Common Application:

Here are the new essay prompts for 2013-14:

  • 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.
  • Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn?
  • Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?
  • Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there, and why is it meaningful to you?
  • Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.

The Common App will still be a stickler for essay lengths; the maximum has increased to 650 words. (The previous limit was 500 words.) The Web-only application will not accept essays with fewer than 250 words. (as reported in the NY Times.)

U of A Personal Statement - For All Freshman Applicants:
A personal statement is our best means of getting to know you and your best means of putting your academic performance and activities in the context of your life. There are no "wrong" answers. When you write your personal statement, tell us about those aspects of your life that are not evident from your academic record. Because personal statements are brief, they usually focus on one aspect of a student’s life. For example, you could focus on a character-defining moment, a cultural awareness, a challenge faced, family background or cultural heritage, individual talents, academic commitment, or extracurricular activities. Tell us what you would like us to know about you in considering you for admission and/or scholarships.

U of A: You indicated you are interested in being considered for admission to The Honors College.

What does commitment mean to you and how do you demonstrate commitment in your life? How can an Honors education help you make an impact in areas that you've shown commitment? (NOTE: Please limit your response to a total of 500 words.)

Some other prompts:

Describe the world you come from — for example, your family, community, or school — and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations.
Tell us about a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution, or experience that is important to you. What about this quality or accomplishment makes you proud, and how does it relate to the person you are?

Describe an idea or experience you have had that was intellectually stimulating, and explain how you expect it to influence your future (maximum 400 words) *

Describe an act of leadership, either successful or failed, from which you have learned an important lesson. (Maximum 400 words)

______College is composed of students from diverse backgrounds with distinctive life experiences. Explain how your cultural traditions (national, ethnic, religious, or other facets of your background) shape your view of the world around you.

Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact.

Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you and describe that influence.

Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure, or creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an influence on you and explain that influence.

Discuss some issue of personal, local, national, or international concern and its importance to you.