College Prompts

University of Washington 
The Personal Statement is our best means of getting to know you and your best means of creating a context for your academic performance. When you write your personal statement, tell us about those aspects of your life that are not apparent from your academic record. Tell us about the experiences that don’t show up on your transcript:

• a character-defining moment,

• the cultural awareness you’ve developed,

• a challenge faced,

• a personal hardship or barrier overcome.

University of Michigan 

Essay #1 (Required for all applicants. Approximately 250 words.)
Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it.
University of Southern California 

Describe the world you come from — for example, your family, community or school — and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations.