Common Application: Personal Essay
The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don't feel obligated to do so. (The application won't accept a response shorter than 250 words.)

 

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.

 

Please write an essay (250-650 words) on the topic selected.

 

590-word version
Thousands of years ago, one Neanderthal accidentally pulled down on a round rock while he was climbing a hill. The rock rolled down the hill, and as he watched, he came to a realization. The next day he trimmed a rock and made the very first wheel of humanity...

 

Parsons: Artist Statement
500 - 550 words (1 page single spaced word document)

 

530-word version
Thousands of years ago, one Neanderthal accidentally pulled down on a round rock while he was climbing a hill. The rock rolled down the hill, and as he watched, he came to a realization. The next day he trimmed a rock and made the very first wheel of humanity...

 

RISD: Tell us about why you make your work and how you create it. (400 words or less) Hint: A .pdf file under 500 KB in size will be accepted.

 

398-word version
Before deciding to become a visual artist for life, the word ‘creativity’ always seemed very distant to me. Somehow the word just did not seem to be me...

 

UIUC: Explain your interest in the major you selected. You may describe a related experience you’ve had to that area of study and/or your future career goals. Please limit your response to approximately 300 words.

 

Art Center: Outside Activities and Educational Goals
Please describe in detail any specialized training, employment, or other activities that have given you experience in art, design, film, or photography (where, what, how long).

 

386-word version
Before deciding to become a visual artist, the word ‘creativity’ always seemed very distant to me. Somehow the word just did not seem to be me...