Decoding the Common App’s Essay Prompts 

  Written by Tal Aviezer, Associate of ITTC and Writer/Editor

The Common Application Board of Directors recently announced the 2013-2014 college application essay prompts. Remember that all five of the essay options below are designed to offer you, the college applicant, a chance to tell your own unique story. The five prompts offer five different paths, but all are intended to inspire reflection on your part – to “prompt” you to tell a detailed, specific, and thoughtful story that will reveal something to the reader about whom YOU are, beyond what can be communicated by your grades, your test scores, and your high school transcript.

Each prompt presents its own opportunities and pitfalls. Let’s look at each in turn.

 1.    Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

 Choose this prompt if…

…you have a unique story in your past that strongly defines your present. Were you born in a different country? Did you move often throughout your childhood? Were you adopted? Was your life touched by serious illness or an injury? Did you learn English as a second language?

 Watch out for…

…Self-pity, or recounting tragedy for the sake of tragedy. It’s fine to talk about adversity or sadness or challenges you have faced, but it’s vital to discuss how past difficulties resulted in change and growth, and what you learned from them. Alternatively, if you’re sharing a positive story from the past, be sure to stress how the lessons learned can be applied to your present and future life.

 2.    Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn?

  Choose this prompt if…

…You have experienced an instructive failure. And who hasn’t? There’s nothing very unique about not succeeding in every endeavor; what matters is what you took away from a situation where the outcome did not meet your expectations. Did your team lose the championship game? Were you defeated in a debate? Were you defeated in a school election? Miss out on a job or a part in a play? Great! What did you learn from that?

 
Watch out for…

…A lack of perspective. This essay can be a dangerous one for some students. If losing that playoff soccer game was “the worst pain” you’ve “ever felt in your life”, then you’ve had a pretty painless life so far. Similarly, if the lesson you learned from losing was to “make sure” you “never lose at anything ever again”, then you really haven’t learned anything from the experience of defeat and are not prepared to deal with similar situations in the future. It’s important to demonstrate maturity and a sense of perspective here. Some setbacks and failures are inevitable and unavoidable in life; we want to know what you learned from this one in particular that can be applied to future experiences.

 3.    Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?

Choose this prompt if…

…You had a memorable experience when challenging the views of a parent, teacher, sibling, or other authority figure, or if you made an important statement opposing a political, religious, or cultural belief. Note: It’s okay if in the end you decided that you were in the wrong! This prompt is a great opportunity to tell a story about a time you expressed yourself at some risk of punishment, opposition, or embarrassment because you felt it was important to do so.

 Watch out for…

…Being disrespectful. This essay may prompt you to write about a time you strongly disagreed with someone or questioned a belief system that you saw as flawed but which others may highly value. Be sure that in your essay you treat the people with whom you disagree as human beings; demonstrate the ability to view the situation from their perspective, even if ultimately you conclude that that perspective is one that you oppose. The essay reader will appreciate your wisdom, maturity, and ability to examine multiple sides of an important issue on which you took a stand.

4.    Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there and why is it meaningful to you?

Choose this prompt if…

…You have a place or environment that inspires and supports you. Think of active and engaging places – are you an athlete who is happiest on the field, court, track, or in the pool? Are you an actor, at your best on the stage? In the classroom? Study hall? In the garage with your band? On the computer building websites or designing graphics? Shooting video? In a religious space, or a dance studio? On a boat? This prompt is really asking about an environment or an activity that brings out your best self in terms of generosity, or drive to succeed, or team spirit, or creativity, etc.

 Watch out for…

…Writing too passively. With a 650 word limit, there is a danger here of spending a little too much time following the letter but not the spirit of this prompt by doing things like describing the physical space you’ve chosen for this essay. A line or two is plenty for that; what’s most interesting is what you do in the space, and how it makes you feel and think.

 5.    Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.

 Choose this prompt if…

…You experienced an important milestone on the road to adulthood. This could take many forms – did you transition from camper to counselor? Get your first job? Act as a parent to a younger sibling? Were you called upon due to circumstances to accept adult responsibilities at a young age?

 

Watch out for…

…Transitioning before you transition. The truth is that many college applicants really haven’t fully transitioned from childhood to adulthood, and you can fall into a trap here by prematurely proclaiming yourself to be an adult. Before tackling this question, ask yourself honestly, “Is my childhood over?” If the answer is really “yes”, you probably have a very good essay for this prompt. If the answer is “I don’t know”, “sort of”, or “ask me that again in two years”, then you may want to select a different prompt. 

 

 

I Care About Your College Admission, But Care Much More About Whether You Stay In and Graduate!

