Help with Unique Questions for College Applications?

Hey guys, I've been coming across some really out-of-the-box questions on various college apps. I'm looking for advice on how to approach such unique questions. What's a good strategy?

Glad you asked. Unique questions on college applications are opportunities to showcase aspects of your character, experiences, and perspectives that perhaps other sections of your application don't allow you to. The key to these questions is to avoid feeling intimidated by them and instead use them as a platform to express your authentic self.

First, give the question some thought. This is not the place to pen down the first thought that comes to mind. Instead, spend time mulling over different angles and perspectives related to the question. Look beyond the literal meaning of the question and try to understand what the college is trying to learn about you through this question.

Once you have an understanding of the question, try brainstorming. Write down everything that comes to your mind initially, even if it doesn't seem relevant at first. You might surprises yourself with the connections that can be drawn.

After brainstorming, look for a story that fits in context but also stays true to who you are. This can be from your own past experiences or something that greatly inspired you. The story should be relevant to the question and ideally, it should highlight your personal or academic growth, character traits, or unique experiences.

Lastly, remember to maintain a clear, organized structure in your response. Even the most thought-provoking responses can lose their effect if they're not well-organized or clear. To keep the reader engaged, make sure your essay has a clear beginning, middle, and end.

Keep these steps in mind and remember, the primary goal is to give colleges a glimpse into who you are as an individual, not just as a student. So be genuine and let your personality shine through your responses!