Applications Asking for Favorite Books, Films, etc.

Applying to College
1

So I’ve noticed that, for a couple of the schools I am applying to in the fall, they are asking things such as “Name your favorite books, authors, and/or movies” and “What websites do you read in your spare time?” or “What are your favorite events? (performances, convensions, conferences, etc.)”

What throws me off is that many of these have 50-100 word limits, which I feel might make it hard to adequately elaborate on why you answered how you did.

All of the colleges that ask questions like this are extremely competitive, so I imagine it’s just a way to distinguish all the 4.0-GPA-and-36 ACT-and-National-Merit-Finalist students from each other. And maybe it’s also a way to weed out the weak of heart who plan on applying.

But my question is, how is one supposed to answer these questions? Aside from the obvious “Be yourself”, is it better to have a long list of favorite things or write briefly about one or two? Is it better these answers align with my interests, or should they showcase other interests? Should they show that I’m challenging myself outside of the classroom, or should they show a quirky, different side of me?

If anyone has any advice, it’d be much appreciated. Thank you :slight_smile:

2

I say have fun with it. This is a college’s way of figuring out whether a student has an unusual perspective and/or genuine intellectual curiosity. Answer honestly. It can include childhood favorites, popular genre fiction, instructional “how-to” guides, silly comedies, action-adventure blockbusters, etc. These questions give admissions officers a glimpse into the individual. I strongly advise to answer for yourself, and not have a counselor or parent answer for you. If you are a film buff, classic TV aficionado, or voracious reader, write as long a list as you can. If you have a single, identifiable favorite, focus on that. There are no correct answers, and they are likelier to weed out the kids who simply list the syllabus from AP or IB English class than they are the kids who admit that they have seen every episode of “Family Guy” at least four times. If your academic chops are adequate for an admissions committee to bother reading your answers, they will appreciate candor and individuality.

3

I’ve seen both.

It’s up to you.

Whatever you’d rather do.