Houghton University
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Houghton University’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts
Why This College Short Response
Briefly describe what prompted you to apply to Houghton University?
Select-A-Prompt Short Response
Personal essays should be between 300 and 500 words (roughly a half of a page to a page of typed writing)
Option 1
Describe one of the major goals you have in life and discuss how a Christ-centered, educational experience at Houghton would help you accomplish that goal.
Option 2
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others
Option 3
Please describe your faith perspective and how you see yourself contributing to and benefiting from the Houghton University community.
Option 4
Reflect on a person or experience that had a positive impact on you in an unexpected way. How has this affected or motivated you?
Option 5
The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
Common App Personal Essay
The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.
Option 1
Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
Option 2
The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
Option 3
Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
Option 4
Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
Option 5
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
Option 6
Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
Option 7
Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you‘ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.
