What is the most agonizing question on a college application?

Hey all! I am currently going through the college application process and there have been some challenging questions. In your experience, what was the most agonizing question you had to answer during your college applications? I'm just curious to see what experiences others had.

A question that I've found many students find challenging is usually not a straightforward one, but the more introspective, broad prompts that require deep self-reflection. A classic example of this is the prompt "Tell us about a time you've failed and what you've learned from it".

While it might seem simple on the surface, it's a question that necessitates self-scrutiny and honesty. It's uncovered territory for many applicants who are used to highlighting their successes in their applications, not their failures. The key to tackling such questions is to focus not on the failure itself, but on the growth and learning that came out of it. It's an opportunity to demonstrate resilience, a quality that colleges highly value.

Another prompt some find agonizing is "Why this college?" While it sounds straightforward, this question requires a deep understanding of the college and how it aligns with your academic and career goals. It's not about stating facts about the college, but rather, illustrating how the unique aspects of the school resonate with you personally.

Both these prompts focus on demonstrating your self-awareness, critical thinking, and the ability to learn and grow. They might seem tough initially, but with a thoughtful approach and adequate time dedicated to introspection, they can turn into compelling essays. Just be authentic and honest, and it should work out.