It looks like Haverford has two essay topics:
#1: Tell us about a topic or issue that sparks your curiosity and gets you intellectually excited. How do you hope to engage with this topic or issue at Haverford?
You have a lot of freedom with this one. Do some brainstorming… there are no wrong answers… make a long list without judging or eliminating any ideas. Just write them down. What are some topics or issues that you are about? When you’ve come up with about 20 ideas, highlight the ones that you could pursue in some way during college via coursework, research, clubs, etc. Take some time to look up Haverford’s related classes and student activities. For example, if you care about social justice, which courses would allow you to learn more about the topic? Which on-campus activities, off-campus volunteer opportunities, or other forms of student involvement would allow you to further explore this interest? Ultimately, your goal is to let your ideas – and your voice – shine through. Giving yourself this chance to brainstorm, as well as to gain information about the school’s and area’s unique offerings, will help you to do this.
#2: We have highlighted for you some of the values that shape the Haverford community. What are some of the values you seek in your next community? How do Haverford’s values, as demonstrated through our Honor Code, resonate with you? As you think about how to answer this question, you might draw from how you have been influenced by other communities you have been a part of, experiences you may have had within your communities, or opportunities you have had to shape or even change your communities.)
You’re probably already familiar with Haverford’s Honor Code, but if not, now’s the time; learn about it. This is a values essay. What are your values and where do they come from? And what, in particular, do you appreciate about Haverford’s values=? These questions will help you to focus in on writing things from a personal perspective that will help them to get to know you.
There’s also the Common App essay, of course, but these supplemental essays sound very important to the institution, so starting there is wise. Do NOT delay. Get your brainstorm list going for #1; start thinking about the broader issues for #2. Once you’ve done that, for one or other other or both, GET DRAFTS ON PAPER ASAP, even if they’re lousy. You’re wise to be asking now. A month is a long time, but also passes very quickly.
Set mini goals for yourself, and approach a teacher or friend or parent or someone in order to find someone who will agree to read and critique your drafts. Let the recruitment process take some of the pressure off, but don’t use it as an excuse to delay or do anything less than your best. You’ve got this. Start now.