): -Stanford students are widely known to possess a sense of intellectual vitality. Tell us about an idea or an experience you have had that you find intellectually engaging. -Virtually all of Stanford’s undergraduates live on campus. Write a note to your future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your roommate—and us—know you better. -Tell us what makes Stanford a good place for you.

Rice University** Home page: http://www.rice.edu/ Application: http://futureowls.rice.edu/images/futureowls/freshmansupplement.pdf 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. What motivated you to apply to Rice University? Please be specific and limit your response to 200 words or fewer.
 * Taiyo Wilson


 * Southern** **Illinois** **University** **Edwardsville**
 * Vinny Melchiorri**
 * Home Page:** http://www.siue.edu/
 * Admission Info:** http://www.admissions.siue.edu/
 * Essay Prompt(s):** No essay required.

1. Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you. 2. Discuss some issue of personal, local, national, or international concern and its importance to you. 3. Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence. (Southern Illinois University Edwardsville - https://ssb.siue.edu/pls/BANPROD/bwskaudf.P_DispAppUserDef?appno=1&amp;wsct=ADDITIONAL)

Dan Grieco's College Application Essay Question: (home page) [|http://www.slu.edu/x260.xml] (application page) [|http://www.slu.edu/x834.xml]
 * St. Louis University,** MI


 * A. Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you
 * B. Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence.
 * C. Describe your interest in Saint Louis University, how your choice of major (even if you're still deciding) and co-curricular activities (e.g., athletics, community service, music, student government, theater, etc.) have led you to your decision to apply to Saint Louis University.
 * D. Topic of your choice.

Haley Stuckey's College Application Essay Questions: (home page) [] (application page) []
 * Syracuse University**

PERSONAL ESSAY: In 250 to 500 words, describe one thing you haven’t yet accomplished in your life that you really want to do. Explain how being at Syracuse University will help you accomplish it.

&gt;

T-Z
Neesath Shah Home: http://tulane.edu/ Application: http://www.admission.tulane.edu/applicants/apply/index.shtml
 * Tulane University New Orleans**

By using this special application, you are not required to submit a new essay. However, all applicants are asked to write a personal statement including any information you would like the admission committee to take into consideration when we review your application. Your personal statement helps us get to know you in ways other than your courses, grades and test scores. It should describe in detail (between 250 and 500 words) some special interest, significant experience or achievement, or anything else that has special meaning to you or had a significant influence on you. If you need more space, you may attach additional pages if necessary.

Homepage: [|http://www.truman.edu] Application: http://admissions.truman.edu/apply/index.asp Your admission essay is an opportunity to "personalize" your application so that we know more about you as an individual. Please send us a writing sample (1-3 pages) on a topic that is important to you.
 * Truman** **State University** **– Abby Hoekstra**

(home page) https://admissions.arizona.edu/apply/index.aspx (application page) [|https://admissions.arizona.edu/wa/(z5tngpbvqbepy255ro2wnq55)/account2.aspx] 1. Academics at Arizona: The admissions team at The University of Arizona realizes that personal excellence can and should be evaluated by more than just academic achievement. Through our Comprehensive Review process, we are expanding access to students who will bring unique life experiences and personal achievements to our campus community. Arizona applicants who do not meet the Assured Admission criteria and all applicants not considered Arizona residents will be considered for admission through comprehensive review. 2. Questions: **. Will I be considered for admission?** Yes, we review every complete application, provided all required documents/materials are submitted by the appropriate deadline. [|Please visit admissions.arizona.edu/apply]or call 520.621.3237 for more details. Absolutely. We consider much more than the traditional measures of past and projected performance and promise. The absence of class rank will not be a disadvantage to a prepared and motivated student
 * Caity Baugh's College Application Essay Questions:**University of Arizona
 * 6. If my high school does not rank, can I still be considered for admission?**

Annie Downey http://www.ubalt.edu/ http://www.ubalt.edu/downloads/undergrad_application.pdf
 * University of Baltimore**

home page ([|http://www.ucla.edu/)] application page ([|https://www.admissions.ucla.edu/prospect/applying.htm)]
 * Adam Larson**
 * University of California Los Angeles**

