Hey. ED 2 applicant here. For this prompt, I have a 1.5 page list, but should I briefly sum up my tastes at the top of each category? What’s their goal in giving us this prompt?
Thanks.
It’s open to interpretation. People go either way, and this is okay.
@dalliawnce It’s really whatever you want to do. I focused on just one of my favorites and talked about it in two short paragraphs while my friend just did a list. Here UChicago just wants to know a little more about you as a person, but this essay won’t have that big of an impact on your decision unless you put down something really radical or don’t write it at all. I think another part of it is to weed out candidates that don’t do this essay and don’t put in the extra ~15 minutes of work it requires, which shows that the student really isn’t that dedicated. Don’t worry too much about it–do whatever floats your boat.
I did description, but did list for Columbia.
A list accompanied by a short anecdote or explanation with each was my decision, and I think it communicates the most useful information.
D (who was just accepted) described just one of her favorite books in four paragraphs. The book was not what one would expect given her background, so I think it may have added an extra dimension to her application.
My kid (who got in) picked just a couple and did a paragraph on each. UC wants to know how you think. Seems to me that for them, WHY you like something is at least as important as what you like.
My kid did a series of idiosyncratic categories/lists of various lengths with no explanations wrt why. Also got in (EA, last year). Do whatever lets you convey what you want to convey – there’s no formula.
I asked my Chicago admissions rep (I’m from Texas) this same question a few months ago when he visited my school. He said he much preferred actual descriptions because they typically give more insight into why one enjoys the books, movies, music, etc. They’re also much more interesting to read. I was admitted ED, and I just wrote a small blurb about why I love historical fiction. It fit well, considering that my supplement was about my hobby of visiting historical sights.