A Selection of College Application Essay Prompts
Common Application Essay Prompts (250-500 words)
1. Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical
dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.
2. Discuss some issue of personal, local, national, or international concern and its
importance to you.
3. Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that
influence.
4. Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music,
science, etc.) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence.
5. A range of academic interests, personal perspectives, and life experiences adds much
to the educational mix. Given your personal background, describe an experience that
illustrates what you would bring to the diversity in a college community, or an encounter
that demonstrated the importance of diversity to you.
6. Topic of your choice.
Rutgers University (maximum of 3,800 characters including spaces):
Rutgers University is a vibrant community of people with a wide variety of backgrounds
and experiences. How would you benefit from and contribute to such an environment?
Consider variables such as your talents, travels, leadership activities, volunteer services,
and cultural experiences. Only personal essays submitted via our website will be
considered. You may enter a maximum of 3800 characters including spaces.
Montclair State University:
For regular admission:
A personal statement explaining your reasons for seeking admission to Montclair State
University, including what you believe are your academic strengths and interests. Be
certain to explain any situations that may have had an impact, either positively or
negatively, on your academic record.
For early action freshman admission:
A portfolio question written on one of the following topics:
1. You are writing your autobiography. Send us page 42.
2. If you could travel back in time, which historical figure would you travel to see?
What would you talk about?
3. Develop the perfect college essay question... then answer it.
4.
Make a video in which you express why you want to become a Red Hawk. Post
the video on Youtube and send us the link! (Note: this option does NOT fulfill
your SPFHS summer assignment.)
Ramapo College of New Jersey:
Please choose from one of the two essay questions below. In about 250 words on a
separate piece of paper, please answer the question as thoroughly and detailed as
possible.
1) One of Ramapo's goals is to increase your capacity for learning and to teach you
to think "outside the box." Describe an experience that has had a significant
impact on your intellectual development.
2)
There are many ways to define words like diversity and multi-cultural. However,
what defines our culture as much as anything is the food we eat. Please explain
how food plays an important part in your family’s culture. Provide examples as to
how food defines you, your family, and your ethnicity. Be as specific as possible.
Kean University:
Please express your educational and professional career objectives.