How literally do we need to take the Common Application prompts?

College Essays
1

<p>For example the first prompt asks for a story so central to our identities that "our applications would be incomplete without." Do we actually need to write about something our applications would be incomplete without? I have an essay that I want to use for this prompt, but it by no means completes an otherwise incomplete application.</p>

2

<p>That’s a really good question. I’m pondering the same myself.</p>

3

<p>

</p>

<p>Yes – that’s the whole point of that question! Please read: <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;

4

<p>Keep in mind you’re only choosing one–I’m sure you know that but your post made it sound like you didn’t. Just making sure!</p>

5

<p>

</p>

<p>IMO, I doubt a college is going to throw away a well-written, revealing personal essay on the grounds that the application might have been complete even if it weren’t there.</p>

6

<p>^^ Maybe . . . but this year, I imagine many students are just going to ignore the 5 prompts and try to fit “topic of your choice” into one of them. That could possibly annoy and irk Admissions Directors. So, if two applicants have similar transcripts, recommendations and EC’s, I could envision an Admissions Committee giving the nod to the student who followed directions and wrote specifically about a prompt.</p>

7

<p>I don’t think the prompt should be completely used in a “topic of your choice” sort of way (though I’ve probably said that before), but I don’t think you need a story other people would view as a major event, as long as you can convey why the story you’re telling is central to your identity.</p>

8

<p>I think it’s more likely they’ll give the nod to the student who writes the more compelling essay.</p>

9

<p>^^ Not sure I agree. I believe you’re off to Princeton Philovitist, so let’s see what Princeton has said about it in the past. Please note the 1st sentence of the last paragraph. Although the comment was probably directed at supplemental essays, given that this year students must answer specific questions for the Common App, I think Princeton’s Admissions Office would quickly tire of students not answering the questions posed.[Part</a> 1: Answers From Princeton’s Dean of Admission - NYTimes.com](<a href=“http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/09/24/guidance-office-princeton-answers-1/]Part”>Part 1: Answers From Princeton's Dean of Admission - The New York Times)</p>

<p>

</p>

10

<p>I think it’s more something that gives background to a passion you have; explains “why” your application is what it is.</p>

11

<p>I agree that they care about students answering the question and will be annoyed if a student is clearly going against it, but also believe that in the end preference will almost always go to the more compelling essay, especially when there is an at least tenuous link to the question, as careful seems to be attempting. Besides, the essay options that Princeton and the Common App presented are incredibly broad — basically to the point where you can write about anything **as long as it’s personal<a href=“which%20is%20what%20I%20think%20was%20the%20real%20issue%20with%20the%20common%20app:%20its%20failure%20to%20limit%20essays%20to%20this”>/b</a> — for a good reason.</p>

<p>As you’ll notice, three of the four paragraphs you quoted are all about essay quality. Only one sentence really touches on answering the questions presented. And that’s important, rather than critical like writing ability is.</p>