Types of Essays & Sample Questions
What Your Child Writes About is Revealing
Generally, there are three types of questions: The "you," the "why us," and the "creative." Here are tips and actual sample questions for each type. Your child shouldn't assume that the questions are currently being used by a college (most colleges adjust questions annually).
The "You" Question
Many colleges ask for an essay that boils down to, "Tell us about yourself." The school just wants to know your child better and see how he will introduce himself. For example:
- "Please complete a one-page personal statement and submit it with your application." (James Madison University)
- "How would you describe yourself as a human being? What quality do you like best in yourself and what do you like least? What quality would you most like to see flourish and which would you like to see wither?" (Bates College)
Your Child's Approach
This direct question offers your child a chance to reveal his personality, insight, and commitment. The danger is that it's open-ended, so your child needs to focus. Your child should find just one or two things that will reveal his best qualities, and avoid the urge to spill everything.
The "Why Us" Question
Some schools ask for an essay about your child's choice of a school or career. They're looking for information about your child's goals, and about how serious her commitment is to this particular school. For example:
- "Why is UVM a good college choice for you?" (University of Vermont)
- "Please tell us about your career goals and any plans you may have for graduate study." (Westfield State College)
Your Child's Approach
The focus is provided: Why did your child choose this school or path? This should be pretty clear to your child, since she probably went through some kind of selection process. Your child should make sure she knows her subject well. For example, if your child says that she wants to attend Carleton College to major in agriculture, the school will be able to tell how carefully she has chosen (Carleton doesn't have an agriculture major).
The "Creative" Question
Some colleges evaluate your child through his choice of some tangential item: A national issue, a famous person, what your child would put in a time capsule, a photograph. Here the school is looking at your child's creativity and the breadth of his knowledge and education. For example:
- "Do you believe there's a generation gap? Describe the differences between your generation and others." (Denison University)
- "Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence." (Common Application)
Your Child's Approach
Again, your child has something to react to, a way to show himself and write about his real views. Your child should not forget the importance of writing an informed essay. For example, he shouldn't write about a fantasy lunch with a famous writer and get the titles of the writer's novels wrong. Also, when thinking about how creative to get, your child should use common sense. Being creative to the point of wacky is a risk your child may not want to take.
This article is based on information found in The College Application Essay, by Sarah Myers McGinty.
