<p>I've filled out everything on the CommonAp!! Now all I have to do is finish these pesky supplemental questions. The specific ones aren't so hard, but there are two that have been giving me a headache for weeks! I don't know why, but I just can't seem to get anything down for them. </p>
<p>They are:</p>
<p>"Describe your most significant academic experience."</p>
<p>and</p>
<p>"What are your career and academic aspirations?"</p>
<p>Sometimes I just wish I could type in "I DON'T KNOW! I'M JUST A KID" and be done with it. I don't think I've had any significant academic experiences, really. And all I know about my aspirations is that I want to learn and grow as a person, etc, etc.</p>
<p>How should I go about answering these questions? Was anyone here faced with similar questions? How did you answer them?
I'm not asking anyone to answer them for me, but at this point I could sure use a little influence to get the ball rolling.</p>
<p>
[quote]
And all I know about my aspirations is that I want to learn and grow as a person, etc, etc.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Then do just that. Convey your academic curiosity/vitality.</p>
<p>
[quote]
"Describe your most significant academic experience."
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Here's what I'd recommend. Make a list of significant experiences -- things that affected your thoughts, things that you find engaging, things that make you want to take action, anything that has an effect on you. Then, take out all the ones that are not academic in any way. Then choose from the remaining list what to write about.</p>
<p>Don't worry about what the admissions committee is looking for. These are very broad questions and they're meant to be that way. The college is trying to find out who you are. Just be yourself. </p>
<p>If your bottom line is "I don't know" about career/academic inspirations, then say so. Reflect on what you like or may consider, be personal, detailed, honest and revealing about your experiences and aspirations, and stick to your true bottom line.</p>
<p>If you're not satisfied with any school experience as a "most significant academic experience", then perhaps think of academic in some broader sense (and explain that). Again, be personal, detailed, honest and revealing.</p>
<p>With your screen name and your post #2 you've conveyed a lot about yourself in just three words. :) </p>
<p>Trust that same inspiration in your essays and you will be fine.</p>