Past Essay Prompts Used On the Stanford Application

Colleges and Universities A-Z Stanford University
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<p>Does anybody know what essay prompts the Stanford application had in the past few years?</p>

<p>I am not sure if they change from each academic year to the next, but I am simply looking to gain a general idea of what to expect in terms of writing essays for Stanford.</p>

<p>Anybody that's actually submitted a Stanford app. would be ideal for this question. Thanks!</p>

<p>p.s. If anybody knows what additional essay prompts they ask from transfer applicants, letting me know would be fantastic!</p>

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<p>admission for the 2006-2007 school year:</p>

<p>Long essay--two choices, pick one
1. Include a picture and explain its significance.
2. describe something you've heard, read, or seen that has had an impact on you</p>

<p>Short essays--three of them (these were tough--character limits on the application forced me to pay more attention than normal to word choice).
1. extracurricular activity that has been important to you
2. write about something "intellectually exciting"
3. write a note to your potential roomate relating an experience that says something about you.</p>

<p>I don't know if they change the prompts from year to year, but that's what we had to go through.</p>

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<p>Thanks Somebodynew,</p>

<p>I appreciate it. As far as those prompts, I was very intrigued by the one that asked for the applicant to "write something intellectually exciting". This is such a great question because it leaves the door open to some many different options and pathways.</p>

<p>If you don't mind me asking, you or anybody else that answered this question on their application, what did you write about? (No need to worry about copying as I am applying to Stanford in 2 more years. I am simply asking because I'm interested) :) Thanks</p>

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<p>I once read an article on admissions in 1998 and the essay topics were exactly the same as the ones used today. So they haven't changed their topics in quite awhile. Actually, the picture essay was referenced in Harry Bauld's book "On Writing the College Application Essay", which was published in 1987. So I guess that one's been around since at least the 80's.</p>

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<p>the essay topics for this year are already out.</p>

<p>they are the same ones, i think.</p>

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<p>I wrote about the use of Hydrogen as a fuel source. It was something that intrigues me and and something that I think might be very important in the future. Of course it wouldn't be wise to copy that idea :P</p>

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<p>the essay topics for this year are out, and they are almost the same as before (you don't need to send the actual picture any more)</p>

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<p>Do you know if we're still allowed to though? Because I really REALLY want to send mine. :]</p>

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<p>I doubt you'd get any "extra credit" for it</p>

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<p>For the intellectual idea I wrote about Descarte's ontological proof and how Kant refuted it. And my love of philosophy</p>

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<p>
[quote]
I doubt you'd get any "extra credit" for it

[/quote]
</p>

<p>It'd fit in nicely with my essay though, because it'd ground it nicely and I'd have to explain less. :]</p>

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<p>seriously, I hope you can put a picture.</p>

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<p>The second long essay prompt for class of 2008 apps was: </p>

<p>"Simplify, simplify, simplify," intoned Thoreau. If you were to follow Thoreau's advice and scale back your possessions, what would you keep, and why?</p>

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<p>For the intellectually exciting essay I wrote about existentialism while tying in my love of history. WHich sounds odd, I know.</p>

<p>I found the room-mate essay to be the most fun because it was very open to interpretation.</p>