Writing Common App Essay: A Short Play

Prelude

By this time you already know that Common Application gives you an option to choose from any of the following topics. Over the years, I have asked my students to submit their version of Essays, in spite of the fact that students often feel shy and embarrassed to submit essays which they identify as INFERIOR. However, I take a different perspective. I have seen that the students who submit one BAD essay after ANOTHER grow strong as a Writer. As you all know, in College life the single most important activity will not be Presentation or Search, it will be WRITING. So, even if you feel sorry for your own essay standard, write it down, send it to me and FORGET about it. Here is a short Play I have written an hour ago. 

2 Characters.

1. A young student in late teens. Really looks exhausted from heavy physical work.
2. A middle-aged man in mid-50s, wearing a tattered suit that lost its dignity at least a decade ago.

Setting: A God-forsaken land, strewn with old discarded books, skulls, and skeletons holding books. 

Student:  

How can I develop my writing? It is so pathetically low quality! I was never a good writer in school.

Mamun: 

Well, you have to read. [He runs for life as the student chases the poor pot-bellied man with a dagger.] Please don't hurt me, please, I beech you! [Student stops and gives a snare!]. Thanks! You see, there is a list of 101 books [Link Here] and you are expected to read a couple of them (say 5-10) in full text. Another 30 titles you should read in summarized form and side by side read articles from SERIOUS Magazines. While reading and thinking, ideas will FLOOD your mind.

Secondly, you should send your (so called "Inferior" Essays) writings to me. So that I can suggest improvements. It is very unlikely that you will write a SUPERSTAR Essay in your First week of application. And please don't judge your own writing. You are NOT trained to check what type of Essay is best for Application Purpose. My ROLE is that I will READ your essays, comment on your Essays, and suggest ways to Improve your Essay. And FINALLY, I will help you to SLELCT a GRAND THEME for your essay and train you to express in a most articulate way. 

So, all I want is that you send me Essays. The REST is my Responsibility. 

Student: 

Ok, that sounds fine. But we have so little time to go through process. Shall we be able to finish in time?

Mamun: 

There is NOT a single record when a student was unable to Submit the Final Essay with all the other relevant Documents. So, yes, it is not your responsibility that we finish in time. It is MY responsibility. Your job is to send me ESSAYS. 

Student:

That sounds great! I am sending an inferior quality essay of mine in 20 min. Sorry, it is just 180 words. I can never write long essays. 

Mamun

No worries, just send them. I will take care. 

Student:

Sir, which topic should I work on?

Mamun:

Choose your own topic. The best method is work on a different topic each day. In this way, you will learn your strength. 

Student:

Sir, can I have a sample Essay that got into an IVY League?

Mamun:

Sorry dear, I am being called by someone at the door. I have to rush! Bye!!! 

Curtain Call amidst sound of Thunder and Lightening.

Topics of 2021-2022 Application Session. 

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. 
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?
3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
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?
5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
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?
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.