 

As I work with students and families throughout the college exploration and decision-making process, it’s important to look beyond the immediate concerns about college admission to consider whether the college chosen is a place where the student will achieve satisfaction and accomplish their goals.

 

With the rising cost of a college education and the trend towards 6 year graduation rates, it’s become apparent that “Exploring Your College Options” before you apply is well worth your valuable time. Statistics quote that 46% of students who enter one college, change colleges within two years contributing to extended college attendance and the increase in the COA (Cost of Attendance) for students.  Of greater concern today, are the number of students who are dropping out of college prior to completion leaving them in serious debt and without the skills, certifications and the benefits that go along with college completion.  “The job market barely distinguishes between people who never went and people who dropped out,” said Kevin Carey of the New America Foundation, a Washington-based research institution. “

 

                                           Taken from http://americandream2-0.com/

What factors contribute to extended graduation and dropout rates in college?

 

1.       One factor in the higher drop-out rates, according to a Harvard study, is the rising cost of a college education. College tuition and fees today are "559 percent of their cost in 1985.”

2.       Research links financial difficulties to attendance length and dropout rates, citing that 41% of students from lower incomes manage to graduate within five years, while 66% of higher income students complete their degree.

3.       Students drop-out because college did not meet their expectations for academic or social reasons or because they had “unrealistic” views of what they could expect from the college experience.

4.       Poor study habits, lack of motivation, or inadequate preparation carry forward from high school.

5.       Lack of direction or focus and changing majors during college prolongs graduation and contributes to drop-out rates.

6.       Students need to work to pay college costs and lose track of their number one priority, College Graduation.

What Steps to Take To Choose The Right College For You?

There really are no hard and fast rules for making sure you’re headed for your “best-fit” college, but I do know that this decision begins with finding out more about who you are and what you want in your future. Although speaking with friends and relatives about their choices will add their perspectives to your knowledge bank; remember that these are “personal” decisions and what may have contributed to their “perfect” experience may not be the same factors that you are looking for in a college.

So given that disclaimer, here are some questions, I think might begin to help you explore your choices. When I’m asked by students, what colleges should be “on my list” my replies are:

1.       What are you looking to get out of the college experience? 

2.       What majors do you need to explore at college?

3.       Do you have an idea about your career direction?”

4.       Have you done any visiting, which size campus feels comfortable to you?

5.       How far away from home have you been, and have you stayed overnight by yourself?

6.       Do you have financial concerns about attending college, and have you spoken with your parents about college costs?

7.       Do the colleges that you’re considering have strong programs in your areas of interest?

8.       How good is the Academic Advisement at the colleges you’re considering?

9.       If a job after graduation is your primary goal, what corporations come to the campus to recruit students for employment?

10.   Have you explored what “campus life” is like at that college and how involved are the students in generating activities and driving decisions?

Lastly, I always emphasize “doing your homework” for the college exploration process and leaving enough time to research by starting early.  Take time to look at the curriculum in a major you’re interested in.  Are the courses presented in their online syllabus exciting to you and are they being presented in a way that’s engaging? Compare course offerings between colleges, look at graduation rates and financial support offered by colleges before you put them on your list.

Once you make the final decision on the “College of Your Choice,” maximize your success by following these simple suggestions:

1. Develop strategies, study skills, and a network of support!
2. Attend class.
3. Arrive on time, pay attention, and participate in class discussions and activities.
4. Talk to the instructor. Ask questions.
5. Complete and check all work. Turn in neat and clear assignments.
6. Monitor your progress. If you begin to fall behind, ask for help.
7. Stay in contact with your academic adviser and your professors.

Opening Doors Through Community Service

As I'm doing presentations for juniors throughout Palm Beach County, Florida we discuss their involvement in extracurriculars and linking those interests to the colleges that they decide to put on their "College List."  The other factor that comes into play, is how does this involvement contribute to a winning application and how to express their involvement so that colleges "read their passions" through their extracurricular and community service involvement.  Here's an article I wrote this month for "The Inside Track" newsletter. 

 

Opening Doors Though Community Service 

As a volunteer, you have the opportunity to make a difference—change lives, support a cause, or improve your community. Volunteerism makes you feel good about yourself, and is its own reward.  However, you will gain skills through your altruistic efforts. You get to develop your leadership style, hone your job-readiness skills, create a network of new friends and connect to businesses, schools, or other community-based organizations. You’ll explore career options, and (don’t forget the all-important) establish a powerful resume.  Your passion for helping others provides colleges with evidence of your strong character, commitment and motivation.  I’ve seen instances where community service involvement has generated “winning” college essays and more than that, students have really learned about their own abilities by doing good things for others. You will always get far more out of these experiences than you give!

