UF "Inaugural Address" Essay Prompt

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Florida
1

I’m going crazy over this essay prompt. Considering I’m somewhat interested in a career in law or politics I figured the presidential inauguration speech would be the best essay for me to write. Well, I wrote the first draft today, but the problem is…it reads like a speech. Like an inaugural address. Not like a college essay.

Should I abandon this prompt? How am I supposed to insert myself, a 17 year old girl, in a presidential speech? How am I supposed to make it about ME without sounding ridiculous - because really, what compelling inaugural speech would talk about one’s life as a high school student?

UF adcoms, what do you want from me??

2

Well, I would say that’s the purpose of that prompt, to make it sound like a speech. But that doesn’t have to be a bad thing! Personalize it, make it YOU, and maybe even add some humor while still keeping to a profound message. It’s okay to have it a bit prosaic, just remember the underlying message is what matters. I’d love to read your work if you would like an outside perspective :slight_smile:
Good luck!