Is It Okay To Respond To Prompt 7 On The Common App?
The Common App, that dreaded beast of college applications, is a beast indeed. It’s a gauntlet of essays, forms, and questions that make you question your very existence (and sanity). But amidst the chaos, there’s one option that seems like a beacon of hope: Prompt 7, the “choose your own adventure” prompt.
It’s the one that promises freedom, allowing you to write about anything your little heart desires. But before you dive headfirst into this seemingly blissful freedom, let’s take a deeper look at whether Prompt 7 is the golden ticket or a potential pitfall.
The Allure Of Prompt 7
Prompt 7 is a siren call to students everywhere. It whispers promises of individuality, creativity, and a break from the confines of the other prompts. You can finally write about that time you trained your pet hamster to do backflips (seriously, that would be a hilarious essay). Or delve into the philosophical complexities of why your favorite pair of socks is missing a mate. The possibilities are endless!
But Hold Your Horses, Young Padawan
While Prompt 7 allows you to explore your own unique narrative, it’s a double-edged sword. The lack of structure can be liberating, but it can also be a recipe for disaster if you’re not careful. Think of it like this: Prompt 7 is like a blank canvas. You have the freedom to paint a masterpiece, but you also have the potential to create a Jackson Pollock-esque mess.
The Key To Success: Differentiation And Purpose
The truth is, Prompt 7 isn’t inherently good or bad. It’s all about how you use it.
Here’s the thing: admissions officers have seen it all. They’ve read essays about overcoming adversity, essays about finding your passion, and essays about that time you accidentally ate a whole pizza in one sitting (trust me, it’s happened). So, if you choose Prompt 7, you need to make sure your essay stands out from the crowd.
How do you do that?
- Choose a topic that genuinely interests you: Don’t just pick something random because it seems “unique.” Write about something that truly resonates with you, something that sparks your passion and makes you want to share your story.
- Have a clear purpose and narrative: Your essay needs to have a point. What are you trying to convey? What insight are you sharing? What do you want admissions officers to take away from your essay?
- Show, don’t tell: Use strong language, vivid descriptions, and personal anecdotes to bring your story to life. Don’t just tell readers about your experience; make them feel it.
- Be authentic and genuine: Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Write in your own voice, be yourself, and let your personality shine through.
The Bottom Line: Prompt 7 can be a great option if you use it wisely. But if you choose to go down this path, make sure you’re prepared to put in the work to make your essay stand out from the sea of other applications.
The Myth Of “Redundant Information”
Now, let’s talk about that “Additional Information” section. The Common App suggests it’s optional, but some students feel compelled to fill it in just to be “thorough.” Let’s be real, the “Additional Information” section is like that awkward friend who always shows up uninvited to your party. It’s not necessarily bad, but it’s often unnecessary.
Think of it this way: If you’ve already addressed something in your essay or other parts of your application, there’s no need to repeat yourself. Admissions officers are busy people, and they don’t want to wade through redundant information.
However, there are exceptions:
- You have a unique situation that you haven’t addressed elsewhere: If you have a gap in your education, a health condition, or any other extenuating circumstances that you want to explain, the “Additional Information” section is a good place to do it.
- You have something truly compelling to share: If you have a passion project, a unique skill, or a significant accomplishment that you want to highlight, this section can be your platform.
The Bottom Line: Don’t feel pressured to fill out the “Additional Information” section if you don’t have something important to say. It’s truly optional, and you’re not obligated to use it.
And Finally, A Word On Essay Length
The Common App essay is 650 words, but don’t think of that as a hard limit. It’s a guideline, not a law. You can write slightly more or slightly less, but stay within the ballpark.
Think of it this way: Admissions officers are reading hundreds of essays, so you want to make sure yours is concise and to the point. But you also want to give yourself enough space to tell your story fully and effectively.
The Bottom Line: Don’t be afraid to use all 650 words if you need them, but don’t feel pressured to cram everything into that limit if you can say what you need to say in fewer words.
In Conclusion: Navigating The Common App Maze
The Common App can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be an overwhelming experience. Remember, the purpose of the application is to showcase who you are and what you bring to the table. Be yourself, be authentic, and let your personality shine through.
If you still have questions or need further guidance, remember that the JobLoving community is here to support you. We’re a collective of students, educators, and advisors who are passionate about helping you navigate the college application process. So, don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help.
Good luck, and remember, you’ve got this!