Need Help with UChicago Essay

I'm absolutely stumped on the UChicago supplemental essay. They are known for their creative and thought-provoking prompts. Does anyone have any tips on where to start or how to approach their essays?

Yes, UChicago is indeed well-known for their unique, out-of-the-box prompts, and it's completely natural to be initially stumped. The first advice I'd offer is to spend some time with the essay prompts. Read them over and see which one(s) resonate with you. These prompts are designed to allow students to show their creative and intellectual capacities, and to go beyond their academic and extracurricular profile.

When selecting a prompt, go for the one where you feel you can best express something meaningful about yourself. Don’t worry if the subject matter seems a bit strange or offbeat. UChicago is trying to see how you think and what makes you tick. Before you start writing, spend some time brainstorming. Where does your mind go when you think of this prompt? How could you make this essay fun or intriguing?

For instance, if the prompt asks you about your favorite word and why, consider ways you could explore this. Maybe your favorite word is "serendipity" because it encapsulates your love for happy accidents and unexpected adventures. Perhaps you can tell a story about a time when something seemingly unfortunate led to a surprisingly positive outcome.

Then, keep a few things in mind while actually writing the essay. Always tie your response back to you - your experiences, your perspective, your interests. Remember, the aim is to reveal more about your personality and how you see the world.

Also, feel free to take risks. Write something that someone else might not write. The UChicago essays are a place for you to let your creativity shine and express your authentic self in a unique way.

Last but not least, balance creativity with clarity. Make your points in a direct way, even when your topic is abstract or complex.

I hope this helps! Good luck on your essays.