I'm in the process of applying to UVa. The application requires three essays. One they give you, the second they give you a few choices, and the third they limit you to 500 words on your choice. What is the university looking for here? Creativity? Intelligence? Something that expresses who I am? I'm having trouble figuring out how to go about anwering this one. :(
2006-12-01 12:37:50 · 2 answers · asked by cld22 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
Think of it like this... you've just applied in person with the rest of the application on the table in front of the committee... You've just told them everything in the essays you've already written to their prompts. For this free choice question, pretend the committee has shaken your hand and you're about to leave the room when someone asks, "What else would you like us to know about you?"
This is your chance to tell them about something that's not evident on the application. Not academics, (they already have your transcript) Not activities (It should already be on your application) Not your major, career goal, etc.
What else makes you unique, interesting, someone who can contribute to the vitality of their campus? What drives your passions? Are you a quilter, a dog fancier, a sky diver, an admirer of flowers? Pick something they don't aleady know from your application and give that something depth and clarity.
Be careful with humor, never use sarcasm. Don't be cute. Just say what you need to say and don't ramble on just to get to the 500th word.
Good luck!
2006-12-01 13:23:13 · answer #1 · answered by College Advisor 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Create. Think. Organize. Express. React to stress. Forced choices, Oh, My! Who am I? What am I doing here?
They want it all, they want it now, and they want it concise. A Rorschach.
2006-12-01 12:58:08 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