Freshman applicants only: How have you taken advantage of the educational opportunities you have had to prepare for college? Transfer applicants only: What is your intended major? Discuss how your interest in the field developed and describe any experience you have had in the field — such as volunteer work, internships and employment, participation in student organizations and activities — and what you have gained from your involvement. Tell us about a talent, experience, contribution or personal quality you will bring to the University of California. Is there anything you would like us to know about you or your academic record that you have not had the opportunity to describe elsewhere in this application?
 * 1. Academic Preparation Question**The University seeks to enroll students who take initiative in pursuing their education (for example, developing a special interest in science, language or the performing arts, or becoming involved in educational preparation programs, including summer enrichment programs, research or academic development programs such as EAOP, MESA, Puente, COSMOS or other similar programs). This question seeks to understand a student’s motivation and dedication to learning.
 * 2. Potential to Contribute Question**UC welcomes the contributions each student brings to the campus learning community. This question seeks to determine an applicant’s academic or creative interests and potential to contribute to the vitality of the University.
 * 3. Open-Ended Question**This question seeks to give students the opportunity to share important aspects of their schooling or their lives — such as their personal circumstances, family experiences and opportunities that were or were not available at their school or college — that may not have been sufficiently addressed elsewhere in the application.

[|http://www.uchicago.edu/] [|http://collegeadmissions.uchicago.edu/level2.asp?id=35] //Proposed by Anna Andel, a graduate of Bard High School Early College, New York, NY.// //Proposed by Zhuyi Elizabeth Sun, a graduate of Inglemore High School, Bothell, WA.//
 * University of Chicago**
 * It must include the line “And yes I said yes I will Yes” (Ulysses, by James Joyce).
 * Its characters may not have superpowers.
 * Your work has to mention the University of Chicago, but please, no accounts of a high school student applying to the University–this is fiction, not autobiography.
 * Your work must include at least four of the following elements:
 * a paper airplane
 * a transformation
 * a shoe
 * the invisible hand
 * two doors
 * pointillism
 * a fanciful explanation of the Pythagorean Theorem
 * a ventriloquist or ventriloquism
 * the Periodic Table of the Elements
 * the concept of jeong
 * number two pencils

University of Colorado http://www.colorado.edu/ http://www.colorado.edu/prospective/freshman/index.html**
 * Michael Fritz

The personal essay is** optional**. We recommend that you answer either or both essay questions if you wish to provide additional information to the admission committee. If mailing in your essay, be sure to include your full legal name and birth date at the top of each page. A essay of one to two pages is preferred. If you are using our online application, you can import your essay from another word processing program. The essay questions are:** Colorado Creed //As a member of the Boulder community and the University of Colorado, I agree to:// &gt; &gt; Question: Explain the role that the values of the Colorado Creed have played in your life. Keep in mind your potential contributions to a diverse and inclusive CU-Boulder campus community in light of the Creed. &gt;   [|�33�] [|�35�]   
 * 1) The Colorado Creed is a set of principles by which students at CU-Boulder live. It was created by a committee of CU students and is based on upholding strong values, making the right decisions, and being responsible for those decisions. It reads:
 * //Act with honor, integrity, and accountability in my interactions with students, faculty, staff, and neighbors.//
 * //Respect the rights of others and accept our differences.//
 * //Contribute to the greater good of this community.////I will strive to uphold these principles in all aspects of my collegiate experience and beyond.//
 * 1) Provide information about any events or circumstances that may have affected your academic record.

Hannah Lebovitz University of Evansville **(physical therapy) homepage: http://www.evansville.edu/ application: http://www.evansville.edu/prospects/admission/applyonline/ The American Physical Therapy Association embraces as its core values accountability, altruism, compassion and caring, excellence, integrity, professional duty, and social responsibility. Consider your experiences with physical therapy; choose one experience and explain what you observed and how you believe these core values were demonstrated.**

University of Illinois @ Urbana Tell us more about yourself by providing information not addressed elsewhere on this application. In an essay of about 300 words, describe your passions and special interests. In your opinion, what makes you unique? || In an essay of about 300 words, tell us more about your professional and intellectual aspirations and prior personal experiences relevant to your choice of a specific college or academic program at the University of Illinois. || -Anthony Duran
 * Essay 1 (Attach to application.)
 * Essay 2 (Attach to application.)
 * Essay 2 (Attach to application.)

University of Missouri Columbia [|http://admissions.missouri.edu/howtoapply/freshman/index.php]**
 * [|http://www.missouri.edu/]

University of Maryland at Baltimore http://www.umaryland.edu/ http://www.ubalt.edu/template.cfm?page=63**
 * Annie Downey

Nick Houska's College Application Essay Questions: University of Oxford, Oxford, England** (home page) [|http://www.ox.ac.uk/] (application page) [|http://www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/oxugp0809.pdf] Candidates are required to submit one recent example of writing. This should be a marked essay produced in the normal course of your school or college work and should not have been rewritten after marking. Preferably it should be an analytical discussion of a topic or topics in the field of English literature though an English language topic is permissible. It should not be a short timed essay, critical commentary on particular passages of text (practical criticism exercises), or a piece of creative writing. Overseas candidates without suitable material should consult with the admissions office.

