Big news! The Common Application Board of Directors has changed the questions for the common application essay beginning next fall. If you haven’t applied to college before, it shouldn't really matter, but if you have older siblings/children who have, it’s a good idea to preview the new questions.
Actually, it’s a good idea for all high
school juniors to read over the questions now to get an idea of the five
different options and have a chance to reflect on past, present and future
experiences you might wish to write about.
How are the questions different from
previous years? Gone is question #6—write
on whatever topic you wish--so now every applicant has to present a more
specific and focused essay. The 500 word
limit has been extended to 650 words, though some counselors still recommend sticking
as close as possible to 500 words. The
questions focus less on achievements and more on struggle. They ask more specifically for reflection and
evaluation, especially questions 2-4.
Question one is still pretty open ended—a “background or story . . . central
to [your] identity.” And overall they
seem to direct students more toward narrating one event or story rather than
stringing together several vignettes.
Here’s a link to the new questions:
I suggest investing in a notebook or
opening a file on your computer where you can jot down ideas and reflections
during the next few months. Don’t forget
you can sign up for a college essay writing workshop or for individual help
with essays through my website:
No comments:
Post a Comment