Here are the new essay prompts for the common application:
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.
A Lesson in War
I march along through the dense humidity of the summer day.
My lawnmower serves as a faithful ally, assuring my victory in the war against
the lawn. However, nature’s defenses refuse to let up. The thick air smothers
me, restraining its movement to prevent the evaporation of my sweat. The blades
of grass stand tall and strong, a final act of rebellion against this weekly
genocide. The sun shines bright and hot in anger over the destruction of
millions of its comrades. Nevertheless, my ally of steel and gasoline
overwhelms nature’s forces, and I soon savor victory’s sweet taste.
With the remnants of nature’s fallen soldiers blown into
the neighbor’s lawn and my lawnmower safely resting in the garage, I make my
way into the kitchen in search of water to quench my thirst. My
commander-in-chief greets me with an encouraging smirk. “Now don’t you feel
better? Like you accomplished something?” my dad questions me.
“I guess, but I don’t see why I have to mow the whole
thing. Why can’t I just mow the tall areas?” I reply, aware of the coming
response.
“Because if it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.”
My eyes roll automatically as I begin to walk to my room. I
hope I can get away before he issues more commands. “Hey, we need to start
mowing twice a week!” he calls to me. My stomach sinks.
For the next several months, the war between the grass and
my willpower intensifies. Nature quickens its turnout of new soldiers, and the
battles become twice-weekly occurrences. My red metal ally grows weary, and
gasoline stores begin to deplete. Nature, sensing a chance to even the field,
increases its resistance. The days grow more humid, the grass grows thicker,
and the sun shines brighter, but I will not admit defeat. I know I can win this
war; I must win this war. Sunscreen and insect repellent join my forces, and
new tennis shoes provide easier lift-off for better efficiency. When it seems
the bloodshed will never cease, my intelligence agent, Vivian Brown of the
Weather Channel, provides a ray of hope. The first cold front of winter comes
tomorrow; the war has ended. Sounds of celebration emanate from my home and the
war-torn regions of the surrounding lawn.
The days following the war grow cold, and memories of the
grueling battles begin to fade. The school year commences, and I soon forget
about the days spent strategizing against nature’s chlorophyll-craving army. My
teachers begin assigning projects, and a new enemy fills my thoughts: group
projects. At the group briefing, I attempt to rally my troops. However, their low
morale leads them to question my judgment. “Why can’t we just do our project
the easy way?” they ask, “We know that we’ll still get a good grade anyway.” I
think for a moment and remember the words of my dad, whose lessons on diligence
and hard work influence my strong work ethic and give me the desire to succeed.
“Because if it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right,” I reply.
