kiddie

Common Application Is Removing a Surprising Essay Topic - NYTimes.com

I think these common app changes are horrible - they are removing the topic of your choice essay option and also the ability to upload a resume.

arwarw

I've heard there will be a preview of the new app in March. Anyone else hear this?

cc123sb

It's a good thing they're not allowing students to upload resumes. Whenever you make something "optional" on an application, the vast majority of students will do it anyway (e.g. an optional essay question). They should simply allow longer descriptions (and/or bullet points) for each activity.

Even though I didn't use the "topic of your choice" for my CA, they definitely should've kept it. Eliminating this topic is going to change adcoms from judging writing style/personality to how well the student answers the prompt. Definitely a step in the wrong direction.

upsilon

This idea of being forced to choose between five topics not only dehumanizes the process to merely GPAs and extracurricular activities, but also stifles students' creativity. As a '14 student, I feel seriously let down and hope colleges boycott or attempt to change this.

Crimsonstained7

Thank goodness. The topics now are boring, I'd like them to change them up, and get rid of topic of your choice (Really, how often are topics of the students choice good?).

If a student can't write a good response to one of the topics and show their personality and voice, then they can't write very well. I just had a master class with some really cool jazz musicians from NYC. They said, and I paraphrase, "Jamming is cool and all, but your creativity flows from when you give yourself restraints." Basically, creativity is being able to make art from parameters.

CinMom

Thanks for posting. I had no idea that changes were coming. My Class of 2012 son used both the topic of choice essay and the resume upload. Good to know now for my 2014 child.