This will be my first child applying to college. Quite a learning experience. OSU is on the list and we do realize that the school uses the Common App. I would like to see what the application consists of, especially essay questions. Do I have options to report “both” ACT and SAT … etc. My main question is - Where can I find examples of previous year applications sheets (maybe a pdf file)? August 1 is right around the corner. Much appreciated.
If you google “common app essay prompts” it should give you an idea. I think the prompts have been the same for a few years. I don’t know how often they change them.
2016-2017 Essay Prompts
- 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.
- 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?
- 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 problem you’ve solved or a problem you’d like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma - anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.
- Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.
If you do a web search for “Common Application international counselor”, 2 PDFs will pop up. Click on these to see screenshots of most of the Common App. Our biggest surprise was the character limits. I think you only have 100-150 characters to detail each extra-curricular/community service experience.