This is not the place for the “Rebel without a Cause.”  Pick a cause that’s really reflective of your interests, that demonstrates who you are and then--stick with it.  It’s never too early to get involved, so start in middle or high school to explore your options. Look around your community, your school, your peer group--is there something needed that hasn’t been addressed before?  You can join existing community service groups or venture out on your own to “right a wrong” or help others help themselves.  Be inventive, creative, and resourceful, then-- actualize your dreams.  Thinking about it doesn’t “make it happen.”  What college or university wouldn’t want a student on their campus with those traits?

If you have a career goal, think about getting involved in community service activities that “mesh” with your “brand.”  We’ve talked about developing a marketing brand before as you approach your applications, here’s your chance to demonstrate your interests and gain “real-life” experience in your stated career zone.

Scholarship opportunities are abundant for the student who has demonstrated a commitment to their community service over time. Communities, corporations and individuals have established rewards for the student who stands out.  Inside Track To College puts together a monthly scholarship list of over 30 pages.  Many of those scholarships include Community Service as a component.  These scholarships are targeted to those who have a true passion for service. While many local high school and districts require service as part of the regular curriculum, to qualify for a community service scholarship, you’ll need to go above and beyond basic hour requirements. 

Scholarship committees will want to see proof of service, hear from references, and have an idea that you are committed to continuing service into the future. Typically winners of these awards began early in their high school careers and dedicate hours weekly throughout the year. We’re not talking about a one-time “Race For The Cure”. The kind of volunteerism that wins awards is sustained and genuine.

In addition to specific school-based scholarships, national scholarship opportunities are available, but the competition is tough. Here is a website for national scholarships available to high school students who are deeply involved in community service:  Fastweb.com and I recommend that all of the students that I work with sign up and complete a mini-profile to get scholarships delivered to their email everyday!

 

·        

 

• CA4 The Common Application: New Look, Same Mission, Summer 2013

 

WHAT IS THE COMMON APPLICATION?
The Common Application is a not-for-profit organization that serves students and member institutions by providing an admission application that students may submit to any of 488 colleges and universities.

 IS IT TREATED FAIRLY?
YES!  College and university members have worked together over the past 35 years to develop the application. All members fully support its use and all give equal consideration to the Common Application and the college's own form. Many members use the Common Application as their only undergraduate admission application.

The “new” Common Application will make its debut next summer. It’s the result of an $8-million revamp of the online system that’s designed to handle an ever-increasing volume of applications from around the globe. As of August 1, students, college counselors, and admissions officers will see several changes intended to improve the user experience.  Since many students begin to complete the required essays for the Common over the summer, look for the "brand new" essays prompts to be revealed in March.

 CA4 at a Glance

 The Application

 •Fewer questions per screen

•Students see relevant questions only

•Sidebar help for each question

•At-a-glance progress checks

•Online only

•Single submission for application and payments

•Additional Information: Text only, no uploads

•Address verification and cleaning

•Slide room integration replaces Arts Supplement

 Fee Waivers

 •Use NACAC, ACT, and College Board guidelines

•Students will self-report eligibility

•If eligible, waiver will apply across all colleges

•Counselor confirmation still required

 Essay

 •Length remains the same: 250-500 words

•Word count enforced at both ends of range

•Text-entry, no uploads

•New topics announced every year in March

 

Changes begin on Aug. 1, 2013

 



OCTOBER IS COLLEGE FAIR MONTH

Time to go to the FAIR: College Fair, that is!

You’ve been hearing about College Fairs since 9^th grade and this

year you’re thinking seriously about going, but what can you
really get out of attending a fair? 

10 Great Reasons to Attend a College Fair

1.        It’s your chance to do your own research

You can learn a lot about a college and compare their

            approach to greeting potential applicants by observing
            who is representing them at the Fair and what they’re
            emphasizing in their materials.

2.       Get it all in one place

You can’t possibly afford to visit all of the colleges on

            your potential list; College Fairs give you an opportunity
            to visit large numbers of booths in one location.
 
      3.    Find out what you’ve been missing

Discover a “new” college just around the corner at the

            next booth that may not have been on your list.
 
      4.   Free advice from experts

Develop your own list of questions about their college and approach the representatives at the booths-they’re called admission counselors for a reason.

      5.       You really need to narrow your options

Trust your instincts, if you visit and are not impressed you may very well decide to remove that college from your list.

     6.       They record your visit as “Demonstrated Interest”

Colleges keep track of your interest in them too-stopping by their booth to ask questions and fill out their informational cards will be recorded on their databank.

