Choosing CA essay prompts

College Essays
1

<p>I'm really struggling with deciding on a prompt; I really feel like I can't write about anything for any of them. I'm trying to get this essay done and ready before the common app even goes live, so I'd love some tips. </p>

<p>The prompts are, if you don't know already: </p>

<p>• 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.</p>

<p>I studied abroad as a sophomore in high school for a semester and it was a life-changing experience to say the least. I'd really like to write about that experience in my essays, but I can't really find a way to use that in any of these prompts. I tried using the first one, but my college counselor said I wasn't really addressing the prompt . . .</p>

<p>Does anyone have example topics for these prompts, general tips, or any ideas for how I can use these prompts to my advantage and talk about my exchange? </p>

<p>I'd really appreciate it!</p>

2

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-essays/1526461-pitfalls-traps-new-common-application-essay.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-essays/1526461-pitfalls-traps-new-common-application-essay.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

3

<p>Try doing some writing and get it on paper. Perhaps you can use it for the last prompt if you can tie it in. Being away from home surely caused to to mature in a significant way, eh? Will be interesting to show your experiences and how you grew. Might be interesting to see how things looked to you after you returned home.</p>

4

<p>Gibby - thank you!</p>

<p>BrownParent - I thought about using the last prompt, but my main concern is that I wouldn’t be fully answering the question . . . It asks about becoming an adult in your community, family or culture, and although I do feel as if I did “become an adult”, at least in some senses, while living abroad, it didnt occur within my family, culture, or community.</p>

5

<p>For what it’s worth, during an admissions interview the admissions counselor agreed with me that the prompts this year are stupid and said she just wants to read a good essay. She didn’t care so much about how it answers the question. Think of it as a PROMPT, not as a question to be answered specifically.</p>

<p>I would be careful about writing about an overseas trip. I would focus on one experience you had, rather than the whole trip. Beware of generalizations and sweeping statements.</p>