University of Pennsylvania** homepage: www.upenn.edu application: http://www.admissionsug.upenn.edu/applying/incoming.php 1. Describe the courses of study and the unique characteristics of the University of Pennsylvania that most interest you. Why do these interests make you a good match for Penn? 2. You have just completed your autobiography. Please submit page 217. 3. First experiences can be defining. Cite a first experience that you have had and explain its impact on you. 4. Recall an occasion when you took a risk that you now know was the right thing to do.
 * Hannah Lebovitz

University of Nebraska-Lincoln** home page ( application page ([|http://admissions.unl.edu/apply/)]
 * Adam Larson

University of Pittsburgh** http://www.pitt.edu/ http://www.pitt.edu/admissions.html The **Personal Essay** is //optional//. However, it is **strongly recommended** for **scholarship applicants** and for students whose record is **borderline** in any way. Often, the Admissions Committee is able to make an admissions decision on the basis of student's academic record, alone. However, admission is not based solely on academics. If you want to let the Admissions committee know something more about you, please complete the //optional// essay question or feel free to submit supplemental information of your own choosing. Basicly it is asking for a personal statement on a topic of your choice.
 * Michael Fritz

University of Rochester** http://www.rochester.edu/ http://enrollment.rochester.edu/admissions/ In 100 words or less answer the following questions. What about the University of Rochester makes you think it is the right school for you? Please comment on any conversations you have had with Rochester faculty, staff, students, or alumni. The remarkable citizens and numerous path breaking scholars who have been a part of our community- such as abolitionist Frederick Douglass, women’s rights activist Susan B. Anthony, and philanthropist Joseph C. Wilson- lead us to appreciate the importance of bringing together students from diverse backgrounds and origins. Describe an experience from your own life that helps you understand and appreciate diversity.
 * Michael Fritz

University of Southern California** (home page) http://www.usc.edu/ (application page) http://www.usc.edu/admission/undergraduate/apply/ sample essay questions:
 * Adam Larson
 * 1) The 18th century French philosopher Denis Diderot said, "Only passions, great passions can elevate the soul to great things." Describe one of your passions and reflect on how it has contributed to your personal growth.
 * 2) It is common knowledge that Thomas Edison invented the light bulb. What most people don’t know is that he tried over 6,000 times before succeeding. Reflect on an accomplishment you achieved in an unlikely way.
 * 3) Newton's First Law of Motion states that an object in motion tends to stay in motion in the same direction unless acted upon by an external force. Tell us about an external influence (a person, an event, etc.) that affected you and how it caused you to change direction.

Emily Stevens University of Texas - Austin [|http://www.utexas.edu/] [|http://bealonghorn.utexas.edu/freshmen/admission/essays/index.html]
 * Personal Essay 1 (if applying for summer/fall 2008 &amp; beyond)Write an essay in which you tell us about someone who has made an impact on your life and explain how and why this person is important to you. [|Submit online] ||
 * ~  || Personal Essay 2 (if applying for summer/fall 2008 &amp; beyond)Choose an issue of importance to you—the issue could be personal, school related, local, political, or international in scope—and write an essay in which you explain the significance of that issue to yourself, your family, your community, or your generation. ||
 * ~  || Personal Essay 2 (if applying for summer/fall 2008 &amp; beyond)Choose an issue of importance to you—the issue could be personal, school related, local, political, or international in scope—and write an essay in which you explain the significance of that issue to yourself, your family, your community, or your generation. ||

University of Wisconsin-Madison- Michael Fritz http://www.wisc.edu/ (Homepage) http://www.wisc.edu/admissions/ (Admissions) Explain (50-100 words) Which Extra-Curricular activity meant the most to you and why.