      7.       Summer programs and other opportunities

Get a “head-start” on what that college may have available as a campus summer experience by asking them at their booth.

      8.       Informational session-more “free” advice

Got special talents like athletic prowess or artistic performance skills?  Many College Fairs will offer Info Sessions on specialized topics.

      9.       Interviewing: It’s a life-long skill!

Prepping your questions for the fair, thinking and responding quickly are all skills you will hone as you speak with the college representatives-skills that will serve you well during your college and job interviews.

      10.   Preplan your campus visit

Maybe now that you’ve gathered some preliminary information on your colleges, you’re excited and ready to plan your college visits.  Narrowing down your choices with accurate and personalized fact gathering will help you make your final college choice with confidence!

The Freshmen College Learning Experience

Many of you will be doing some college visiting this fall and I wanted to say a few words about one of the most important aspects of investigating a college during your trip  --  The Learning Experience for Freshmen.

It's easy to get caught up by the surface appearances when visiting a college, and it is very true that the admission office at every college and university uses expert "marketing strategies" when setting up their college tours. You might be "sold" on every college you visit, so it's important to go into this process with a specific perspective.  

Imagine that you're a freshman about to move into your dorm.  What would provide you with the best chance of success this year and what do you need to be in place to make a successful transition to your college experience?

There are some great strategies used by colleges and universities who have the highest retention rates for Freshman.Find out if the colleges you're visiting help freshmen to adjust and succeed by asking these questions:

  1.  Does this school have a 'freshman experience," a seminar that everyone takes, or an intensive first-year advising program?

 2.  What percent of faculty teach freshmen?

 3.  What percent of classes are taught by teaching assistants?

4.  What is the average size of freshmen classes? or What are your largest freshmen classes?

5.  What percentage of freshmen get the courses they want the most?

6.  Are freshmen required to take a writing course?

7.  Do the RAs (Residence Assistants) run special programs for freshmen to help with dorm and campus adjustment?  Are they available for social concerns?

You've invested alot to get to this point, don't you want to make sure the college you choose is willing to invest in you?

If you're just beginning the College Search and Selection Process, here's a piece that I've written to help guide you along the way.

ESTABLISHING A FOUNDATION FOR THE SEARCH 

Imagine that it is a year or so from now and you are attending the college of your choice.  You are on your way back to the dorm from a late-night talk with a friend.  You keep replaying your friend’s words:  “I hate it here.  I can’t imagine why I decided to come here in the first place.  I never really looked into it.  Everyone told me it was a good place for me.  Lots of kids from my high school applied here.  They all knew the name.  The first time I saw the place was when I pulled my suitcase out of the car to move in.  What was I thinking?”

It’s sad that your friend feels like this, but you don’t feel the same way.  You like it here.  Sure, there are times when you miss your friends from high school, your room at home, and a home-cooked meal, but the decision you made about choosing this college feels more right to you every day.  What made the difference? You ask yourself.

 Maybe it was the way I approached looking at colleges in the first place and the questions I asked myself.  I remember my sophomore year English Teacher saying, “The reason I am so intent on the amount of reading I ask you to do for this class is to prepare you for the expectations that college will place on you.  You’re all heading in that direction, and we have a responsibility to give you the kind of foundation you’ll need to succeed.”  I began to think:  Am I headed in that direction?

It was obvious to my English teacher that I was going to college, it seemed obvious to most of the kids in the class with me, and, of course, it was obvious to my parents.  But was that what I wanted to do with my life? I spent time figuring this one out.  I looked at alternatives, went to guidance with a couple of friends, and did an interest inventory and a career search.

The decision was coming down to me—no one else could make it for me.  I asked myself some hard questions.  What did I want to achieve with a college diploma?  Would I go to college to broaden my knowledge or to get specific training?  Was I smart enough to handle college? How hard did I want to work? What did I do well?  What were my strengths?  And my weaknesses?  How did I feel about learning?  Were there things I really liked learning about?  What mattered to me?  What were my values? What kind of place would reflect my values? Could I be self-directed enough to accomplish four years of college?  Would I be ready to go to college right after high school?  Was I thinking about college for the financial rewards or to gain a profession?  The self-evaluation wasn’t easy.  I envied those kids around me who seemed to know from birth what they wanted to do.

Sometime during that self-exploration, I decided that yes, college really was my choice, too.  Once I had made the decision, it felt right.

1.  Academics come first           4.  Form a Team: Parents, Counselor, Teachers 

2.  Watch your deadlines           5.  Use Your Resources:  Guidance, Career Center

3.  Stay organized                       6.  Narrow your college choices to:  25 and final to 6-8