Name ________________________

ELA 4
Ms. Morris
College Essay

Directions: The essay topics below have been used by major colleges and universities
within the past to assist them in determining which applicants to admit. In many cases I
have indicated the college source, but you should be aware that many of these topics are
used by more than one college. Select one of the topics (or use the prompt from college
of your choice) for a one to two page (approximately 350-750 words) essay.

1. St. Joseph University

A. Consider a problem facing society today and reflect on its importance to you.
B. As a Jesuit institution, Saint Joseph’s encourages its students to always strive
for the “magis”—the greater. How have you strived to go above and beyond what
was expected of you over the last four years: academically, in extracurricular
activities, and/or personally?
C. What is an achievement that you are most proud of and why?
2. Temple
A. Imagine you have graduated from Temple University. You are preparing to
attend your 10-year reunion, and the alumni office has asked you to write a one-
page essay about your personal and professional accomplishments since
graduation. What would yours say?

3. La Salle
A. How La Salle’s urban Philadelphia location will enhance your college
experience.
B. An experience where you have exhibited one of the following Lasallian
values:
1) A deep respect for each individual
2) In which your intellectual and spiritual development have gone hand
and hand
) A passion for learning
C) Any special or extenuating circumstances you wish to discuss.

4. University of Pennsylvania
A. What is the best advice you ever received? Why? And did you follow it?
B. You've just written a 300-page autobiography. Send us page 217.

5. Villanova
A. One of the core values of Villanova, as an Augustinian university founded on
the teachings of St. Augustine, is that student and faculty learn from each other.
As you imagine yourself as a member of the Villanova community, what is one
lesson that you have learned in your life that you will want to share with others?
 B. Emblazoned on our University Seal is a flaming heart which symbolizes St.
Augustine’s passionate search to know God and love others. What sets your heart
on fire?

6. Optional Topic: Select any other college entrance essay topic from a
current college application. Submit a copy of the application with the essay.

Assessment: Major/100 points

Due:_____________________

Evaluation:
The writers of these well-constructed essays completely answer the question using evidence and explaining the
relevance of the evidence. With a convincing thesis, the write demonstrates a clear understanding of the task and the
93-100 6 piece. Although not without flaws, these essays reflect the writer’s ability to control a wide range of the elements of
effective writing to provide a keen analysis of the literary text.

Developing a sound thesis, these writers answer all parts of the question. These essays may not be entirely responsive
to the underlying meanings, but they provide specific examples and meaningful evidence. The analysis is less
88-92 5 persuasive and somewhat less sophisticated than higher essays. They seem less insightful, or discussion is more
limited. Nonetheless, they confirm the writer’s ability to read literary texts with comprehension and to write with
organization and control.

These essays construct a reasonable thesis. They discuss the work without serious errors but the analysis is often
superficial. The writer may be vague and demonstrate insufficient development. Typically, these essays reveal
83-87 4 simplistic thinking. May include misinterpretations of particular references or illustrations which distract from the
overall effect. The writer also exhibits some lack of control over the elements of composition.

These essays attempt to discuss the part of the question. The discussion, however, is undeveloped or inaccurate. These
writers may misread the passage in an essential way or rely on paraphrase. Illustrations and examples tend to be
75-82 3 misconstrued, inexact, or omitted altogether. The writing may be sufficient to convey ideas, but typically
characterized by weak diction, syntax, grammar, or organization. Essays scored a 3 are even less able, may not refer
to technique at all, and will exhibit even more misinterpretation, inadequate development, or serious omissions.

These essays fail to respond adequately to the question.  They may demonstrate confused thinking and/or weaknesses 
in grammar or other basic elements of composition.  Mechanical errors may be distracting.  They are often 
2 unacceptably brief.  Although the writer may have made some attempt to answer the question, the views presented 
68-74 have little clarity or coherence, and significant problems with reading comprehension are evident.  Essays that are 
scored 1 are especially inexact or mechanically unsound, and do less to address the topic.

Essays that make no more than a reference to the task, those that are off-topic, and for a * blank sheet. (* timed
60-67 1 writing)
5. Select a creative work -- a novel, a film, a poem, a musical piece, a painting or other
work of art -- that has influenced the way you view the world and the way you view
yourself. Discuss the work and its effect on you. (New York University)

6. What do you think has been the most important social or political movement of the
twentieth century? Do you share a personal identification with this cause? (Trinity
College, CT)

7. It has been said [by Andy Warhol] that "in the future everyone will be famous for
fifteen minutes." Describe your fifteen minutes. (New York University)

8. What single adjective do you think would be most frequently used to describe you by
those who know you best? Briefly explain. (Stanford)

9. Describe an intellectual experience of the past two years that has given you great
satisfaction. (Amherst)

10. If you were to describe yourself by a quotation, what would the quote be? Explain
your answer. (Dartmouth)

11. Tell us about the neighborhood that you grew up in and how it helped shape you into
the kind of person you are today. (Yale and the University of Chicago)
12. (University of Pennsylvania)

13. If you could be a "fly on the wall" to observe any situation -- historical, personal, or
otherwise -- describe what you would choose to observe and why. What would you hope
to learn and how would it benefit you? (University of Pittsburgh/94)

14. If we could only admit one more student to the University of Pittsburgh, why should
it be you? (University of Pittsburgh/94)

15. Tell us about one of the best conversations you've had. (Stanford)

16. Tell us how a particular book, play, film, piece of music, dance performance,
scientific theory or experiment or work of art has influenced you. If you choose a novel,
film or play, assume we know the plot. (Notre Dame/93)

17. Read Annie Dillard's An American Childhood. Choose one of her observations or
ideas and write a creative, reflective or provocative essay. (Notre Dame)

18. Evaluate a significant experience or achievement that has special meaning to

you. (Harvard)

19. Tell one story about yourself that would best provide us, either directly or
indirectly, with an insight into the kind of person you are. For example, the
story can simply relate a personal experience, or a humorous anecdote; it can
tell about an especially significant academic encounter or about an unusual
test of character. The possibilities are unlimited (well, almost so). You
choose. Just relax and write it. (Princeton)

20. Sartre said "Hell is other people," while Streisand sang, "People who need
people are the luckiest people in the world." With whom do you agree?
(Amherst )

21. Describe your most important academic accomplishment or intellectual

experience to date. We don't want to know about test scores or course grades,
rather we want to know about your creativity, your willingness to take
intellectual risks or your affinity for scholarly endeavors. (MIT)