2019-20 Quirky College Application Essay Prompts

Here Are Some of the Most Unusual and Fun College Application Essay and Short Answer Prompts for the Class of 2024 The Common Application is officially open, and many college-bound high school students are hard at work on their college applications. In addition to the main Common App essay, many schools might also require supplements that include some thoughtful – and downright quirky – essay prompts and short answer questions. These fun and funky essay prompts are meant to challenge students and make the college admissions process a little more enjoyable. After all, students love to write about what matters to them. However, because many of these prompts are so out-of-the-box, many students might struggle with how to address these quirky essay prompts. It’s important for students to get creative and seek feedback when they need it. Here are some of our favorite quirky college application essay prompts from the 2019-20 college admissions season: What song should we be listening to while reading your application? (Chapman University) Name three songs from your perfect playlist. (Elon University) The Hawaiian wordmo’olelois often translated as â€Å"story† but it can also refer to history, legend, genealogy, and tradition. Use one of these translations to introduce yourself. (Dartmouth College) If asked to write a 150-word tweet to tell the world who you are, what would you say? (Emory University) We want to understand you better! Tell us about a skill you have (useless or useful) and what it says about you. (Pomona College) A hot dog might be a sandwich, and cereal might be a soup, but is a ______ a ______? (University of Chicago) In keeping with Rice's long-standing tradition (known as "The Box"), please share an image of something that appeals to you. (Rice University) Pick one woman in history or fiction to converse with for an hour and explain your choice. What would you talk about? (Barnard College) Caltech students are often known for their sense of humor and creative pranks. What do you like to do for fun? (California Institute of Technology) List the titles of the films, concerts, shows, exhibits, lectures and other entertainments you enjoyed most in the past year. (Columbia University) Imagine you had an extra hour in the day — how would you spend that time? (Stanford University) Defend an unpopular opinion you hold. (University of Notre Dame) You are required to spend the next year in either the past or the future. To what year would you travel and why? (University of Richmond) These supplemental essay prompts and short answer questions are just as important as your personal statement, so take some time to carefully brainstorm, draft, and edit your responses. Don’t just rush through these because they seem easy! Be thoughtful and try to reveal something new about yourself. Need help with your Common App supplements or personal statement? Contact us today for more information on our college counseling services for high school seniors. From a one-off application review, to support throughout the entire application process,’s team of expert counselors can provide the guidance you need to have the best chance of admission to your top-choice colleges.