What makes a college application process unusual?

I've heard that some colleges have pretty unusual application processes. What are some examples of these, and how should I prepare for them? Are they actually as different as people say?

Absolutely, some colleges do indeed have unique components in their application processes, but it's essential not to be overly intimidated by these differences. They can often be an opportunity to showcase your creativity and problem-solving abilities more fully. Let's discuss some such examples.

One notable example is the University of Chicago, famous for its out-of-the-box and creative essay prompts. One year, a prompt asked the students to ponder and write about a world without an alphabet or examine "a picture is worth a thousand words" in their own terms. How do you prepare? Embrace the strangeness and think boldly and creatively. These prompts are designed to evaluate your creative and analytical thinking, so see them as unique opportunities to shine.

Another example is in MIT's application process. In addition to the Common Application or Coalition Application essay, MIT asks for five short-answer essays designed to learn more about you beyond academics. The prompts range from asking why you want to attend MIT specifically, to asking about your experiences that demonstrate your capacity for cooperation and collaboration.

I'll also mention Stanford University here – they have a segment in their application called "Stanford Short Questions". These are an array of questions ranging from "What five words best describe you?" to "What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed?". An applicant's response to each question is limited to 50 words, challenging them to express themselves concisely.

As far as preparation goes, start by thoroughly researching the university and understanding what they value in their students. Then, spend time thinking about how best to express your own experiences, values, and aspirations in terms of these institutional values. Rather than viewing these unique aspects of the application as a hurdle to overcome, try to see them as an opportunity to express your authentic self and stand out from the crowd.

Ultimately, even though these are unique aspects of the application processes, they're still designed to assess similar qualities: your academic intensity, spirit of discovery, community involvement, and potential for success. So even while the methods of evaluation vary, the core elements being evaluated remain fairly consistent across most colleges. Welcome the challenge, and let the 'you' in you shine through!