University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee - Kyle Yarbrough (homepage) http://www4.uwm.edu/ (application) http://www4.uwm.edu/future_students/new_freshmen/applicationprocess.cfm 1. Briefly explain (in 50-100 words) how you decided which activity you are involved in that is the most important to you. 2. The University values an educational environment that provides all members of the campus community with opportunities to grow and develop intellectually, personally, culturally and socially. In order to give us a more complete picture of you as an individual, please tell us about the particular life experiences, perspectives, talents, commitments and/or interests you will bring to our campus. In other words, how will your presence enrich our community? 3. If there is additional information you would like us to consider in reviewing your application, please share this with us as well. This is your opportunity to tell us things about yourself that have not been asked elsewhere, if you believe they will help us become acquainted with you in ways different from courses, grades, and test scores.

homepage - http://www.valpo.edu/ application - http://www.valpo.edu/admissions/apply/froshapp.pdf Please choose one of the following topics and write a one to two page essay. This allows you to demonstrate your ability to organize thoughts and express yourself in writing. 1. Pick an issue that is currently affecting your school or community and describe how you would address it. 2. What is the most difficult challenge you have faced and how did you overcome it? 3. Discuss your interest and/or experience in your chosen major. 4. There are moments in our lives when a person, place, event, or picture leaves a lasting impression. Describe one of these moments. 5. Submit a sample of your writing from a college prep course.
 * Valparaiso University - Abby Hoekstra**

Homepage - http://www.wfu.edu/ Application - http://www1.cfnc.org/Applications/Wake_Forest_University/apply.html
 * Wake Forest University - Aaron Michaels**

Questions - If your school attendance has not been continuous (excluding summers), please list your activities chronologically. If you have attended (or are attending) another senior college, give fully your reasons for desiring to enter Wake Forest. Briefly describe any scholastic distinctions or honors you have won beginning in the ninth grade: In the space provided below, briefly discuss which of the accomplishments listed above has had the most meaning for you and why. Write a brief statement explaining your decision to apply to Wake Forest and what your academic and personal goals would be as a student. 2. What outrages you? 3. What have you read recently that you found enlightening? 4. Make a rational argument for a position you do not personally support. 5. “Science and art belong to the whole world, and before them vanish the barriers of nationality.”//—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe// Provide a specific example of either instance.

Essay - In his inaugural speech in 2005, Wake Forest University President Nathan O. Hatch praised the University for its commitment to liberal arts education, character development and diversity, and described Wake Forest as “a vibrant learning community, one that weds knowledge and experience.” How might your education, background, values and life experiences contribute to the Wake Forest community?

Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you. Discuss some issue of personal, local, national, or international concern and its importance to you. Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence. Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence. A range of academic interests, personal perspectives, and life experiences adds much to the educational mix. Given your personal background, describe an experience that illustrates what you would bring to the diversity in a college community, or an encounter that demonstrated the importance of diversity to you. Topic of your choice. || Alex Kraft's College search prompts: 1. Recall an occasion when you took a risk that you now know was the right thing to do. (University of Pennsylvania) 2. What work of art, music, science, mathematics, or literature has influenced your thinking, and in what way? (University of Virginia applicants to the College of Arts and Sciences) 3. First experiences can be defining. Cite a first experience that you have had and explain its impact on you. (University of Pennsylvania)
 * Washington University in Saint Louis- Anthony Duran**
 * Wash U requests the essay questions off of the Common Application, and they are as follows (pick one):

