UChicago's 5th Essay Prompt Question

<p>I know that UChicago has 5 supplementary essay prompts on the Common App. But the 5th one is basically free-write. But I was also wondering, do we NEED to make a prompt before writing our essay? Or can we do literal free-write, without any prompt? I'm just wondering. Can anyone answer? =]</p>

<p>I’m a parent, not an adcom, so take this with a grain of salt–but I’d give a prompt. You can always write the essay first, then come up with a prompt to fit it.</p>

<p>Thanks for the response!</p>

<p>I kind of included the prompt in the essay. I gave a little intro and then wrote the prompt as its own paragraph, bolded. But I don’t know if that’s required.</p>