In approximately 500 words, answer one of the following questions. (Note that we seek developed essays, not short, single paragraph answers.)
500 words
If you could stop one invention from being invented, what would it be and why?
Write about a moment that illustrated your shift from child to adult in your family or community.
What book, artwork, film, or music has changed the way you think about the world? How so?
Some students have a background, identity, interest, talent or challenge that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
Think about someone you routinely see but never notice. Reflect on why you think this is. How might this newfound awareness change you?
Choose a controversial rule or law (local, state, federal) and explain your position on it.
Some say social media is superficial with no room for expressing deep or complex ideas. We challenge you to defy these skeptics by describing yourself as fully and accurately as possible in the 280-character limit of a tweet. Use the rest of your word count to reflect upon this challenge.
All short essays are mandatory.
300 words
Tell us your favorite:a. Bookb. Moviec. Academic Subjectd. Saying/Expression
Please tell us how you have spent the last two summers, including any jobs you have held.
List, by Author and Title, books you enjoyed most in the past year, indicating with an asterisk (*) the readings that were not required for class.
List activities/clubs/organizations in which you’ve participated, noting any leadership roles.
Identify the most meaningful school or community activity in which you’ve participated. How did your participation impact others in your school or community?
List service/volunteer experiences.
What, specifically, motivated you to apply to the Cook Honors College and what do you hope to learn in an honors environment?
Describe how your high school transcript or test scores are, or are not, an accurate reflection of your potential for intellectual growth.
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.
650 words
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.
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?
Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma - anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
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?
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.