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By Allison Henderson, apluscollegeconsultants.com
August 15, 2013 (San Diego's East County) -- The 2013-2014 school year hasn't started yet so why not get a jump on the college application process? CA4, the new Common Application, now accepted by over 500 colleges and universities, opened up on August 1st. Yes, it crashed within a few hours of opening up. And, yes, there is criticism about the “improved” application because they eliminated the popular "topic of your choice" and increased the permissible word count. CA4 offers five prompts rather than six, but now allows for 650 words instead of 500 on the essay. In fact, it automatically counts the essay, and won't allow essays that are too short (less than 250 words) or too long (more than 650 words). According to the Common App Facebook page, the system is still slightly buggy but the new essay prompts were released in advance of the official launch of CA4, so there are no excuses, seniors! 140,000 students have already created their applicant accounts. Dust off those keyboards and start clicking away.
Here are the five new essay prompts:
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.
2) Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn?
3) Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?
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?
5) Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.
Tips for the Essays:
Be Clear. Be Concise. Show, don't tell your story. Check your grammar, spelling and punctuation...three times! Above all, let your voice be heard. Not your best friend's. Not your Mom's. College admissions officers read thousands of essays. They know the difference between a polished vs. a professionally “edited” essay. Be yourself and have fun.
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