*NEW* Common Application Essay Prompts

Hope everyone had a nice Memorial Day Weekend.  While on the long weekend, I was talking with some of my friends' children who were getting ready to start the application process this fall so naturally the topic of the college essay came up.  I reminded them that the Common App changed the essay prompts in their new application launching this summer (August 1, 2013 to be exact!).  What that means for those students applying to college this fall is that the essay prompts are different from the previous years.  (Just a reminder, Mrs. Tice and I handed them out at the Junior Student/Parent Night back at the end of February, but figured a reminder never hurt.)  Below you will find the new essay prompts that you can choose from this fall.  Gone is the ever popular (and sure to be sadly missed) prompt of "Topic of Your Choice". 

Here are the new essay prompts:  

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

NOTE: One question is not better than another to a college.  Pick the question that interests you the most.  

As you start to think about which prompt to answer, refer back to the two previous blogs "What makes you Interesting" and "Writing your College Essay" for tips to help you get started.  However, remember that you cannot start the application itself until August 1, 2013 when your version launches (until August 1 the application you see will be for students starting college this fall).  

Juniors, as you know, we have been meeting with you individually (and that will continue to happen until we have met with each of you so if you have not handed in your Senior Interview, Resume and Parent Interview please do so soon!).  In addition, Mrs. Tice and I will be coming into your English class in two weeks to discuss this and other things that need to happen over the summer in terms of your college research and requesting teacher recommendations.  As always, see us with any questions.