- Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
Prompt 1 is kinda the weird one, but I heard that it can basically be molded to fit any topic.
- I was fairly shy my freshman year and had a pretty annoying nickname that spread around the school. Because of that I had basically formed an “identity” without me even knowing people. I want to talk about how having that brand has motivated me to become an outspoken and more outgoing person.
- The lessons we take from failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
- I had a seriously ill debate coach that was out the entire second semester at school, meaning our team was without a coach. I want to possibly write about losing at the state championships, but getting a text from her shortly afterwards that made me rethink my feelings about the season on the whole.
- Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?
- I performed a slam poem once about racial stereotyping and preconceived notions to a crowd that was absent of blacks after being told a few times I didn't fit the mold of black people they knew. This essay would basically highlight my experience with labeling, my poem, and how I approach issues in general.
I know a lot of this seems loosely explained/organized so I just want to thank everyone that read through this. All feedback (negative/positive) is appreciated!
If you’d rather PM that’s also appreciated!
I like the idea of the nickname but can you flesh it out using 650 words? May be a tall order. I also like the failure prompt but the nickname essay may be more unique and interesting.
Great ideas. The nickname one really intrigues me. The failure one is hard to manage without falling into traps but essentially a good idea. I don’t get the concept you are going for on the third one, but the whole experience sounds interesting. Try writing up some drafts, it’s about that time. See which ones have legs.
Go with nickname for sure. Once you have a draft, PM it to me for feedback.
I really like the prompt about the nickname! That is really unique compared to the typical background/identity essay that a lot of people write about. It sounds like it would be really interesting to read! The other ideas for the other two prompts are interesting too, but the prompt that stood out to me the most was the first one. Go with the first one! Good luck! 
I really like the nickname idea, but I also really like the slam poem one; I’m leaning a bit towards the nickname one, because I don’t think I’ve ever seen an essay idea quite like it.
Oh, and once you have a solid draft, feel free to PM it to me if you want/need different opinions!
Thanks for your input everyone! I’ll be sure to update after I get a draft together
I also like the nickname idea. I read an essay that I loved about a very tall student 6’9 and over 250 pounds who everyone assumed was an athlete. What he wanted people to know is that he actually loved playing the piano and baking. He had to work to convince smaller kids not be afraid of him and explain (even to strangers in the grocery store) that he wasn’t interested in sports. It was all about changing pre-conceived notions of what people assumed he was or wanted to be. Good luck!!!