<p>For Topic 6, do you have to write down a (self-created) prompt to respond to? Or do you just write your essay?</p>
<p>46 views & 0 responses? 
I just need to know- do I have to make up a prompt and write it down, or just put the essay down?</p>
<p>I would definitely place the prompt at the beginning of the essay. But remember, no matter what the “topic” is listed as, the actual topic of the essay is YOU. The prompt just gives a backdrop for how to present yourself.</p>
<p>Remember that the essay is not a place to brag, complain, or explain. It is an exercise in “Show, Don’t Tell” by presenting a narrative in which the reader can discover something about you.</p>
<p>The best essays portray a story arc in which you undergo a transition to become a stronger you. Think in movie terms. How does a movie start? How does it end? What happens in-between. Do that with you as the main character… and in 500 words.</p>
<p>To make a personal, powerful essay, it needs to come from personal, powerful memories.</p>
<p>If you search for some of my earlier posts (sorry, you may have to sort through a lot), you’ll find lots of sample essays that fit everything I’ve said above. You can also see a sample essay here: [Concise</a> Advice: Sample Essay](<a href=“http://www.jumpstartessays.com/essay]Concise”>http://www.jumpstartessays.com/essay)</p>
<p>—Robert Cronk, author of [Concise</a> Advice: Jump-Starting Your College Applications Essays](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/dp/0974386723]Concise”>http://www.amazon.com/dp/0974386723)</p>
<p>I agree with digmedia in terms of everything except for the answer to your main question–I don’t believe you need to write your prompt. I think you just fill in the bubble that says “Choose your own prompt” and paste in your essay.</p>