DEFINITION:
Most colleges have essays as a part of their respective application forms; a few don’t. As students fill
out their applications they are likely to find one or more of the following: 1) very short answer questions ranging from a few words to one-to-four lines; 2) short answer essays asking for up to 250 words or 1/4 - 1/3 single-spaced page; 3) long answer essays that require between 250 and 500 words, or 1, 2 or 3 pages; 4) previously written class papers with teacher comments.

SAMPLE ESSAY QUESTIONS
Here are some examples of essays questions from a variety of schools. Because they change on a regular basis, for the most up-to-date questions, go to individual college website.

Very Short Essays

• What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed?
(300 characters, Stanford University, CA)

• How did you learn about SMU?
(250 characters, Southern Methodist University, TX)

• Please mention any international experiences, special study programs or significant service projects in which you have participated.
(200 characters, Earlham College, IN)

• Nothing bores me more than...
(100 characters, Wake Forest University, NC)

• What do you consider to be the most significant factor in your decision to apply to MSU?
(4 lines, Montana State University, MT)

adMISSION POSSIBLE® TIP! The purpose of a college essay is for college admissions people to find out more about who you are as a student and a person.