Video:Tips for Short Answers on College Applications
with Emily SimmonsShort answers on college applications can be tricky, since there is not much space for you to explain yourself. Here are some tips on filling out the short answers on college applications.See Transcript
Transcript:Tips for Short Answers on College Applications
Hi I'm Emily Simmons for About.com and I'm going to give you a couple of tips for the short answer section.
What Are Short Answers on College Applications?
The short answer section of the Common Application is about your favorite extracurricular activity, so while other parts of the application just provides that long list of your activities and we may have your resume, this is our opportunity to learn about one of those activities and what is your favorite.
Use Specific Examples for Short Answers on College Applications
A few basic tips is to make sure that you're answering the question. So if you make sure that you're doing that and you provide specific examples you're on the right track. We love to hear about examples, so if you're going to say I love the sense of team pride with my extracurricular activity, you're going ot want to bring that back in with an example such as a game or event that made you feel that pride.
Don't Rush With Short Answers on College Applications
The first thing you want to avoid is not answering the question. The second thing is using spell checker. Also make sure you put time into your short answer even if its short you want to make sure you're not rushing through. A few sample questions, well on the common application they ask your favorite extracurricular activity but on the supplemental section for Emory there is a section asking Why Emory? so there might be a section on your application asking why that particular school.
Some Fun Questions for Short Answers on College Applications
This is our chance to see that you're interested and that you've done your research. Another fun question present on the application is what is your favorite roller coaster ride this is a more fun question that helps us get to know your personality. So usually they can be related to outside interests or school but its usually focusing on one area in that short answer alone.
So those are a few hints and tips for your application. Thanks for watching.