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Elsah, Illinois

Principia College

principiacollege.edu
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  • Overview
  • Cost & scholarships
  • Majors
  • Admission requirements
  • Essay prompts

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Principia College's 2022-23 Essay Prompts

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Additional Info Essay

Not Required
500 Words

Principia College may be able to provide accommodation for students who have had or need specialized support (e.g. academic IEP, limits on physical activity, etc.) if the configurations and staff resources are appropriate and adequate to meet the need.

If you have received academic accommodations, please explain.

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Why This College Short Response

Required
200 Words

Please share with us what you expect to gain from attending Principia College and what you hope to contribute to our college community.

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Faith Short Response

Required
200 Words

Principia’s purpose is to serve the Cause of Christian Science through appropriate channels open to it as an educational institution. Fulfilling this purpose includes participating in a community of practice where all are seeking to grow in their understanding and practice of Christian Science.
Describe an experience that impacted your religious faith or spiritual understanding:

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Christian Science Short Response

Required
200 Words

Tell us about your exposure to Christian Science. This could include people that you know, things you’ve read, services or events you’ve attended (online or in person), or conversations you’ve had...

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Common App Personal Essay

Required
650 words

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.

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