Friday, August 9, 2013

College Admissions Essay Questions

A well-written essay will make you stand out.








When applying to colleges, you might be asked to complete an essay as part of the admissions process. This essay might require you to answer a specific question on a relatively broad subject. The essay questions are designed to test your writing and critical-thinking skills. The essay is also a means of showing who you are as a person. If it is well written, the essay will make you stand out.








Accomplishments


One of the most popular questions for admissions essays is to have you describe a particular achievement or experience that has had an impact on who you are today. This type of question is known as an accomplishment question. It is designed to show the admissions committee what you value and what you are capable of. These essays often have two parts, and you should show your pride in yourself. Don't be too modest---this is your time to shine.


Important Issues


Another common essay question asks you to describe an issue or personal, local or national concern and describe its importance to you. This type of question also is designed to find out what you value. Be passionate, but don't be one-sided. Avoid making generalizations about issues that are out of your scope of knowledge.


Influential Person


Some educational institutions will ask you to describe a person (fictional, historical, or real) who has had a direct influence on your life. This type of question allows the admissions committee to learn about you based on who has shaped you. They don't want a long-winded explanation of the person---they want to know how the person affected you. Make sure you make strong connections in your essay to the influence this special person has had on you.


The Future


Academic institutions want to know about your plans for the future, and a common essay question often concerns the future. The institution wants to know why you are pursuing a particular path in life and how a degree is necessary to achieve your goals. To answer this type of question, research the school you are applying to. By tying in the particular institution in with your plans and goals, you can explain why that school in particular will help you achieve your goals. Be honest. Avoid sounding insincere.

Tags: type question, achieve your, achieve your goals, admissions committee, common essay, common essay question