Appreciate the range of essay prompts he or she may encounter in the college application process and understand how to handle the more unconventional ones.
- [Narrator] Most college application essays…fit a fairly standard mold,…challenges, formative experiences,…obstacles overcome, or justifications of interest.…But what if you're asked to write in response to one…that is completely outside the normal range?…The University of Chicago has a reputation…for its unconventional essay prompts.…As they explain on their website,…students can approach these prompts with utter seriousness,…complete fancy, or something in between.…
The Chicago Admissions Office actually gets…some of its prompts from current…and newly admitted students.…They choose at least one or two out of the hundreds…of responses they receive.…Take this one for example, inspired by Raphael Hallerman…from the class of 2020.…"Alice falls down the rabbit hole.…"Milo drives through the tollbooth.…"Dorothy is swept up in the tornado.…"Neo takes the red pill.…"Don't tell us about another world you've imagined,…"heard about, or created.…
"Rather, tell us about its portal."…This trend of unconventional prompts…seems to be catching on.…
Author
Leigh Ann Chow
Updated
4/14/2017Released
10/1/2015- Understanding the essay purpose and audience
- Reviewing common and unusual essay prompts
- Starting with a strong opening statement
- Showing, not telling
- Adhering to word limits
- Organizing the essay
- Varying sentence structure
- Revising the essay
- Communicating sincerity and enthusiasm
Skill Level Beginner
Duration
Views
Q: This course was updated on 04/14/2017. What changed?Â
A: A video was updated to include information about the Coalition Application. Â
Q: This course was updated on 04/14/2017. What changed?Â
A: A video was updated to include information about the Coalition Application. Â
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Introduction
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Welcome1m
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1. Exploring the College Application Essay
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2. Examining the Types of Essay Prompts
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School-specific supplements8m 32s
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The personal statement6m 7s
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3. Maximizing Your Chances of Success
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Starting out strong3m 42s
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Showing not telling3m 8s
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Providing specific details2m 54s
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Adhering to word limits2m 41s
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4. Writing the Essay
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Choosing appropriate words4m 16s
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Varying sentence structure5m 24s
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Revising4m
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Editing and trimming2m 38s
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Polishing and publishing4m 13s
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5. Distinguishing Yourself in Your Essay
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Demonstrating introspection2m 45s
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Conveying voice5m 3s
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Conclusion
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Next steps5m 41s
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Video: Unusual essay prompts or supplements