Samantha Bryden's College search prompts: 1. A statement of purpose that addresses (a) your abilities and limitations as a writer and scholar; (b) why you are applying to the Department of Performance Studies (and not a more traditional department such as anthropology, dance or theatre); and (c) the most pressing question you would like to answer in graduate school. (New York University: Tisch School of Performing Arts) 2. It is our intention to get to know you as well as possible through your application and the essay. Your audition and musical credentials help us to learn about you as a musician. The purpose of our essay question is to learn about you as a person. Therefore, for your online application, please write an essay on the following topic: "Describe a humorous experience you have had." (Manhattan School of Music) 3. In 300–500 words, please describe your educational background, objectives, or future career plans. If there is additional information that you feel would be helpful to the Admission Committee, please feel free to include it in your personal statement. (Indiana University) Sean Hastings's College search prompts: 1. Select a creative work: a novel, a film, a poem, a musical piece, a painting or other work of art that has influenced the way you view the world and the way you view yourself. Discuss the work and its effect on you. (University of Virginia/William and Mary/NYU) application page:__http://edu.itypeusa.com/University/College_Admission_Essay_Topics.html__ 2. University of California application page:__http://www.mvhs.fuhsd.org/kelly_wong/BritishLiterature/College%20Essay/collegeessayprompts.htm__ Respond to all three short answer questions, using a total of nor more than 1,000 words total. Two of your answers must be limited to approximately 200 words each; a third questions should be given an extended answer of at least 600 words. 1. How have you taken advantage of the educational opportunities you have had to prepare for college? 2. Tell us about a talent, experience, contribution or personal quality you will bring to the University of California. 3. Is there anything you would like us to know about you or about your academic record that you have not had the opportunity to describe elsewhere in your application? 3. International University (Oxford,Uk) application page:__http://www.mvhs.fuhsd.org/kelly_wong/BritishLiterature/College%20Essay/collegeessayprompts.htm__ This application provides an extremely open-ended prompt: "Personal Statement-achievements and interests (both academic and non-academic). Please do not attach additional sheets." What the heck are you to do with that?! The space provided is one page. My advice: use the suggestions in option 2, which ask you to provide a "talk story," including a balance between your academic achievements and your life outside of school. Also, include your inclination for your chosen course of study. Length: One typed, single-spaced page, 12-point font. Michael Fritz's College search prompts Work in progress: 1. (Required for Engineering Applicants Only) If you are applying to the Pratt School of Engineering, please discuss why you want to study engineering and why you would like to study at Duke. (Duke) 2. 3 Short Essays (found in the Stanford Supplement to the Common Application): Candidates must respond to all 3 questions/topics (not exceeding the space provided, which is approximately 10 lines) o Sharing intellectual interests is an important aspect of university life. Describe an idea or experience that you find intellectually exciting, and explain why. o Write a note to your future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your roommate-and us-know you better. o Tell us what makes Stanford a good place for you? 1. Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you. 2. Discuss some issue of personal, local, national, or international concern and its importance to you. 3. Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence. 4. Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence. 5. A range of academic interests, personal perspectives, and life experiences adds much to the educational mix. Given your personal background, describe an experience that illustrates what you would bring to the diversity in a college community, or an encounter that demonstrated the importance of diversity to you. 6. Topic of your choice. (Stanford) 3. **Essay 1:** Tell us more about yourself by providing information not addressed elsewhere on this application. In an essay of about 300 words, describe your passions and special interests. In your opinion, what makes you unique? Alex Thoennes College University of Washington: 1. Describe an experience in your life that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it. UW- Optional Supplement Topics (you must answer one) 2. Describe any personal hardships or barriers you’ve had to overcome and explain how they have they have affected your education. 3. In the context of your life experience, describe your understanding of cultural differences, how this awareness was acquired, and how it has affected you. (University of Washington - http://www.pleasval.k12.ia.us/highschool/teachers/lubscourtney/My%20Webs/more_college_admissions_essay_pr.htm) 1. Describe a character in fiction, an historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence. 2. A range of academic interests, personal perspectives, and life experiences adds much to the educational mix. Given your personal background, describe an experience that illustrates what you would bring to the diversity in a college community, or an encounter that demonstrated the importance of diversity to you. (Examples from the Common App that Greenville College in Greenville Illinois is using this year.)
 * Long Essay (found in the Common Application's First Year Application): Candidates must choose 1 topic and respond (not exceeding the space provided, which is approximately the length of 1 page)**
 * Essay 2:** In an essay of about 300 words, tell us more about your professional and intellectual aspirations and prior personal experiences relevant to your choice of a specific college or academic program at the University of Illinois. (University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana)

Vinny Melchiorri Home Page:** http://www.wiu.edu/** Admission Info: **http://www.student.services.wiu.edu/admissions/** Essay Prompt(s):** No essay required, admission standards are an average of 21.7 ACT.
 * Western Illinois University

Western Michigan University** homepage: http://www.wmich.edu/ application: http://www.wmich.edu/admissions/undergradapp/appinstructions.html You may include an essay to help us understand why you believe you can be academically successful at Western Michigan University.
 * Hannah Lebovitz

University of Wisconsin-Madison** Home page: http://www.wisc.edu/ Application: http://www.admissions.wisc.edu/images/UW-Madison_Application.pdf
 * Taiyo Wilson

The University of Wisconsin–Madison values an educational environment that provides all members of the campus community with opportunities to grow and develop intellectually, personally, culturally and socially. In order to give us a more complete picture of you as an individual, please tell us about the particular life experiences, perspectives, talents, commitments and/or interests you will bring to ourcampus. In other words, how will your presence enrich our community?

Yale University** home page ([|http://www.yale.edu/)] application page (http://www.architecture.yale.edu/drupal/index.php?q=admissions/marchi An essay, not to exceed one page, that includes a brief personal history and reasons for applying to this program. The School of Architecture seeks to draw students from all racial and ethnic groups in society. Applicants who wish to identify themselves as members of a minority group should do so in this essay
 * Adam Larson